TWICE leader Jihyo is reportedly preparing to part ways with JYP Entertainment for her solo career. As per a report published by South Korean media outlet Joynews24, published on July 14, the singer will be continuing her activities with the group.
The report states that the singer has decided not to renew her individual contract with JYP and is expected to establish a one-person agency to oversee her solo promotions. She has reportedly been meeting with various entertainment industry officials as she prepares for the next phase of her career.
Despite the reported change, TWICE's group activities are expected to remain under JYP Entertainment. The arrangement would separate Jihyo's solo management from the group's promotions, allowing her to continue participating in TWICE while independently managing her individual career.
The latest report comes amid growing speculation surrounding the group's members' contract renewals. Besides Jihyo, Tzuyu, Jeongyeon, and Chaeyoung have also recently been linked to potential agency changes, although no official decisions regarding their individual contracts have been announced.
The report of Jihyo leaving the agency quickly spread across social media, prompting mixed reactions from fans. Many expressed surprise at the possibility of TWICE's leader leaving the company after spending nearly a decade under JYP Entertainment.
Some fans questioned what the reported departures could mean for JYP Entertainment's artist lineup. One comment read,
Some fans speculated that Jihyo's reported departure could point to deeper issues within the company. Others said the news was especially surprising given that she had spent over two decades at JYP Entertainment, calling both developments unprecedented for the K-pop industry.
Other fans congratulated Jihyo on the reported new chapter in her career, saying she had dedicated most of her life to JYP Entertainment. Many wished her success with her rumored agency, while others praised the reported arrangement of remaining with the group while pursuing independent solo activities.
In response to reports that Jihyo was preparing to leave JYP Entertainment, the agency addressed the speculation. According to STARNEWS, JYP Entertainment said on July 14 that the group was in the middle of its contract renewal period and that careful discussions were continuing. The company added that it would provide an official update once the negotiations had been finalized.
Jihyo joined JYP Entertainment as a trainee in 2005 before debuting as TWICE's leader and main vocalist in 2015. In addition to her group activities, she made her solo debut in 2023 with her first mini-album, ZONE. All nine TWICE members previously renewed their contracts with JYP in 2022, and their current renewal period had now sparked fresh speculation about the members' future plans.
Meanwhile, Jihyo is not the only member linked to a possible agency change. Recent reports have also claimed that Tzuyu may not renew her individual contract with JYP Entertainment while continuing to participate in TWICE's group promotions under a separate arrangement. The company has also not confirmed the report, maintaining that contract discussions with the members are still underway.
Jeongyeon also became the subject of the departure rumors after reports said she met with Varo Entertainment as she considered expanding her acting career. While the agency acknowledged that a meeting took place, it stated that no decision regarding an exclusive contract has been made.
Meanwhile, Chaeyoung has also reportedly held discussions with outside entertainment companies, further fueling speculation about the group's future individual management. Despite the reports surrounding several members, no official announcements have been made regarding their contract decisions.
Amid the ongoing speculation, TWICE has also teased a global announcement scheduled for July 15 at 12 p.m. KST.
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