TWICE’s Jihyo to Leave JYP After 21 Years, Strike Out on Her Own With Emeet House

After 21 years together, a new chapter in music begins at Emeet House

Jihyo, a member of the group “TWICE,” is leaving “JYP Entertainment,” where she spent 21 years, to pursue an independent career. Jihyo has established the new one-person agency “Emeet House” and confirmed that she will continue group activities while building her capabilities as a solo artist.

Jihyo shared the news with fans first, posting a handwritten letter on social media on the 21st. “My journey with JYP, where I’ve been since I was a child, has come to an end after 21 years,” she wrote, announcing the establishment of “Emeet House.” She added, “I want to freely bring out even the potential in myself that I haven’t discovered yet.”

Explaining her decision to go independent, Jihyo said, “Rather than a conclusion to the time behind me, it’s more of a choice about how I want to live the time ahead.” She joined “JYP Entertainment” as a trainee in 2005, at age 8, and endured a decade of training before debuting with “TWICE” in 2015. Her decision therefore carries significance beyond a simple move to another agency.

“As I leave a familiar environment and continue working in a new way, I’ll approach all my choices and activities with even greater care and responsibility,” she said, showing the maturity of a seasoned leader.

Across the music industry, Jihyo’s move to go it alone is being viewed positively. She proved her exceptional vocal and performance skills with her first solo album, “ZONE,” released in August last year, and expectations are high for the expansion of her musical range under the new banner of “Emeet House.” Jihyo will continue her solo career as well as her group activities as a member of “TWICE.”