TWICE's Jihyo Starts One-Person Label EMITHAUS, Vows to Stay on Stage With TWICE

TWICE's Jihyo is leaving JYP Entertainment and launching a one-person agency of her own, called EMITHAUS.

Koreaboo reports that the singer broke the news herself on her personal Instagram. Soompi reported that she posted a handwritten letter there on Wednesday, October 21.

In the letter, Jihyo framed the exit as the close of a relationship that began in her childhood: "After 21 years, my journey with JYP Entertainment that started when I was just a child has come to an end." She added, "My first step in this new chapter is establishing my own company, EMITHAUS."

She also explained the name: "Just as 'EMIT' means to 'express or release,' I hope this will be a place where I can freely explore and bring to life the possibilities within me that I have yet to discover myself."

Jihyo was direct about where she stands with the group:

"I also want to make it clear that this decision does not mean saying goodbye to the team I've been part of for so long. TWICE is an irreplaceable part of my life." She continued, "I will continue to stand on stage with TWICE and keep building more memories together for many years to come."

She described the move as forward-looking rather than tied to her tenure: "To me, going on my own is not so much a decision based on the time that has passed, but a choice about how I want to live going forward."

The announcement makes Jihyo the third TWICE member to depart JYP Entertainment. Jeongyeon moved to VARO Entertainment to work as an actress, and Chaeyoung is handling her solo work through her LIL FANTASY project.

Jihyo closed with a message to the fandom: "Finally, I want to thank ONCE for believing in me and standing by my side for the past 11 years."