Reports have surfaced that she may depart JYP Entertainment and start her own label.
Twice’s Jihyo poses at the launch event for Tom Ford Beauty’s new fragrance at Cove The Jangchung in Jung District, central Seoul, on June 24.
NEWS1
Twice’s Jihyo left a lengthy message to her fans amid speculation that she could leave the group’s agency and launch her own independent label.
“I could just have casual conversations with Once, but it’s still hard for me to talk as if nothing happened because my heart still feels heavy,” she said on Tuesday on Bubble, a fan-artist online communication platform. Once refers to the official fan club name of Twice.
“I was really worried and hesitant before reaching out to Once. I’ll sort everything out as quickly as I can so you won’t have to wait too long to hear from me.”
She also briefly touched on her future plans.
“As the person in charge of my own life, I’ll carefully consider my options and make a wise decision,” she said. “So I hope Once will keep supporting me and believing in me, just like you always have.”
Jihyo also showed strong love toward her group, saying that she “truly loves and cherishes” Twice and adding that she “believes Once will understand” simply knowing how she feels.
“I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to come back here,” Jihyo said. “I’ll come back again when I can chat with you and joke around like we always do.”
She comforted her fans, saying, “Sleep well, eat well, get plenty of rest and let’s stay strong until we get through this. Thank you, as always.”
With Twice’s contract renewal period approaching, Jihyo’s future has drawn keen attention amid speculation that some members may leave the agency.
Reports have surfaced that Jihyo is preparing to launch her own agency instead of renewing her contract with JYP Entertainment, but nothing has been confirmed.
Regarding the members’ future, JYP Entertainment said that it would “provide updates once any decisions have been finalized.”
Jihyo debuted as a member of Twice under JYP Entertainment in 2015. She has been under the agency for 20 years, including her trainee years. The group is known for hit tracks “Cheer Up” (2016), “TT” (2016) and “What is Love?” (2018). She made her solo debut in 2023 with her first solo EP “Zone.”
BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]