A founding member of the world’s biggest girl group leaves JYP Entertainment after 21 years to build her own empire. Inside the high-stakes world of K-pop agency contracts and creative freedom.

For over two decades, Jihyo has been part of the JYP Entertainment family—first as a child trainee, and then as the leader of TWICE, one of the most successful K-pop groups in the world. But on October 21, 2026, she made a decision that signals a new era: she is leaving the agency to launch her own label, Emithaus. She is not leaving TWICE, but she is taking control of her own destiny.

In this episode of CWEB, we break down the facts of this monumental shift. We explore the history of K-pop agency contracts, the often-murky dynamics between stars and their management, and why more and more artists are choosing to bet on themselves. We also look at what this means for TWICE—especially since fellow members Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung have already taken similar paths—and for the future of creative independence in the industry.

Tap play to hear our full analysis of the K-pop independence movement and Jihyo's bold new chapter.

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