TWICE member Tzuyu is reported to leave JYP Entertainment after 11 years, with the agency confirming ongoing contract renewal discussions. The 26-year-old Taiwanese star may continue group activities under a different management structure, a move that could reshape K-pop’s global business model.
On July 14, multiple Korean outlets including StarNews and Soompi reported that Tzuyu has agreed not to renew her exclusive contract with JYP. JYP Entertainment’s official response was brief: “TWICE is currently in the contract renewal discussion period. We will provide updates once matters are finalized.”
The report indicates Tzuyu will still participate in TWICE group activities. This hybrid model mirrors precedents set by Girls’ Generation’s Jessica Jung and EXO’s Lay Zhang, who balanced solo careers with group obligations.
Tzuyu is TWICE’s most followed member on Instagram with over 40 million followers. Her fanbase spans Taiwan, China, and Southeast Asia. A departure from JYP would give her greater creative control and revenue share, potentially via a self-established label or a global agency in the US or Taiwan.
Industry analysts see this as a pivotal moment for JYP’s hold on its top girl group. If confirmed, Tzuyu’s exit could trigger a domino effect among other TWICE members or groups like ITZY, especially as second-generation K-pop idols enter contract renewal cycles.
Global agencies—including SM’s US joint venture and Hybe’s American label—may aggressively court Tzuyu. This accelerates the trend of K-pop idols building solo international careers outside traditional Korean management.
For ONCE, TWICE’s fandom, the emotional impact is significant. Tzuyu has been with the group since debut in 2015. Her potential departure could fragment support or strengthen backing for her solo ventures.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Is Tzuyu really leaving JYP Entertainment?
- A: Multiple Korean outlets report that Tzuyu has agreed not to renew her exclusive contract with JYP, though the agency says contract renewal discussions are ongoing and final details are pending.
- Q: Will Tzuyu still participate in TWICE group activities?
- A: Yes, reports indicate Tzuyu will continue TWICE group activities under a hybrid model, similar to Jessica Jung of Girls’ Generation or Lay Zhang of EXO.
- Q: Why is Tzuyu’s potential departure significant for K-Pop?
- A: As TWICE’s most-followed member with 40M+ Instagram followers, her move could reshape K-pop’s global business model and trigger a domino effect among other TWICE members or groups like ITZY.
Extended Reading
Source reports from StarNews, Soompi, and MK indicate that Tzuyu’s decision—if finalized—would mark one of the highest-profile exits from a major K-pop agency. JYP’s vague statement suggests the agency is managing fan expectations while renegotiating terms with other members.