TWICE in contract renewal discussions, by members including Tzuyu and Jihyo
With TWICE's contract renewal approaching, rumors of individual activities and transfers for members such as Tzuyu, Jihyo, Chaeyoung, and Jeongyeon are emerging. JYP has officially confirmed that contract renewal discussions are underway.
TWICE, Together for 11 Years, Members at a Contract Renewal Crossroads
As the time for TWICE's contract renewal approaches, movements surrounding the members' individual paths have been detected. JYP Entertainment stated that they are currently in discussions with the members of TWICE for contract renewals. Having debuted in 2015 with 'OOH-AHH하게' and successfully passed the 'devilish 7-year mark' by renewing with all members in 2022, they now stand at a contractual crossroads once again.
Specific circumstances for each member are also emerging. The Taiwanese media outlet Liberty Times reported the possibility that Tzuyu's individual activity contract may move to 'WeiHai Entertainment,' a company established by her parents. Tzuyu has been continuing her local activities, appearing under her real name 'Chou Tzu-yu' at the recent Kaohsiung Beer Festival in Taiwan. Her relationship with Chen Zeshan, the former president of Warner Music Greater China, is also drawing attention. Chen Zeshan met with Tzuyu last June and also accompanied her to the recent Kaohsiung event.
The moves of leader Jihyo are also catching eyes. In a recent interview with Forbes US, Jihyo stated, "It feels like I haven't been able to rest much for 11 years," adding, "I want to take a short break until the end of the year. This rest is truly necessary time to perform better in the future." Along with this, rumors are circulating that Jihyo is preparing to establish her own one-person agency and is holding meetings with industry insiders. Including her trainee period before debut, Jihyo is someone who has shared a connection with JYP for nearly 20 years.
Movements from Chaeyoung and Jeongyeon have also been sensed. News has surfaced that Chaeyoung has contacted other agencies for individual activities, and Jeongyeon is known to have had meetings with Barun Entertainment, where her older sister Gong Seung-yeon is signed. Amidst the situation where members' individual contracts may become fragmented, a model where group activities are maintained with JYP while individual activities follow their own paths is being discussed as an option.
Conclusion of World Tour and Members' Recent Status
While discussions regarding their future are ongoing, TWICE's activities have continued. From the 10th to the 12th, the members completed the encore performances of their sixth world tour, 'THIS IS FOR,' at the Seoul KSPO DOME for three days.
On the 14th, Momo released behind-the-scenes photos from the Seoul encore performance via her social media. Wearing a pink leopard print outfit, Momo posted a selfie taken affectionately with Chaeyoung, revealing the bond between the members. Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Mina, and other members also appeared in the photos.
Regarding the contract renewal, JYP Entertainment stated, "We are continuing careful discussions and will provide guidance as soon as the matter is finalized."
Jihyo's Interview Remarks
Jihyo mentioned her future activity plans in an interview with the US media outlet Forbes. Jihyo said, "It feels like I haven't been able to rest much for 11 years" while active with TWICE, adding, "I want to take a short break until the end of the year. This rest is truly necessary time to perform better in the future."
Background of TWICE's Activities
TWICE debuted in 2015 with 'OOH-AHH하게.' In 2022, during their 7th year of activity, all nine members maintained the team by renewing their contracts with JYP Entertainment. The recent discussions regarding the members' future coincide with the conclusion of their sixth world tour, 'THIS IS FOR.' TWICE completed their encore performances at the Seoul KSPO DOME from the 10th to the 12th.
