TWICE is preparing for its second round of contract renewal negotiations with JYP Entertainment. In 2022, all members renewed their contracts together, successfully overcoming K-pop’s so-called “seven-year curse.” Now, attention has shifted to what comes next.
Recent reports from Korean media have fueled speculation that several members may be exploring new options for their individual careers. Jeongyeon has reportedly been in discussions with Varo Entertainment, the agency that represents her older sister, actress Gong Seung Yeon. Meanwhile, Tzuyu is rumored to be considering working with an agency established by her mother in Taiwan. Leader Jihyo has also been linked to reports claiming she may launch her own company after spending more than 20 years with JYP Entertainment, including her trainee years.
So far, however, JYP Entertainment has not confirmed any of the reports. The agency has stated only that contract renewal discussions are still underway and that an official announcement will be made once decisions have been finalized. The situation has inevitably drawn comparisons to the path taken by BLACKPINK.
Following the expiration of their individual contracts with YG Entertainment at the end of 2023, Jennie, Lisa, and Jisoo each established their own companies, while Rosé signed with The Black Label. Despite pursuing solo careers under different management, all four members maintained their group contract with YG Entertainment and have continued promoting together as BLACKPINK.
Over the past decade, TWICE has firmly established itself as one of the most successful girl groups in K-pop history. The group first rose to prominence as South Korea’s “nation’s girl group,” earning multiple Daesang awards, including Song of the Year for their hit “Cheer Up.” Since then, TWICE has expanded into a global powerhouse, selling tens of millions of albums worldwide.
The group has also achieved numerous milestones, becoming the first K-pop girl group to simultaneously top Billboard’s World Albums and World Digital Song Sales charts, the first to complete a Dome Tour in Japan, and the first international act to headline Japan’s National Stadium. Internationally, TWICE has continued to demonstrate its popularity through sold-out stadium concerts across the United States. In July 2026, the group concluded its sixth world tour, THIS IS FOR World Tour, after 81 performances spanning approximately 12 months, making it the largest and longest concert tour ever held by a K-pop girl group.
Can TWICE Succeed With a BLACKPINK-Style Model?
Music critic Lim Hee Yun believes that while TWICE could potentially adopt a management structure similar to BLACKPINK’s, the two groups have built their careers on fundamentally different foundations. According to Lim, BLACKPINK was designed from the beginning to emphasize each member as an independent global brand. Every member has established strong individual recognition through solo music, luxury fashion partnerships, and international influence. That foundation has allowed them to pursue separate careers without significantly weakening the group’s overall appeal.
TWICE, by contrast, has achieved its success largely through its collective identity. Although members such as Nayeon, Jihyo, and Tzuyu have released solo projects, their individual global recognition has yet to reach the same level as BLACKPINK’s members.
Another major difference is the size of the groups. BLACKPINK consists of four members, while TWICE has nine. Coordinating album releases, tours, and promotional schedules across multiple management companies would be considerably more complicated for a larger group, especially one that maintains such an active global schedule.
Lim also noted that it is increasingly common for idols to seek separate management for their solo careers. With the rapid growth of social media, brand endorsements, and personal business opportunities, artists now have more ways to generate income independently. Operating outside a single agency also gives them greater control over their personal brands and long-term careers. However, he emphasized that pursuing individual management does not necessarily signal a group disbandment. “The members themselves understand that TWICE remains their greatest asset,” Lim said. “That awareness could ultimately become the reason they choose to continue together.”
For now, TWICE’s future remains undecided. Although rumors about members exploring new agencies continue to circulate, the group’s next chapter will ultimately depend on the outcome of its ongoing contract negotiations with JYP Entertainment.
Sources: kenh14