The K-pop world is currently holding its collective breath as TWICE, one of the most iconic girl groups in history, navigates a pivotal crossroad. Following the conclusion of their massive THIS IS FOR world tour, the group has entered a critical contract renewal phase that has sent ripples of anxiety through their global fanbase. While the members have collectively defied the “seven-year curse” in the past, the current climate—marked by rumors of individual agency meetings and independent solo pursuits—suggests we are witnessing the start of a fundamental shift in how the group operates.
At the center of this storm is Nayeon, whose recent social media activity has triggered a wave of speculation. A heartfelt message from her mother, perceived by many as a “farewell” of sorts, has fans reading between the lines and fearing that a departure from JYP Entertainment might be imminent. This alarm is not isolated; it mirrors reports regarding other members. Jeongyeon has been linked to meetings with agencies specializing in acting, such as Varo Entertainment, while rumors have swirled around Tzuyu and Jihyo exploring paths outside the agency that has managed them for over a decade.
The narrative currently being constructed by the industry and the fans is one of “together yet apart.” There is a strong possibility that TWICE will pivot to a model similar to other legacy groups, where individual members sign with specialized agencies to cultivate personal brands—particularly in acting and solo music—while maintaining a collective contract with JYP for group activities. It is a pragmatic, modern solution to the “mega-IP” problem, allowing members to chase their own ambitions without having to sacrifice the group identity that made them legends.
However, the uncertainty is palpable. JYP Entertainment has adopted a cautious, defensive stance, stating that discussions are ongoing and promising updates once matters are finalized. The fact that the group is taking a planned hiatus following their tour adds to the sense of an ending—or at least, a profound transition. For fans who have watched TWICE grow from rookies to global titans, this feels like the end of an era of constant, tightly-knit promotions and the beginning of a more fragmented, individualistic chapter.
The anxiety stems from a simple, hard truth: the K-pop industry is ruthless, and the “group-first” model that defined the 2015–2025 decade is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain as idols reach their late twenties and thirties. The desire to pursue personal passions—whether it be acting, producing, or simply a quieter life—is natural, yet it fundamentally challenges the commercial engine of the TWICE brand. We are watching nine individuals who have spent over a decade as a monolith try to untangle their identities from the collective.
Ultimately, this is a “vibe check” for the entire K-pop business model. TWICE isn’t just negotiating contracts; they are negotiating their own evolution. If they can successfully implement the “together yet apart” strategy, they could set a new blueprint for how idol groups age gracefully in a post-peak era. If they fail to reconcile their individual goals with their collective legacy, we may see a slow, painful dissolution of the group as we know it.
As we wait for official confirmation, the fanbase remains in a state of high-alert, parsing every post and statement for clues. Whether Nayeon’s mother’s message was a sign of a new beginning or the start of a goodbye, the reality is that the TWICE we have known for eleven years is changing. The question now is not whether they will stay together—it’s how they plan to redefine what “together” actually means in the years to come.
With the members reportedly exploring their own paths while JYP attempts to keep the group intact, do you think TWICE can maintain their status as a top-tier global act if they move to a model where the members operate under different agencies for their solo work?
