By rifanmuazin 
The future of TWICE, one of the most influential girl groups in the history of K-pop, has once again become a subject of intense public scrutiny following a series of social media updates that fans and industry analysts interpret as a signal of impending change. On July 15, 2026, the mother of Nayeon, the group’s eldest member and lead vocalist, shared an emotional message on Instagram that has ignited widespread speculation regarding Nayeon’s continued tenure with JYP Entertainment. This development comes at a critical juncture for the nine-member ensemble, as they navigate their second major contract renewal period since their debut in 2015.
The post in question followed the successful conclusion of TWICE’s "THIS IS FOR" world tour, a massive global undertaking that solidified the group’s status as a touring powerhouse. In her message, Nayeon’s mother reflected on her daughter’s grueling journey through the idol industry, spanning nearly two decades. "This is when Mom got emotional," the post began, accompanied by images of Nayeon performing. "It’s been around 20 years altogether—11 years with TWICE, plus your trainee days. You poured your entire youth and your dreams into this place. Seeing everything you achieved here, how could I not cry?"
While the message was outwardly celebratory, two specific phrases have caused significant ripples within the K-pop community and among market observers. The first, "You poured your entire youth and your dreams into this place," is being interpreted by many as a retrospective summary of a completed chapter. The second, and perhaps more provocative, statement read: "Now it’s finally time for you to receive the treatment and recognition you truly deserve." This particular wording has led fans to question whether Nayeon’s camp feels that her current management at JYP Entertainment has adequately compensated or prioritized her solo potential and individual contributions.
A Decadal Journey: From Trainee to Global Icon
To understand the weight of these statements, one must look at Nayeon’s history within JYP Entertainment. Im Na-yeon joined the agency in 2010 after a successful open audition, spending five years as a trainee before participating in the survival reality show Sixteen. Since TWICE’s debut in October 2015, she has served as the group’s "Center," often being the face of their most iconic hits like "Cheer Up," "TT," and "Fancy."
Nayeon was also the first member of the group to officially debut as a soloist. Her 2022 mini-album, IM NAYEON, was a commercial and critical success, peaking at number seven on the Billboard 200, making her the first South Korean soloist to enter the chart’s top ten. Her follow-up solo work, NA, released in 2024, further cemented her individual brand. Despite this success, the sentiment expressed by her mother suggests a desire for a new management structure—one that might offer more creative autonomy or a higher share of individual earnings, a trend increasingly common among veteran K-pop idols.
The Broader Context of TWICE’s Contract Negotiations
The speculation surrounding Nayeon does not exist in a vacuum. It follows a series of reports suggesting that several members of TWICE are exploring options outside of JYP Entertainment. Earlier this month, rumors surfaced that Tzuyu, the group’s youngest member, had allegedly decided not to renew her exclusive contract with the agency for her solo activities, though she reportedly intends to remain a member of TWICE for group promotions.
Simultaneously, industry insiders have linked Jihyo, the group’s leader, to the establishment of a "one-person agency." This model, popularized by members of groups like BLACKPINK and MAMAMOO, allows artists to manage their solo careers independently while signing "group-only" contracts with their original labels to maintain the integrity of the band. Furthermore, members Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung have also been the subjects of transfer rumors, with fans noting a shift in their social media presence and individual branding efforts.
JYP Entertainment has maintained a cautious stance throughout these developments. In a brief statement addressing the rumors, a representative for the agency noted, "Contract renewal discussions with the members of TWICE are currently ongoing. We are working toward a resolution that respects the aspirations of the artists while ensuring the group’s future activities."
Industry Trends: The Rise of the "Split Contract" Model
The current situation with TWICE reflects a broader evolution in the K-pop industry’s "Seven-Year Curse." Traditionally, groups that did not renew their contracts in full would disband. However, the modern era has seen the rise of the "split contract" or "multi-label" model. Under this arrangement, members may sign with different agencies for their solo music, acting, or variety careers, but come together under their original label for group albums and tours.
Notable examples include Girls’ Generation and BLACKPINK. In 2023, all four members of BLACKPINK renewed their group contracts with YG Entertainment but chose not to sign for solo activities, opting instead to launch their own labels (such as Jennie’s OA, Lisa’s LLOUD, and Jisoo’s BLISSOO). This model allows veteran artists to maximize their individual earning potential and creative freedom without the restrictive oversight of a large conglomerate, while still benefiting from the global brand recognition of their original group.
For TWICE, a group known for its "OT9" (Only The Nine) branding and exceptional internal chemistry, the transition to such a model would be a significant milestone. Fans, known collectively as ONCE, have expressed a mixture of anxiety and support. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, the prevailing sentiment is one of "support for the individual, love for the group."
Economic Implications for JYP Entertainment
The potential departure of Nayeon and other members from JYP’s solo management roster carries significant weight for the company’s financial outlook. TWICE has historically been one of JYP Entertainment’s most consistent revenue generators. According to financial reports from the 2024-2025 fiscal years, TWICE accounted for a substantial portion of the agency’s physical album sales and concert revenue.
Market analysts observe that while JYP has successfully debuted younger groups like NMIXX and VCHA, and seen continued growth from Stray Kids, the loss of exclusive management rights over TWICE’s individual members could impact the agency’s profit margins. Individual endorsements, solo tours, and merchandise are high-margin sectors. If members move to independent labels, JYP would only retain a portion of the revenue generated through group activities.
Chronology of Recent Events
The timeline leading up to the current speculation highlights a period of intense activity and transition for the group:
- May 2024: Nayeon releases her second solo mini-album NA, achieving significant domestic and international chart success.
- January 2026: TWICE embarks on the "THIS IS FOR" world tour, performing in major stadiums across North America, Europe, and Asia.
- June 2026: Reports begin to circulate regarding the expiration of the members’ second contract term.
- July 5, 2026: Unconfirmed reports suggest Tzuyu is seeking an external agency for solo management.
- July 12, 2026: TWICE concludes the "THIS IS FOR" tour with a final "encore" performance, during which several members were visibly emotional.
- July 15, 2026: Nayeon’s mother posts the message regarding "treatment and recognition," sparking the current wave of speculation.
Analysis of "Treatment and Recognition"
The phrase "treatment and recognition" used by Nayeon’s mother is perhaps the most analyzed part of the recent controversy. In the context of the K-pop industry, "treatment" often refers to the quality of support provided by an agency, including the speed of solo comebacks, the quality of marketing, and the fairness of profit distribution. "Recognition" may refer to the artist’s desire to be seen as more than just a member of a group—to be acknowledged as a songwriter, producer, or versatile entertainer.
Nayeon has been a pillar of JYP for 16 years (including her trainee years). The suggestion that she has yet to receive the recognition she "truly deserves" implies a disconnect between the artist’s camp and the agency’s management strategy. This could relate to the frequency of her solo releases or perhaps a desire for more high-profile international collaborations that a smaller, more focused agency might prioritize.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Nation’s Girl Group
As of mid-July 2026, the official status of Nayeon’s contract remains "in discussion." However, the public nature of her mother’s comments suggests that negotiations may have reached a point where the family feels the need to signal their stance to the public.
Whether Nayeon chooses to stay with JYP Entertainment for all activities or pursues a solo path elsewhere, the consensus among industry experts is that TWICE as a group is unlikely to disband. The group’s brand is too valuable, and the members’ bond too strong, to be completely severed by a change in management structure. However, the "JYP era" of TWICE, characterized by total agency control over all nine members, appears to be nearing its conclusion.
The coming weeks will be pivotal for JYP Entertainment. The agency must balance the financial necessity of retaining its top stars with the evolving needs of artists who have spent their entire adult lives under the trainee-to-idol system. For Nayeon, a move toward independence would mark the beginning of a third act in a career that has already redefined the boundaries of what a K-pop idol can achieve. For the fans, the hope remains that "TWICE will always be nine," regardless of the logos on their individual contracts.
