Twice at Crossroads: Will K-Pop Queens Follow Blackpink's Pioneering Group-and-Solo Model?

Twice on the Brink of a New Era

Twice, now in its 12th year after comfortably overcoming K-pop's so-called 'seven-year curse,' has reached another major crossroads as the group approaches a second contract renewal with JYP Entertainment. The nine-member act, which debuted under the helm of JYP's founder and CEO Park Jin-young, has been an integral part of the label's success story since its inception in 2015.

As Twice celebrates this milestone, rumors have begun to circulate regarding the group's future trajectory. Reports linking members Jeongyeon, Tzuyu, Chaeyoung and Jihyo to agencies outside JYP Entertainment have fueled speculation that the K-pop queens could adopt a structure similar to Blackpink's — pursuing individual activities under separate management while continuing group promotions with their core lineup.

This development comes at an opportune time for Twice, as they prepare to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the K-pop industry. With the rise of solo acts and group-and-solo models becoming increasingly prominent, Twice finds itself at a pivotal juncture in its career. The pressure to maintain their current momentum while exploring new opportunities is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the group's next move.

The concept of a group-and-solo model has been largely pioneered by Blackpink, who have successfully balanced individual activities under YG Entertainment's subsidiary label, THEBLACKLABEL, alongside group promotions. This strategy has allowed each member to cultivate their unique talents and appeal to diverse audiences, ultimately contributing to the group's massive global success.

By embracing a similar structure, Twice can potentially tap into new markets and reignite their creative spark.

In light of this, fans are left wondering whether Twice will follow in Blackpink's footsteps or forge its own path. As the group approaches its second contract renewal with JYP Entertainment, it remains to be seen which direction they will take.

Industry insiders suggest that Twice's decision may have significant implications for the K-pop landscape as a whole. If the group were to adopt a group-and-solo model, it would likely pave the way for other acts to follow suit, further blurring the lines between traditional group dynamics and individual pursuits.

The impact of this development extends beyond Twice itself, with fans worldwide eagerly anticipating the ripple effects on the global K-pop scene. As the industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, one thing is certain: Twice's next move will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of K-pop.