TWICE Member Jihyo Decisively Dispels Disbandment Rumors Following Viral Emotional Video
Seoul, South Korea – A video clip featuring TWICE leader Jihyo in an emotional state, visibly crying while being consoled by fellow member Jeongyeon, recently went viral across social media platforms, rapidly accumulating over 10 million views and sparking widespread concern among fans and observers. The emotional footage, shared widely on April 28, 2026, ignited a wave of speculation, with a significant segment of online discourse mistakenly interpreting Jihyo’s tears as a sign of impending disbandment for the globally renowned K-pop girl group. However, Jihyo herself swiftly addressed the situation, taking to the fan communication platform Bubble to offer a clear and reassuring explanation, effectively quashing the unfounded rumors.
The viral video captured a poignant moment during what appeared to be a large-scale concert event, showing Jihyo overcome with emotion, her face streaked with tears, as Jeongyeon offered a comforting embrace. This intimate display of vulnerability and sisterhood, while deeply moving for many, unfortunately, became fertile ground for speculation regarding the group’s future. The K-pop industry, known for its intense pressures and the notorious "seven-year curse" associated with initial contract durations, often sees such emotional displays misinterpreted by fans anxious about their favorite groups’ longevity. In this context, Jihyo’s tears were quickly linked by some to the perennial fear of a group’s separation, despite TWICE having collectively renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment in July 2022.
Jihyo’s prompt and transparent response was crucial in managing the narrative. Utilizing Bubble, a direct communication channel with fans, she articulated the true nature of her emotions. "I ended up crying too much LOL," she began, immediately injecting a touch of her characteristic warmth and self-awareness. She continued, explaining her rationale for reaching out: "I came here because you all might be worried. I had a lot of thoughts running through my head. I thought about how hard it was, but ultimately, I am performing in front of so many people, and that comforted me." This statement painted a picture of overwhelming emotion stemming from the immense effort and dedication required for their performances, coupled with profound gratitude for the massive audience witnessing their artistry. She further emphasized the scale of the moment, remarking, "When would I ever see 80,000 people again!" Her words clearly indicated tears of joy, reflection, and immense professional fulfillment, rather than sadness or despair.
The Context of K-Pop Longevity and the "Seven-Year Curse"
To understand the rapid spread of disbandment rumors, it is essential to contextualize the unique landscape of the K-pop industry. Many K-pop groups are formed under initial contracts typically lasting seven years. As this period approaches its end, fans and media alike often engage in intense speculation about contract renewals, member departures, or even the group’s complete disbandment. This phenomenon has been dubbed the "seven-year curse" due to the significant number of groups that have either lost members or disbanded entirely around this mark. The pressure on idols during this period is immense, as their future careers, and often the livelihoods of their staff and company, hinge on these decisions.
TWICE, formed through JYP Entertainment’s reality survival show ‘SIXTEEN’ and debuting in October 2015, quickly ascended to become one of the most dominant and influential girl groups in K-pop history. Their consistent chart-topping releases, groundbreaking performances, and strong global fandom, known as ONCE, have solidified their status as industry titans. The group successfully navigated the critical "seven-year curse" period when all nine members – Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu – collectively renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment in July 2022. This unanimous decision was widely celebrated by fans and industry insiders as a testament to the members’ strong bond, their collective vision for the group’s future, and JYP Entertainment’s successful management. The renewal served as a powerful declaration of their intent to continue as a complete group, making the recent disbandment rumors particularly frustrating for long-term fans aware of this significant milestone.
Decoding Jihyo’s Emotional Outburst
Jihyo’s explanation sheds light on the multifaceted emotional experiences of K-pop idols. Her reference to "a lot of thoughts running through my head" and "how hard it was" likely encapsulates the physical and mental demands of a rigorous global concert tour. TWICE has undertaken several highly successful world tours, including the ‘TWICELIGHT’ tour and, more recently, the ‘READY TO BE’ tour, which saw them perform in major stadiums across North America, Asia, and Australia. Performing for an audience of 80,000 people, as Jihyo mentioned, signifies a stadium-level event – a pinnacle achievement for any musical artist. The sheer scale, the roar of the crowd, the culmination of years of training, practice, and sacrifice, can be profoundly overwhelming.
For Jihyo, who has been with JYP Entertainment since 2005 as a trainee, dedicating more than a decade to her craft before debuting, such moments are not merely performances but profound reflections on her entire life’s journey. Her tears can be interpreted as a release of accumulated emotions – a mix of exhaustion from relentless schedules, relief at successfully delivering a high-stakes performance, gratitude for the unwavering support of ONCE, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Jeongyeon’s immediate comfort further underscores the deep sisterhood and mutual support that binds the TWICE members, a bond that has been publicly celebrated and has undoubtedly contributed to their collective contract renewal. This solidarity stands in stark contrast to any internal discord that would typically precede a disbandment.
Official Responses and Fandom Dynamics
Jihyo’s proactive communication on Bubble serves as the primary and most authoritative official response to the viral clip and subsequent rumors. Her clear denial, framed within an explanation of joyful and reflective emotions, effectively rendered any further speculation baseless. This direct engagement with fans is a hallmark of modern K-pop idol-fandom relations, where artists often use dedicated platforms to clarify misunderstandings and foster a closer connection.
The fan reactions following Jihyo’s clarification were a mix of immense relief and palpable frustration. Many long-time ONCEs expressed their happiness that the rumors were debunked, while simultaneously voicing exasperation at the recurring nature of such unfounded speculations. Tweets from fans highlighted this sentiment: "her clearing everything up because she knows onces are insane," one user commented, pointing to the rapid spread of misinformation within certain online fan communities. Another fan urged, "EVERYBODY STOP PANICKING, THEY’RE HAPPY TEARS," underscoring the urgent need to correct the narrative. There was also a strong sentiment against those who propagate such rumors: "I just know she was annoyed as hell at the thought of people thinking that she was crying because they’re disbanding ONCE AGAIN. us normal onces are tired of those onces too jihyo," read another tweet, articulating the collective weariness of the fandom towards sensationalized and baseless claims. The specific mention of "ttk onces" (referring to TikTok ONCEs) preparing "disb*ndment kink edits" further illustrates the disconnect and sensationalism that can emerge within certain online subcultures, often distorting the genuine emotions and realities of the idols.
Broader Impact and Implications
This incident, while seemingly minor in its immediate resolution, carries broader implications for both TWICE and the K-pop industry. For TWICE, it reaffirms their stability and collective commitment. The fact that their leader, Jihyo, felt compelled to address the situation personally and swiftly demonstrates the group’s dedication to their fans and their awareness of the anxieties that can plague K-pop fandoms. It reinforces the message that TWICE is united, thriving, and continuing their journey together, debunking any lingering doubts about their future post-contract renewal.
From an industry perspective, the viral video and subsequent rumor cycle highlight the persistent challenges of managing public perception in the age of rapid digital dissemination. Emotional moments, even those born of joy and gratitude, can be quickly stripped of their original context and reinterpreted through a lens of fear or negativity. This places an added burden on idols and their agencies to be highly transparent and communicative. Jihyo’s decisive action serves as a model for how artists can effectively use their platforms to control their narratives and reassure their fanbase, minimizing unnecessary distress and countering misinformation.
Moreover, the incident reminds the public of the immense pressure and emotional toll that comes with global stardom in the K-pop sphere. While the glamour and success are undeniable, the journey is often fraught with immense personal sacrifice, relentless schedules, and constant public scrutiny. Moments of vulnerability, like Jihyo’s tears, are not weaknesses but rather genuine expressions of the human experience under extraordinary circumstances, deserving of empathy and understanding rather than unfounded speculation.
As TWICE continues to embark on their highly successful career, achieving new milestones and captivating audiences worldwide, incidents like this serve as a poignant reminder of the unwavering bond between the members and their dedicated fanbase. Jihyo’s tears were not of sorrow for an ending, but rather a profound manifestation of the journey, the hardship, and the immense joy found in performing for 80,000 devoted fans. The group’s future remains bright, anchored by their collective renewal and the evident strength of their sisterhood.
