JYP Entertainment

South Korea • SeoulFounded 1997

JYP Entertainment is a South Korean entertainment company founded in 1997 by Jin-young Park, headquartered in Gangnam, Seoul. It is one of the 'Big Four' K-pop agencies alongside HYBE, SM, and YG. Its roster includes Twice, Stray Kids, ITZY, NMIXX, and 2PM. JYP is known for its people-first management philosophy and strong artist loyalty, with key IPs including Twice, Stray Kids, and ITZY having all renewed contracts. In 2026, Twice leads in the first half and Stray Kids plan a new album and world tour in the second half.

Contact & HQ

Headquarters

Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea

Ownership & Distribution

Label Type

Independent Label Group

Parent Company

Independently owned (publicly traded)

Distribution

Universal Music Group (various territories), Dreamus (Korea), in-house

Additional Details

Genres

K-PopPopDanceR&B

Signing Process

JYP Entertainment runs its own A&R and artist development system. Auditions are held globally through the JYP Online Audition system. JYP is known for its people-first management philosophy, which has resulted in strong artist loyalty and contract renewals. The company has regional subsidiaries in the USA, Japan, and China.

Demo Policy

JYP accepts applications through its global online audition system. Visit the JYP audition page for details. The trainee system involves multi-year training before debut.

Notable Artists

Twice
Stray Kids
ITZY
NMIXX
2PM
NiziU

Sub-Labels / Imprints

JYP Entertainment JapanJYP USAStudio J

JYP Entertainment is a South Korean entertainment company founded in 1997 by Jin-young Park, headquartered in Gangnam, Seoul. It is one of the "Big Four" K-pop agencies alongside HYBE, SM Entertainment, and YG Entertainment. JYP's roster includes Twice, Stray Kids, ITZY, NMIXX, 2PM, and NiziU (a Japanese girl group formed through the Nizi Project audition). JYP is known for its people-first management philosophy, which has been well received by artists and has resulted in strong artist loyalty. Key IPs including Twice, Stray Kids, and ITZY have all renewed contracts, which is unusual in the K-pop industry where contract renewals are often contentious.

JYP's 2026 forecast shows Twice leading in the first half (with 22 of 36 total shows in the Americas, which are high-margin) and Stray Kids planning a new album and world tour in the second half. NMIXX has the highest growth potential, with growing domestic and global popularity. JYP has strong artist loyalty, with key IPs having all renewed contracts. The company is diversifying its music pipeline and expanding into Western markets. In April 2026, JYP joined HYBE, SM, and YG in announcing plans for a joint venture to develop "Fanomenon," a large-scale K-pop festival debuting in 2027. JYP has regional subsidiaries in the USA, Japan, and China.

How JYP Operates

JYP Entertainment runs its own A&R and artist development system from its Gangnam headquarters. The company is known for its people-first management philosophy, which prioritizes artist wellbeing and has resulted in strong contract renewal rates. JYP operates regional subsidiaries in the USA, Japan, and China, giving it global reach. Distribution flows through Universal Music Group in various territories and Dreamus in Korea. The company's 2026 strategy focuses on senior IPs (Twice, Stray Kids) driving revenue while junior IPs (NMIXX, ITZY) scale up.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you aspire to a K-pop career, JYP Entertainment is one of the Big Four K-pop agencies with a strong track record of developing global groups. Its people-first management philosophy and high contract renewal rate make it an attractive option for long-term career development. Its global audition system and regional subsidiaries provide multiple entry points.

Drawbacks and Things to Consider

Trainee system: JYP uses the K-pop trainee system, which involves multi-year training contracts before debut.
Competitive auditions: JYP's auditions are extremely competitive.
Group focus: JYP primarily debuts groups rather than solo artists.
Senior IP dependence: JYP's revenue is largely driven by senior IPs (Twice, Stray Kids), highlighting the need for IP portfolio diversification.

Notable Artists and Releases

JYP Entertainment has produced some of the most successful K-pop albums globally. Below are 8 notable releases with chart data.

TWICE - "With YOU-th" (JYP/Republic, 2024)

TWICE's 13th mini album, released February 23, 2024 on JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 with 95,000 equivalent album units. It was TWICE's first #1 album on the Billboard 200 and the first #1 by a K-pop girl group since BLACKPINK's "Born Pink" in 2022. Album sales comprised 90,000 of the 95,000 units.

TWICE - "Formula of Love: O+T=<3" (JYP/Republic, 2021)

TWICE's third studio album, released November 12, 2021 on JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. It peaked at #3 on the US Billboard 200 with 66,000 equivalent album units. It was TWICE's highest-charting album at the time of release. The album's lead single "Scientist" was promoted across US radio and television.

Stray Kids - "ATE" (JYP/Republic, 2024)

Stray Kids' 9th mini album, released July 19, 2024 on JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 with 231,000 equivalent album units. It was Stray Kids' fifth consecutive #1 debut on the Billboard 200, making them the first group ever to debut at #1 with their first five charting albums. Album sales comprised 217,000 of the 231,000 units.

Stray Kids - "5-Star" (JYP/Republic, 2023)

Stray Kids' 8th mini album, released June 2, 2023 on JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 with 249,500 equivalent album units. It was Stray Kids' third consecutive #1 on the Billboard 200. The album sold over 4.6 million copies in its first week in Korea according to Hanteo Chart.

Stray Kids - "Rock-Star" (JYP/Republic, 2023)

Stray Kids' 8th mini album repackage, released November 10, 2023 on JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 with 224,000 equivalent album units. It was Stray Kids' fourth consecutive #1 on the Billboard 200.

ITZY - "Born to Be" (JYP/Republic, 2024)

ITZY's 8th mini album, released January 8, 2024 on JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. It peaked at #37 on the US Billboard 200. The album sold over 1 million copies in its first week in Korea. The lead single "Untouchable" was promoted through a world tour across Asia and Latin America.

NMIXX - "Fe3O4: BREAK" (JYP/Republic, 2024)

NMIXX's 2nd mini album, released January 15, 2024 on JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. It peaked at #114 on the US Billboard 200. The album sold over 1 million copies in its first week in Korea. NMIXX debuted in February 2022 with the single "O.O" and is positioned as JYP's highest-growth junior IP.

TWICE - "Eyes Wide Open" (JYP/Republic, 2020)

TWICE's second studio album, released October 26, 2020 on JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. It peaked at #72 on the US Billboard 200. The album's lead single "I Can't Stop Me" has over 500 million views on YouTube. The album sold over 300,000 copies in its first week in Korea.

Deal Structures

JYP Entertainment operates a trainee-based system distinct from Western label deals. Deal types include:

Trainee contracts: Selected audition applicants sign trainee contracts. JYP covers training costs (vocal, dance, language) for multi-year periods. Trainees do not receive salary during training. The contract term typically runs 3 to 7 years including post-debut activities.
Exclusive artist contracts: After debut, artists sign exclusive contracts with JYP. The contract covers music production, distribution, marketing, and management. JYP manages all group activities including concerts, merchandise, and brand deals.
Revenue sharing: Artist revenue splits typically favor the label during the initial contract term. Standard splits range from 50/50 to 70/30 (label/artist) depending on the group's seniority and contract terms. Renewed contracts often have more favorable terms for artists.
Distribution through UMG: JYP uses Universal Music Group for distribution in various territories and Dreamus in Korea. This gives JYP artists access to global physical and digital distribution.
Regional subsidiary deals: JYP operates subsidiaries in the USA, Japan, and China. Artists may be contracted to specific regional subsidiaries for localized activities.

How Artists Get Signed

JYP Entertainment signs artists primarily through its global audition system. The process works as follows:

Online auditions: JYP accepts applications through its global online audition system. Applicants submit videos of singing, dancing, rapping, or other talents. The system is open year-round and accessible worldwide.
In-person auditions: JYP holds periodic in-person auditions in Korea, Japan, China, and the United States. These are announced on the JYP audition website and social media.
Trainee selection: Selected applicants become trainees. The trainee period lasts 2 to 5 years on average. Trainees receive vocal, dance, language, and performance training at JYP's facilities in Seoul.
Debut evaluation: Trainees are evaluated periodically. Not all trainees debut. JYP selects members for new groups based on skill, visual appeal, and group chemistry. The debut decision is made by JYP's A&R and management team.
People-first philosophy: JYP's management philosophy prioritizes artist wellbeing. This has resulted in high contract renewal rates. TWICE, Stray Kids, and ITZY have all renewed their contracts with JYP, which is unusual in the K-pop industry.
Group focus: JYP primarily debuts groups rather than solo artists. Solo releases from group members (like Nayeon's solo debut) occur within the group contract framework.