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Third-generation K-pop groups SEVENTEEN and TWICE have shared a close and enduring friendship since both made their debut in 2015. This bond came into the spotlight once again during TWICE leader Jihyo’s recent 20th-year celebration in the K-pop industry. Among the attendees was SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan, who not only joined the party but also shared some humorous and heartfelt stories about his history with Jihyo and her agency, JYP Entertainment.
Seungkwan revealed that before he found his home at Pledis Entertainment, he had once auditioned for JYP. The memory was still vivid for him. With a mix of nostalgia and humor, he admitted feeling a bit envious when Jihyo recounted her own successful audition with JYP back in 2005. “I’m jealous,” he said with a laugh. “I actually failed my JYP audition in 2010.” He explained that the reason he auditioned in the first place was because JYP was the only agency that held auditions in his hometown of Jeju Island. “If you dig through their old hard drives, you’ll probably find me in there somewhere,” he joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The warmth between the idols was evident, especially as Seungkwan light-heartedly teased TWICE and reflected on how their friendship evolved. He admitted that while there was a sense of rivalry or distance at the start, those feelings naturally faded over time as genuine friendships developed across groups.
One particular story stood out, revealing how Seungkwan and fellow SEVENTEEN member Mingyu eventually grew close to Jihyo. According to Seungkwan, their bond really began to take shape during a casual hangout. “We weren’t close from the beginning,” he said, explaining that Mingyu had invited him out one day. That outing unexpectedly led to a visit to the campsite run by Jihyo’s parents. There, Seungkwan got to spend time not just with Jihyo but also with her younger siblings. The casual and relaxed setting served as the perfect ice-breaker, planting the seeds of a long-lasting friendship.
Moments like these highlight the unique camaraderie that exists within the K-pop industry, where friendships can cross company lines and grow over years of shared experiences. Jihyo’s milestone celebration became not just a personal achievement, but also a heartwarming reunion of artists who’ve grown up together in the spotlight.
Along with Seungkwan and Mingyu, the guest list reflected the tight-knit nature of the third-gen idol community. TWICE’s Nayeon and Jeongyeon, GOT7’s BamBam, DAY6’s Sungjin, and I.O.I’s Sejeong and Nayoung also attended, adding to the heartfelt and nostalgic atmosphere of the event. What could’ve just been a typical celebration became a touching reminder of the genuine friendships behind the industry’s polished façade.