2PM's Junho leaves JYP to start his own agency and shares his emotional connection with his character in 'Teppun Trading Company.'
December/9/2025 19:41
Junho of 2PM has left JYP Entertainment and established a personal agency, while expressing that he felt emotions similar to his character in the drama 'Teppun Trading Company.' Recently, an interview with Junho, who starred in the tvN weekend drama 'Teppun Trading Company,' took place at a café in Seoul's Seongsu-dong. The drama, which recently ended in South Korea, depicts the struggles and growth of a rookie businessman, Kang Teppun, who becomes the president of a trading company with no employees, money, or products during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Junho passionately portrayed the role of Kang Teppun, who suddenly becomes the family's breadwinner and a rookie president in his twenties, transitioning from a playboy in Apgujeong. Notably, Junho has established himself as a 'trustworthy actor' with three consecutive hits: MBC's 'Red Sleeve Cuff,' JTBC's 'King the Land,' and tvN's 'Teppun Trading Company.' He is also busy with the upcoming Netflix series 'CASHERO' and joining the film 'Veteran 3.' Junho shared, 'I received the drama's script last June. It’s a work I poured love into for over a year, so it’s particularly memorable. That’s why parting was more regrettable. I still feel its aftertaste.' Regarding the drama's ratings surpassing 10%, he expressed gratitude, saying, 'Thanks to those who continued to love the drama, we surpassed 10% in the final episode, which made me happy. As a human, I hoped we would exceed 10%, but it was a close call (laughs). I was glad we made it in the final episode.' He added, 'While I think there are always regrets because it’s impossible for everyone involved, including the actors, writers, and staff, to be 100% satisfied, I believe the story wrapped up well in the final episode, so I’m satisfied.' This year, Junho left JYP Entertainment, where he had been since his debut, and established his personal agency, O3 Collective. His new start after 17 years has garnered attention. He mentioned that he felt a connection between his situation and that of Kang Teppun, saying, 'There were commonalities between Teppun's situation and my personal situation. As a side note, I just became independent and am doing it alone, so it may seem like a personal agency, but I didn’t leave JYP with the thought of creating a personal agency. I don’t have actors to work with right now, but if there are people I can connect with, I plan to work together in the future.' He continued, 'The experiences Teppun goes through as an unexpected president resonate with me personally. I wanted to take on new challenges, and it’s true that I could empathize with Teppun's emotions while acting.' However, he noted, 'There are many differences between reality and the Teppun in the drama. In reality, I prepare diligently, and the staff who work with me help a lot, so I didn’t experience the deep emotional pain that Teppun goes through.' When asked if he felt the harsh realities after becoming independent, he replied, 'JYP is a really good company, and they supported me a lot when I left. They gave me advice on what would be helpful. It’s like becoming independent from good parents, feeling like I learned a lot (laughs).' He added, 'I feel the harshness regularly. I always knew reality isn’t easy. There are differences from direct experiences, but I’m gradually feeling things now, and I think I’m in a learning phase. There hasn’t been a big change, but I’ve become more considerate of each thing and started to worry more, that’s the extent of the difference.' 'Teppun Trading Company' was his first work after leaving JYP. What was the reaction from Park Jin-young and the other 2PM members? Junho said, 'No one sent me (emails or messages) (laughs). It’s a bit embarrassing to send those among ourselves. Rather, if I send something, they’d ask, 'What’s wrong?' But Wooyoung sent me a message saying, 'Teppun Trading Company is really interesting. It must have been tough for you.' I think we usually get along well. There’s an infinite trust among us, like a family’s comfort.' He smiled.
Related Articles
Juno of 2PM is in talks to join the cast of 'Viking', a new series depicting a power struggle within a Korean chaebol family. He has been offered the role of Han Ji-yool, a corporate risk analyst, in conflict with his uncle Han Tae-jun. Juno's recent success includes Netflix's 'Kian's Outrageous Guesthouse' and upcoming performances in Japan.
Nickhun from 2PM has reported stalking incidents, prompting JYP Entertainment to take strong legal action. The agency confirmed ongoing threats to the artist's safety and privacy, stating they will respond vigorously to any similar incidents in the future. They emphasize the importance of protecting their artists' rights and safety.
The 3rd ASIA STAR ENTERTAINER AWARDS 2026 (ASEA 2026) will be held on May 16-17 at Belluna Dome, featuring stars like 2PM's Junho and actress Ko Yoonjung. Both have made significant impacts in their fields, with Junho being a multi-entertainer and Ko gaining fame for her roles in various dramas. The event will also include performances from other top artists and will announce further details on its official website.
tvN has launched a voice documentary titled 'I Am K', which gathers global voices on K-content. It features diverse perspectives from fans and cultural figures, based on a global survey of 27,400 people across 30 countries. The documentary consists of two parts, focusing on why people love K-content and its popularity secrets, with interviews from notable figures in the industry.
Nickhun of 2PM disclosed on Instagram that he was stalked by someone claiming to be a fan, who followed him for 30 minutes, shouting insults. He reported the incident to the police and expressed his intention to take legal action, emphasizing the violation of his privacy and safety. He warned the stalker to stay away, asserting that he knows their identity and school in Korea. 2PM is set to celebrate their 15th anniversary with a concert in Tokyo in May.
In a recent interview, Park Jaebum reflected on his departure from 2PM, expressing that he felt no anxiety but only regret for the impact on others. He shared how a cover video he posted on YouTube helped revive his career and emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself rather than conforming to external expectations.
J.Y. Park has announced his resignation from JYP Entertainment's representative position, effective after the upcoming shareholders' meeting. He will concentrate on his creative activities as an artist, nurturing junior artists, and engaging in new external projects for the K-POP industry. Park has a rich history in music, producing numerous successful groups and contributing to the growth of K-POP.
On the afternoon of the 5th, a media screening for the film "Three Evil Paths" was held at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul. Attendees included actors Kwak Si-yang, Jo Yoon-soo, and director Choi Gi-jun. The film explores the truth behind a pseudo-religion that disappeared during Japan's colonial era and the team's confrontation with absolute evil.
Season 2 of Netflix's "Kian's Unconventional Guesthouse" is set in winter at Daegwalnyeong, featuring new staff including Kim Yeon-koung and 2PM's Junho. The show promises unique experiences and chemistry between the veteran owner Kian84 and the new employees, set to release in Q3 this year.
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong will create a wax figure of Juno from 2PM, a popular singer and actor. Known for his depth in acting and recent roles, he has gained a significant international presence. Juno expressed excitement during the measurement process, highlighting the importance of capturing fine details. His figure will symbolize the dynamic Hallyu culture. More updates on the unveiling will be available on their official site.
