On August 8, 2025, the usually private world of K-pop found itself at the center of public attention as Park Jin-young, the founder of JYP Entertainment and a renowned singer-songwriter in his own right, made rare and candid revelations about the inner workings of his company and the real story behind former Wonder Girls member Nelly. The revelations, made both on JTBC’s talk show and during a ‘housewarming’ press event at JYP Entertainment, have sparked widespread discussion about idol management, company culture, and the often unseen challenges within Korea’s entertainment industry.
Park Jin-young, affectionately known to fans as J.Y. Park, is no stranger to the spotlight. However, his recent openness about difficult decisions and company ethos has shone a new light on the pressures and philosophies shaping one of K-pop’s most successful agencies. According to MyDaily, Park recounted the circumstances surrounding Nelly’s brief stint as a member of the Wonder Girls, one of JYP’s most iconic girl groups. "Nelly was somewhat special," he explained, noting that after her first audition, she showed impressive skills but a problematic attitude. Park stated, "After the first audition, Nelly showed good skills but had a bad attitude, which was not liked." He went on to elaborate that Nelly did not have the right attitude, and that both he and the management team were reluctant to accept her into the group.
In a strikingly honest moment, Park shared, "About 10 years ago, Nelly started as a Wonder Girls member but had to leave before 60 days due to attitude issues." He emphasized that the company ultimately had to let her go due to these persistent problems, despite her talent. "The company had to give up on her due to these problems," Park said, underscoring the weight of the decision. He was quick to clarify that the rest of the group had no major issues, aside from some being picky eaters—a minor concern compared to the challenges posed by Nelly’s behavior.
This rare admission was echoed and expanded during the JYP Entertainment press event, as reported by Newsen. Park Jin-young described Nelly as the most difficult member to manage over the past decade, directly addressing rumors that had swirled around her departure. "Among the nine members, Nelly was the one who was the most difficult to manage over 10 years, and the truth about her was different from rumors," he stated. JYP Entertainment itself confirmed that Nelly had caused internal problems, adding that some new trainees—sometimes jokingly referred to as "Park Jin-young’s niece"—also struggled with behavior issues.
Park did not shy away from expressing his frustration and disappointment regarding the situation. "The situation was disappointing and I was very frustrated with the management issues related to Nelly," he admitted, offering a glimpse into the emotional toll such challenges can take on even the most seasoned industry veterans. These comments have resonated with industry watchers, many of whom have long speculated about the pressures and politics behind idol group line-ups and member changes.
Yet, Park’s candor did not stop at recounting past difficulties. He used the opportunity to highlight the unique company culture he has cultivated at JYP Entertainment—a culture he believes is central to the agency’s ongoing success. Appearing on the YouTube channel ‘집대성’ alongside singer Jeong Dong-won, Park explained, "Within the company, my official title is ‘Mr. Park Jin-young.’ Even new employees call me ‘Mr. Park Jin-young,’ which helps create a comfortable atmosphere." He went on to describe a personal touch that sets JYP apart: "I personally give every new employee a diary with a handwritten letter, thanking them for joining JYP. Not a single one is left out."
This approach, Park believes, fosters an environment where negative behavior is rare. "There are no people who say harsh words or act badly," he said. His colleagues and guests echoed this sentiment. Jeong Dong-won remarked, "This is truly a kind company," to which Park replied, "I think we are kind." Another guest, Daesung, joked, "JYP is so clean that not even dust could settle there," and Jeong Dong-won added, "Even Park Jin-young’s house is spotless. There’s not a single speck of dust." These anecdotes paint a picture of an agency that values respect, kindness, and a sense of familial belonging—qualities that stand in stark contrast to the cutthroat reputation often associated with the entertainment industry.
Fans and netizens have responded enthusiastically to these insights, with many expressing admiration for Park’s commitment to self-management and healthy company culture. Comments such as "Self-management is top-notch," "He really is youthful," and "In the end, what you eat is 90% of it," reflect a fascination with both Park’s personal habits and his broader philosophy. Some have even expressed a newfound determination to take better care of themselves, inspired by Park’s example.
It’s not the first time Park Jin-young’s personal health and lifestyle have caught public attention. On a previous episode of JTBC’s ‘Knowing Bros,’ he shared his methods for slowing aging, revealing that he once discovered a congenital brain anomaly during a health check. "During my first health check after debut, the doctor noticed something unusual on the left side of my brain. It turned out I was born without a left brain artery," Park recalled. Remarkably, his right brain artery compensated by supplying blood to both hemispheres. He mused, "The right brain is associated with creativity, so maybe it helped me in songwriting."
Park also discussed his efforts to stave off gray hair and wrinkles, saying, "About ten years ago, I started getting gray hair, but I studied the biology and medicine of aging because I wanted to dance until sixty. I experimented on myself, and one day I noticed that the roots of my gray hairs were turning black again." He concluded, "People always ask what they should eat, but it’s more important to avoid bad things than to eat good things." These revelations, while personal, have fueled public intrigue about Park’s seemingly ageless appearance and relentless drive.
As the K-pop industry continues to evolve, Park Jin-young’s leadership style and willingness to address uncomfortable truths offer a refreshing counterpoint to the secrecy and image management that often dominate the scene. By opening up about the challenges of managing talent, the importance of attitude, and the values underpinning JYP Entertainment, Park has not only set a new standard for transparency but also offered a blueprint for balancing success with humanity.
For fans and industry insiders alike, these disclosures provide a rare and valuable glimpse into the realities behind the music, reminding everyone that even in the world of manufactured perfection, honesty and kindness can still take center stage.
