As of May 8, 2025, there are no credible reports or verified sources confirming that Park Jihyo, the leader and vocalist of the South Korean girl group TWICE, drowned in a swimming pool in Seoul or anywhere else. This appears to be a baseless rumor or misinformation, as no major news outlets, official statements from JYP Entertainment (TWICE’s management agency), or posts on Jihyo’s verified social media accounts corroborate such an event. Fans and the public are urged to approach unverified claims with caution and rely on reputable sources for accurate information.
Park Jihyo, born Park Ji-soo on February 1, 1997, is a prominent figure in the K-pop industry, known for her powerful vocals, leadership, and charismatic presence. She debuted with TWICE in October 2015 under JYP Entertainment, contributing to the group’s global success with hits like “Like Ooh-Ahh” and “Cheer Up.” Beyond music, Jihyo has made headlines in 2025 for her savvy business ventures, notably purchasing a 4 billion KRW (approximately $2.83 million USD) building in Seoul’s Seongsu-dong, a strategic investment in a developing commercial area. This acquisition, reported by iMBC Entertainment and The Times of India, was celebrated by fans as a testament to her financial acumen, with many praising her for paying in cash—a rare feat that sparked viral discussions on social media.
Jihyo’s recent activities further contradict the drowning rumor. In April 2025, she and TWICE collaborated with Coldplay on a remix of “We Pray,” performed live during Coldplay’s South Korea concert, showcasing her active involvement in the group’s endeavors. Additionally, Jihyo was spotted vacationing in Hawaii in January 2025, where she shared stunning beach photos on Instagram, highlighting her vibrant and healthy public image. These documented events paint a picture of an artist thriving in her career and personal life, with no indication of a tragic incident.
The absence of any drowning-related news is significant, especially given the intense media scrutiny surrounding K-pop idols. South Korea’s news cycle, known for rapid coverage of celebrity events, would likely have reported such a high-profile incident immediately. For context, recent drowning incidents reported globally—such as a toddler in New Jersey or a British child in Greece—received prompt media attention, underscoring how quickly such tragedies are documented. No similar reports exist for Jihyo, and the lack of chatter on platforms like X, where fans actively discuss TWICE, further suggests the claim is unfounded.[](https://www.nj.com/union/2025/04/3-year-old-drowns-in-nj-family-swimming-pool.html)[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14610075/british-boy-three-drowned-swimming-pool-greek-villa.html)
This rumor may stem from confusion with other figures, such as Song Ji-hyo, an actress featured in a BBC Earth documentary about haenyeo (traditional Korean female divers). Song, whose mother was a competitive swimmer, trained as a haenyeo for a month, an experience unrelated to any drowning incident. Misinformation can also spread through unverified social media posts, a common issue in the digital age that requires critical evaluation.[](https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/song-ji-hyo-running-man-haenyo-bbc-464186)
Fans of Jihyo and TWICE, known as ONCE, are encouraged to dismiss unverified claims and support Jihyo’s ongoing projects, including TWICE’s music and her upcoming ventures. Always verify information through trusted channels like JYP Entertainment’s official statements or established news outlets to avoid falling for rumors.
