Who is Jeongyeon TWICE? The Untold Story Behind the K-pop Star

Jeongyeon TWICE ranks among South Korea's most beloved K-pop idols, securing a spot in Gallup Korea's top 20 most popular idols for four consecutive years from 2016 to 2019. Born as Yoo Kyung-wan on November 1, 1996, in Suwon, South Korea, she later adopted the stage name Yoo Jeong-yeon before debuting with the phenomenally successful girl group TWICE.

After training for five years since joining JYP Entertainment through their 6th Open Audition on March 1, 2010, Jeongyeon officially became a TWICE member on October 20, 2015. Her journey to stardom wasn't without challenges, however. Despite being voted second place to become TWICE's leader (after Jihyo), Jeongyeon made her breakthrough through the reality survival show Sixteen and later took breaks from activities in 2020 and 2021 due to anxiety and panic disorders. Notably, she comes from an impressive background—her father, Yoo Chang-joon, served as a private chef for former South Korean president Kim Dae-jung, adding another fascinating dimension to her story.

Early life and family background

Behind every K-pop star lies a personal journey, and Yoo Jeong-yeon's story begins in Suwon, South Korea, where she was born on November 1, 1996. The early chapters of her life contain interesting details that shaped the performer fans recognize today as a vital member of TWICE.

Birth name and reason for name change

Originally, Jeongyeon wasn't always known by her current name. Her parents named her Yoo Kyung-wan at birth, a choice that would eventually lead to a significant childhood decision. Although the Hanja characters for her birth name carried beautiful meanings like "delicate and graceful" or "talented and beautiful", young Jeongyeon faced considerable teasing from peers.

By third grade, the situation had become unbearable. Her classmates frequently pointed out that Kyung-wan sounded like a boy's name, creating substantial stress for the young girl. While Kyung-wan is technically unisex, it's used more commonly for males in Korean culture, with several baseball players and K-drama characters bearing the name.

Ultimately, her mother took action to address the bullying, helping her daughter legally change her name to Yoo Jeong-yeon. The new name, with Hanja characters roughly translating to "prolonged stability", brought immediate happiness to young Jeongyeon. She was so pleased with her new identity that she wrote it repeatedly on paper.

Family ties: Gong Seung-yeon and more

Jeongyeon comes from a notably talented family. Her father, Yoo Chang-joon, worked as a chef for former South Korean president Kim Dae-jung, bringing culinary excellence to the Blue House. While her mother's identity remains private, Jeongyeon grew up with two older sisters in a close-knit household.

Her eldest sister is actress Gong Seung-yeon (born 1993), who has appeared in various K-dramas including Six Flying Dragons and Introvert Boss. Interestingly, Gong Seung-yeon trained under SM Entertainment for seven years after winning a "Best Looks" contest in 2005. The sisters' bond is evident in their professional lives—they even co-hosted the music program Inkigayo together, winning the "Newcomer Award" at the 2016 SBS Entertainment Awards.

The middle sister, Yoo Seo-yeon (born 1994), maintains a more private life as an office worker. Additionally, Jeongyeon has an extended family connection to K-pop—she's cousins with KARD's Somin (formerly of APRIL), being the niece of Somin's father's younger brother's wife.

In recent years, Jeongyeon temporarily lived with Gong Seung-yeon for about half a year. The actress revealed that while they had fewer conversations than when living apart, their relationship evolved to include everyday interactions and creative collaborations, with Gong Seung-yeon helping Jeongyeon with song lyrics.

Childhood interests and early influences

From a young age, Jeongyeon showed inclinations toward performance and creativity. She took aerobics classes as a child, which subsequently sparked her interest in singing and dancing. This early passion laid the foundation for her future career in entertainment.

Musically inclined, she learned to play both the trumpet and saxophone, with the latter becoming her favorite instrument. These skills undoubtedly contributed to her musical aptitude as she developed as an artist.

Beyond music, Jeongyeon enjoyed several hobbies that reveal aspects of her personality:

Building with Legos, eventually amassing a collection she kept at her dormitory
Jump roping and running for physical activity
Watching mukbang videos of people eating food while chatting

These early interests and family influences helped shape the multifaceted performer who would eventually captivate audiences as part of TWICE. Her childhood experiences—from changing her name to developing musical abilities—all contributed to building the foundation for her future success in the competitive world of K-pop.

The road to JYP: Jeongyeon's trainee years

The path to stardom for Jeongyeon TWICE wasn't straightforward, requiring persistence through multiple setbacks before her eventual breakthrough. Her journey through JYP Entertainment's training system reveals a story of determination that would eventually shape her career as a K-pop idol.

Initial rejection and second audition success

Yoo Jeongyeon's first attempt to join JYP Entertainment ended in disappointment. As a child, she auditioned for the agency but failed to secure a trainee position. This initial rejection, rather than discouraging her, seemingly fueled her resolve. Years later, she decided to try again, participating in JYP Entertainment's 6th Open Audition on March 1, 2010.

This time, fortune favored her efforts. Not only did Jeongyeon pass the audition, but she also received an Ivy Star Award for her performance. Interestingly, that same day brought another opportunity – SM Entertainment, another prestigious Korean entertainment company, also expressed interest in signing her. Given a choice between two major agencies, Jeongyeon decisively chose JYP Entertainment.

"I have never thought about debuting with any other agency than JYP Entertainment," she once stated, reflecting her singular focus. This commitment would be tested repeatedly throughout her pre-debut years.

Training with future idols

Once accepted as a trainee, Jeongyeon entered an intensely competitive environment filled with talented individuals who would later become notable K-pop stars themselves. During her audition's training camp, she practiced alongside several future idols, including BTS' J-Hope, BtoB's Yook Sung-jae, Wanna One's Ha Sung-woon, and WJSN's Bona.

The training period was rigorous and lengthy. In total, Jeongyeon trained for five years before finally making her debut with TWICE. These years weren't without struggles – it reportedly took her three years just to pass JYP's basic routine dance exam, highlighting both the demanding standards of the agency and her perseverance in meeting them.

The cancelled 6Mix debut

By 2014, after approximately four years of training, Jeongyeon appeared poised for debut. JYP Entertainment planned to launch a new girl group called 6Mix, featuring Jeongyeon alongside fellow trainees Nayeon, Jihyo (then known as Jisoo), Minyoung, Lena, and Cecilia.

The group's preparations were extensive – they had completed a pre-debut showcase and even finished recording their debut album. Nevertheless, their plans encountered multiple obstacles:

The tragic Sewol Ferry incident in 2014 delayed their scheduled debut
During this delay, member Cecilia departed to pursue acting in China
Sana was subsequently added to replace her
Further complications arose when Lena, the group's leader, decided to leave the agency to become an actress in the United States

With these departures, 6Mix's debut was ultimately cancelled. This devastating setback profoundly affected Jeongyeon. She stopped attending training sessions at JYP and began working part-time at a bakery. Finding she enjoyed baking, she seriously considered abandoning her K-pop dreams altogether to pursue a career as a baker.

Just as Jeongyeon was preparing to change career paths, JYP Entertainment contacted her about participating in a new survival show called SIXTEEN. Though initially hesitant, she agreed to join the program – a decision that would finally lead to her long-awaited debut, albeit through a different path than originally planned.

The remaining 6Mix members – Jeongyeon, Nayeon, Jihyo, and Sana – all participated in SIXTEEN. Though Minyoung was eliminated from the show, the other former 6Mix members successfully secured spots in the newly-formed group that would become globally recognized as TWICE.

Debut with TWICE and rise to fame

After years of training, 2015 marked a pivotal moment for Yoo Jeongyeon's career as JYP Entertainment announced a bold new approach to forming their next girl group. This opportunity would finally give her the chance to showcase her talents on a larger stage.

Winning a spot on Sixteen

In 2015, Jeongyeon participated in the television program Sixteen, a reality survival show created by JYP Entertainment and Mnet that aired from May 5 to July 7. Unlike typical auditions, this competition assessed contestants not merely on singing and dancing abilities but furthermore on charisma and personality.

Throughout the competition, Jeongyeon moved between the major and minor teams, yet her talent kept her safe from elimination. In the final episode, she secured her position in the top seven alongside Nayeon, Jihyo, Sana, Mina, Dahyun, and Chaeyoung. JYP Entertainment's founder, J.Y. Park, then surprised everyone by announcing that TWICE would actually be a nine-member group, adding Tzuyu (based on audience popularity) and Momo (previously eliminated, but brought back on the recommendation of trainers and staff).

Official debut and early performances

On October 20, 2015, Jeongyeon officially debuted as a member of TWICE with the release of their first extended play, The Story Begins, and its lead single "Like Ooh-Ahh". This milestone came after approximately five years of training at JYP Entertainment.

Within months of their debut, Jeongyeon's public profile expanded beyond music. In June 2016, SBS announced that she would co-host the popular South Korean music program Inkigayo alongside her sister Gong Seung-yeon and actor Kim Min-seok. This opportunity showcased her versatility as an entertainer, with the siblings co-hosting from July 2016 to January 2017. Their outstanding performance earned them both the Newcomer Award at the 2016 SBS Entertainment Awards.

Jeongyeon's role in TWICE

As TWICE's lead vocalist, Jeongyeon quickly established herself as an essential component of the group's sound. Her powerful vocals add depth and emotion to both up-tempo tracks and ballads, particularly shining in songs like "Like Ooh-Ahh" and "What is Love?". Her ability to harmonize with other members became a defining element of TWICE's distinctive musical identity.

Beyond her vocal contributions, Jeongyeon has participated in the creative process. She has been credited as a songwriter on several of TWICE's tracks, demonstrating her artistic input extends beyond performance.

Jeongyeon's popularity soared alongside TWICE's rising fame. Consequently, she secured a place among the top 20 most popular idols in South Korea for four consecutive years (2016-2019) in Gallup Korea's annual music poll, an achievement shared with her bandmate Nayeon.

Prior to TWICE's formation, Jeongyeon had already gained some public recognition. In 2014, she appeared with Nayeon in GOT7's "Girls Girls Girls" music video, followed by an appearance in miss A's "Only You" music video in 2015.

As one of the original nine members who forged TWICE's identity, Jeongyeon's contributions to the group's success cannot be overstated. Her journey from trainee to established idol exemplifies perseverance in the competitive K-pop industry, resulting in a career that would continue to evolve in the years following their spectacular debut.

Health struggles and hiatus periods

Behind Jeongyeon's bright smile lies a challenging health journey that temporarily removed her from the spotlight at the height of TWICE's popularity. These health battles revealed not only her physical resilience but moreover her mental fortitude in the demanding world of K-pop.

Spinal disc herniation and surgery

Jeongyeon's health struggles began publicly in 2020 when she was diagnosed with spinal disc herniation. The condition affected her neck, causing symptoms severe enough to impact her ability to perform. "While we were filming the 'MORE & MORE' music video, I felt a numbness that went all the way to my ear," Jeongyeon revealed.

The timing couldn't have been worse—just one week before TWICE's comeback with "More & More" in June 2020, Jeongyeon underwent disc surgery. Despite this major procedure, she attempted to continue with promotional activities. "I really hated the thought of showing ONCE an imperfect performance," she explained, revealing why she requested that broadcasting stations not film individual fan cams of her during this period.

Mental health: anxiety and panic disorder

Jeongyeon's physical challenges soon compounded with mental health struggles. On October 17, 2020, JYP Entertainment announced that she would take her first hiatus from group activities due to anxiety. This break lasted approximately three months, with Jeongyeon rejoining TWICE at the 30th Seoul Music Awards on January 31, 2021.

Unfortunately, her return proved short-lived. On August 18, 2021, the company announced that Jeongyeon would begin a second hiatus, specifically citing "panic and psychological anxiety" as the reasons. According to the statement: "Although Jeongyeon was moving forward with her schedule by simultaneously taking action for recovery, we value our artists' health as the most important issue".

Surprisingly, during this difficult period, Jeongyeon found comfort in an unexpected place. "This is the first time I'm revealing this, but during my hiatus when I had panic disorder, I went to work part-time at a cafe," she later shared on her YouTube variety show. "I worked from 6am to 4pm" at her friend's family cafe.

Throughout her health journey, Jeongyeon faced additional challenges, including weight fluctuations likely resulting from her medication. According to reporter Lee Jin Ho, the steroid treatments commonly prescribed after disc surgery typically cause side effects including edema (swelling) and increased appetite.

Comebacks and fan support

In February 2022, after nearly six months away, Jeongyeon resumed activities with TWICE, starting with the North American leg of their fourth world tour "III". The emotional weight of her return became evident during their comeback concert when she broke down in tears, saying: "It's been a long time since I last participated in a concert. I was actually really nervous and worried prior to the concert. But once I stood on stage I realized everyone really loved me".

Her fellow TWICE members demonstrated their unwavering support, memorably surrounding her in a group hug during this emotional moment. Similarly, fans rallied around her, trending the hashtag #WeLoveYouJeongyeon on social media platforms.

Certainly, Jeongyeon's health journey showcases the often-hidden struggles behind K-pop's glamorous facade. In March 2023, she reflected on this period in a GQ Korea interview, discussing "her vulnerability and her strong will to overcome challenges and continue growing, both personally and professionally".

Musical contributions and songwriting

Beyond her vocal prowess as TWICE's lead singer, Jeongyeon has steadily built an impressive portfolio of creative contributions throughout her career, revealing the artistic depth behind her performer persona.

Songs written by Jeongyeon

Jeongyeon began her songwriting journey in 2017 with "Love Line" from TWICE's first full album Twicetagram, marking her first solo writing credit. Her creative output expanded with subsequent releases:

"Sweet Talker" (2018) from What Is Love? EP, co-written with Chaeyoung
"La La La" (2018) from Yes or Yes EP
"21:29" (2019) from Feel Special EP, a special collaboration where all nine TWICE members contributed lyrics as a heartfelt reply to fan letters
"Sweet Summer Day" (2020) from More & More EP, another collaboration with Chaeyoung
"Celebrate" (2022) from the Japanese album of the same name
"BLOOM" (2024) from With YOU-th album

In fact, Jeongyeon has participated in writing at least six songs for TWICE's Korean releases and contributed to Japanese versions as well. Her involvement in songwriting demonstrates her growth as an artist beyond performing.

Notable collaborations and OSTs

In addition to her work with TWICE, Jeongyeon has participated in several collaborative projects. She joined the collective "ENCORE" project with other JYP Nation artists in 2016. Furthermore, she recorded "Like a Star" (2018) with her sister Gong Seung-yeon, highlighting their musical connection.

Most notably, in June 2025, Jeongyeon teamed up with fellow TWICE members Jihyo and Chaeyoung for "TAKEDOWN," the lead single for Netflix's animated musical fantasy film "KPop Demon Hunters". The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching the 86th position on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart—marking Jeongyeon's first entry on this prestigious ranking.

Solo releases and vocal covers

Jeongyeon has likewise ventured into solo territory. In 2023, she released a cover of "O Christmas Tree" as part of Apple Music's Carols Covered playlist. This project showcased her distinctive vocal color outside the group setting.

In 2025, she released her solo track "FIX A DRINK", which was not included in TWICE's fourth full album "THIS IS FOR". This independent release represents an important step in establishing her individual musical identity while maintaining her position within the group.

Throughout these various projects, Jeongyeon has consistently demonstrated versatility as both a performer and creator, steadily building her artistic reputation within the competitive K-pop industry.

Expanding horizons: Acting and media presence

Yoo Jeongyeon's versatility extends far beyond her musical talents, as she continues to build a diverse portfolio across multiple entertainment platforms. With each new venture, she demonstrates her adaptability and growing confidence as an all-around entertainer.

Hosting and variety show appearances

Jeongyeon's television career began significantly in July 2016 when she co-hosted the prestigious South Korean music program Inkigayo alongside her sister Gong Seung-yeon and actor Kim Min-su. This family collaboration proved successful, with both sisters winning the Newcomer Award at the 2016 SBS Entertainment Awards for their hosting abilities. Their joint hosting stint continued until January 22, 2017, after which Jeongyeon posted a heartfelt message on Twitter thanking fans for their support.

Throughout her career, Jeongyeon has appeared on numerous variety programs, showcasing different facets of her personality. Beyond her well-known participation in SIXTEEN, she competed on Muscle Queen Project in 2016 and ventured into the wilderness on Law of the Jungle that same year. More recently, she appeared as a guest on the 2025 dance competition World of Street Woman Fighter, joining the OSAKA Ojo Gang Mega Crew Mission alongside fellow TWICE members Nayeon, Momo, Sana and Jihyo.

Acting debut in 'Recruits: The Movie'

In July 2025, news broke that Jeongyeon would be making her acting debut in "The Recruit: The Movie," a spin-off of the popular drama series known for its realistic yet comedic portrayal of South Korean military life. After nearly ten years in the entertainment industry, she has been cast as an army nurse officer, marking her first foray into acting.

Whereas the original series focused on life inside a military unit, the film adaptation will center on a military hospital setting. According to production team representatives, "We have offered TWICE's Jeongyeon the role of a nurse officer in the film, and she is currently reviewing the offer positively". With filming scheduled to begin later in 2025, Jeongyeon is reportedly adjusting her schedule to prepare for the shoot.

Magazine features and interviews

Jeongyeon has increasingly become a sought-after figure for major publications. In March 2023, she graced GQ Korea magazine with a 10-page solo pictorial spread and in-depth interview. During this feature, she openly discussed her journey with self-confidence and shared her perspectives on success and failure, offering readers insight into her vulnerability and determination to overcome personal challenges.

Her relationship with GQ Korea continued to flourish, as she appeared again in April 2024 and was featured in the magazine's May 2024 issue. These repeated appearances in such a prestigious publication highlight her growing influence beyond the music industry, establishing her as a fashion icon and thought leader alongside her identity as a K-pop star.

Style, image, and fan appeal

Yoo Jeongyeon's visual identity stands as one of the most distinctive elements in TWICE's colorful ensemble, creating a unique position for her within the competitive landscape of K-pop aesthetics.

Signature short hair and girl crush vibe

First and foremost, Jeongyeon's short hair has become her trademark look throughout much of her career. During a TWICELIGHTS concert in Seoul, she announced her decision to return to this signature style, playfully responding "Why? Because I want to!" when fellow members questioned her choice. This bold haircut consistently drew attention, making her stand out while highlighting her model-esque features. Many fans consider her peak visual periods to be during the "Like Ooh-Ahh" or "Cheer Up" eras when she sported particularly striking short styles.

Her unique appearance earned her the nickname "Sailor Uranus" early in her career, referencing both her long legs and tomboy-ish image. In essence, Jeongyeon's short hair wasn't merely a stylistic choice—it became a defining aspect of her identity within the group, with some fans passionately declaring that "Signal era Jeongyeon" with her "blonde 80's haircut looked so incredibly good on her".

Jeongyeon's influence on TWICE's image

To illustrate her impact, Jeongyeon's distinctive look provided a visual counterbalance within TWICE, offering variety beyond traditional feminine imagery typically associated with K-pop girl groups. As she experimented with different styles—occasionally growing her hair longer before returning to shorter cuts—each transformation sparked significant fan discussion.

Her styling occasionally became controversial, especially regarding her weight fluctuations following health issues. In 2024, eagle-eyed fans noticed her body had been digitally altered in a music video to appear thinner, prompting them to call out the management agency. Given these points, many argued that criticism of her styling often stemmed more from fatphobia than actual fashion concerns.

Fanbase and popularity rankings

Overall, Jeongyeon commands a substantial following despite ranking ninth among TWICE members in social media metrics with over 8.5 million Instagram followers. Her online presence continues growing as she balances group activities with individual projects.

Her visual appeal has increasingly gained recognition on South Korean forums, with fans praising her "oval-shaped face, delicate nose bridge, and stunning eye shape". As can be seen through numerous fan comments, many consider her "arguably the most beautiful member" despite not typically being mentioned in TWICE's visual line.

Jeongyeon now: 2025 achievements and milestones

The year 2025 has emerged as a watershed moment in Yoo Jeongyeon's career, propelling her into new professional territories hitherto unexplored in her decade-long journey with TWICE.

Billboard Hot 100 entry with 'Takedown'

June 2025 marked a historic milestone for Jeongyeon as she collaborated with TWICE members Jihyo and Chaeyoung on "TAKEDOWN," a standout track from Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters". Released on June 20th as the first song on the digital soundtrack album, the track quickly gained significant traction. By July 15th, "TAKEDOWN" had accomplished something remarkable—debuting at #86 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This achievement represented Jeongyeon's first-ever entry on this prestigious American music ranking, effectively expanding her international recognition beyond the traditional K-pop sphere.

Return to stage and world tour

Merely a month after her Billboard breakthrough, Jeongyeon joined her fellow TWICE members for their sixth world tour titled "THIS IS FOR". The ambitious concert series commenced with two consecutive performances in Incheon on July 19-20, subsequently extending to major venues across Japan, Macao, Philippines, Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Additionally, the group secured a coveted performance slot at Lollapalooza Chicago on July 31st, affirming their growing presence in the American festival circuit. This extensive touring schedule followed the July 11th release of TWICE's fourth full-length album, providing Jeongyeon fresh material to showcase her vocal abilities.

Current image and public perception

Throughout 2025, public perception of Jeongyeon has undergone a positive transformation. Recent concert footage featuring her performances has accumulated hundreds of thousands of views online, accompanied by overwhelmingly positive comments celebrating her appearance and talents. Industry observers note that 2025 has been "Jeongyeon's year," evidenced by increased promotional opportunities including the "THIS IS FOR" album teaser, participation in the Ojogang dance crew, and her flourishing "Inspector" YouTube channel. Perhaps even more importantly, Jeongyeon has emerged as visibly healthier and more engaged, actively participating in all group activities after her previous health challenges.