Jihyo (TWICE): The Untold Story Behind K-pop's Rising Leader

Jihyo trained for an impressive 10 years before finally making her debut in the K-pop industry. This extraordinary dedication laid the foundation for her journey from a young trainee to becoming the leader of one of K-pop's most successful girl groups, TWICE.

After debuting with TWICE in 2015 through the survival show SIXTEEN, Jihyo took on leadership responsibilities following a democratic process where she was voted leader by her fellow members, not by JYP Entertainment's founder. Her career reached another milestone in August 2023 when she made her solo debut with the extended play ZONE and its lead single "Killin' Me Good". The EP demonstrated her individual star power by debuting at number one on the Circle Album Chart and selling an impressive 584,225 copies in its first week. Additionally, the album reached number 14 on the Billboard 200 in the United States, further establishing her global appeal.

Early life and the making of Park Jihyo

Park Jihyo's story begins in Guri, a city in South Korea's Gyeonggi Province, where she was born into a supportive family environment. Her childhood home played a crucial role in nurturing the talent that would later captivate global audiences as TWICE's leader.

Birthplace and family background

Jihyo grew up in a close-knit family consisting of her parents and two younger sisters. Her mother, Cho Mi-ja, along with her father, recognized their daughter's potential early on and provided unwavering support for her artistic pursuits. This foundation proved essential as she embarked on her journey toward K-pop stardom.

Her middle sister, Park Ji-young (born in 2002), has carved her own path in the entertainment industry. Also known by her stage name Lee Ha-eum, Ji-young has established herself as an actress and model who debuted in 2022 with the film "The Art of Loving" and appeared in KBS's "The Matchmakers" in 2023. Meanwhile, her youngest sister, Park Seo-yeon (born in 2008), maintains a lower profile away from public attention, though Jihyo often mentions her in personal anecdotes.

Jihyo real name and name change

Originally born as Park Ji-soo (박지수), Jihyo made a significant personal decision to legally change her name to Park Ji-hyo (박지효) at the age of 18. This name change occurred specifically before her participation in "Sixteen," the survival show that would ultimately lead to TWICE's formation. The timing of this decision suggests it may have been part of her preparation for a new chapter in her career journey.

While the exact reasoning behind her name change remains somewhat private, this transformation from Ji-soo to Ji-hyo symbolizes her evolution as an artist. Consequently, she has promoted under the name Jihyo throughout her entire career with TWICE, making it the identity K-pop fans worldwide have come to recognize and celebrate.

Jihyo birthday and zodiac sign

Born on February 1, 1997, Jihyo is currently 28 years old (as of 2025) and falls under the zodiac sign of Aquarius. Those born under this air sign are typically characterized as innovative, intellectual, and independent thinkers.

Her Aquarius traits align remarkably well with her position as TWICE's leader. People under this sign are often described as "advanced, clever, exceptional, and optimistic" – qualities that prove invaluable for someone entrusted with leadership responsibilities. Moreover, her self-reliance, demonstrated through persevering during her lengthy training period, reflects classic Aquarian resilience.

Born on the first day of February, sometimes called the "love month," there's a poetic element to how Jihyo's birth date aligns with her role as someone who helps maintain harmony and connection within her group. This combination of natural leadership abilities and astrological alignment creates an interesting backdrop to understanding the personal characteristics that have helped shape her successful career.

The long road: Jihyo’s 10-year trainee journey

Jihyo's path to stardom began much earlier than her TWICE debut, marking one of the longest trainee journeys in K-pop history. The decade she spent preparing would ultimately forge the resilience and skills that define her as an artist and leader.

Joining JYP at age 8

In 2005, a pivotal moment occurred when young Park Ji-soo (now known as Jihyo) participated in a Junior Naver contest. This innocent competition unexpectedly changed her life when she caught the attention of JYP Entertainment scouts. At just eight years old, she auditioned and successfully joined one of South Korea's most prestigious entertainment companies.

Initially, Jihyo didn't enter JYP with dreams of becoming an idol. Instead, her parents enrolled her primarily for acting lessons. However, the company quickly recognized her vocal potential and redirected her training toward singing. This early pivot proved fortunate, as her exceptional voice would eventually become one of her most celebrated attributes.

Despite her young age, Jihyo demonstrated remarkable dedication. Her daily routine involved attending regular school before rushing to JYP's training facilities, where she would practice until late evening. This grueling schedule became her norm for years, sacrificing the typical childhood experiences most of her peers enjoyed.

Training with future K-pop stars

Throughout her decade-long training period, Jihyo formed connections with numerous trainees who would later become prominent K-pop idols. Among her most notable training companions were Nayeon (who would later join her in TWICE), BamBam and Yugyeom (who debuted with GOT7), and even members of ITZY.

These relationships proved invaluable, creating a support network among young people sharing similar dreams and hardships. Jihyo has often spoken about how these friendships helped sustain her through difficult times, particularly when facing the uncertainty of whether she would ever debut.

The training regimen was undeniably intense, including:

Daily vocal training and dance practice
Regular monthly evaluations
Acting and language lessons
Physical fitness training
Media training for interviews and public appearances

Each aspect was designed to create well-rounded performers capable of handling the demands of idol life. For Jihyo, this extensive preparation period became the foundation for her future leadership capabilities.

Almost debuting with 6Mix

After years of training, Jihyo finally appeared close to debut around 2014-2015 as part of a JYP girl group called 6Mix. The group, which included fellow future TWICE member Nayeon, represented what seemed to be the culmination of her long journey.

Nonetheless, 6Mix's debut was repeatedly delayed and ultimately canceled altogether. This devastating setback might have broken the spirit of many trainees, especially one who had already invested nearly a decade in preparation. For Jihyo, however, it became yet another test of perseverance.

Rather than giving up, she took the opportunity to participate in "Sixteen," the survival show that would eventually form TWICE. Despite the pressure and competition, her years of training provided a significant advantage. Her experience, combined with undeniable talent, secured her place in what would become one of K-pop's most successful girl groups.

This extensive journey fundamentally shaped Jihyo's character and approach to her career. The patience and persistence required during those ten years translated directly into the leadership qualities that would later make her TWICE's backbone. Indeed, few idols enter the industry with such thorough preparation or clear understanding of the challenges ahead.

Debuting with TWICE: A new chapter begins

The year 2015 marked a turning point in Jihyo's career when she participated in JYP Entertainment's survival show Sixteen. After nearly a decade of training and the disappointment of the canceled 6Mix project, this competition offered a new opportunity to finally achieve her dream of debuting.

Winning a spot on Sixteen

On May 5, 2015, Jihyo joined fifteen other trainees on Sixteen, a survival show created by JYP Entertainment and Mnet. Unlike typical talent competitions, Sixteen assessed contestants not just on singing and dancing abilities but also on charisma and personality. Throughout the show's ten episodes, which ran until July 7, Jihyo demonstrated remarkable resilience despite facing challenges.

Throughout the competition, Jihyo bounced between the "Major" and "Minor" teams based on her performance in each mission. In one particularly memorable moment, she responded to criticism about her weight by confidently performing Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass," showcasing both her vocal prowess and unshakable self-assurance.

Jihyo's exceptional singing abilities made her highly sought after during the final challenge, with both teams recognizing her value. When the results were announced, she secured her place in the final lineup, placing 7th according to the official Sixteen rankings. This achievement represented the culmination of her decade-long journey as a trainee.

TWICE debut and early success

Subsequently, on October 20, 2015, TWICE officially debuted with their first mini-album "The Story Begins" and its lead single "Like OOH-AHH". The group held a live showcase alongside the release to promote their new music. Although their initial reception was somewhat lukewarm, with their EP debuting at number 4 on the Gaon Album Chart and "Like OOH-AHH" at number 22 on the Gaon Digital Chart, this modest start would soon transform.

Within weeks, the situation changed dramatically as word spread about the group's performances. By November 15, "Like OOH-AHH" had climbed into the top 10 on various Korean music charts including Melon, Genie, and Naver Music. In fact, the song would eventually peak at number 10 on the Gaon Digital Chart three months after its release.

Perhaps most impressively, the music video for "Like OOH-AHH" became the first K-pop debut song to reach 100 million views on YouTube. Within just five months, it had accumulated 50 million views, setting a record as the most-viewed debut music video by a K-pop group at that time. This extraordinary achievement signaled that TWICE was no ordinary rookie group.

The group's early success earned them the "Best New Female Artist" award at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards in December, confirming their status as K-pop's rising stars just months after their debut.

Jihyo's role as main vocalist

First thing to remember, Jihyo's position in TWICE was established from the beginning as both the leader and main vocalist. Her selection as leader came through an anonymous vote among the members themselves rather than being appointed by management, demonstrating the trust and respect her fellow members had in her capabilities despite being relatively younger than some members.

As the main vocalist, Jihyo quickly drew attention for her key role in shaping TWICE's distinctive sound. Critics and fans alike recognized her as a "powerhouse vocalist" with an "impressive vocal range", validating the decision to redirect her training from acting to singing early in her career.

Jihyo's vocal abilities contributed significantly to TWICE's identity and success. In effect, her journey from an 8-year-old trainee to the leader of a globally recognized girl group represented not just personal triumph but also a testament to her extraordinary dedication. Her voice became one of the group's defining elements, helping establish TWICE's place in the competitive K-pop industry.

Becoming the leader: Why Jihyo was chosen

Within TWICE's formation story lies a crucial development that shaped the group's future – the selection of their leader. Unlike many K-pop groups where companies appoint leaders based on age or training period, TWICE took a more democratic approach.

Voted leader by members

After TWICE's formation through the survival show SIXTEEN, the members participated in an anonymous voting process to select their leader. This democratic method empowered the group to choose someone they genuinely trusted rather than having leadership imposed upon them. Primarily, Jihyo emerged as the clear choice with the maximum number of votes.

"We always abide by the decision of the majority!" Nayeon explained during a group interview, confirming the members' collective support for the selection. The members' reasoning was straightforward – they chose Jihyo because of her dependability. Furthermore, they recognized her extensive experience, given that she had been with JYP Entertainment longer than anyone else in the group.

Leadership style and group dynamics

Jihyo's approach to leadership reflects her personality – supportive yet structured. She possesses natural leadership abilities characterized by responsibility, empathy, and strong communication skills. These qualities enable her to maintain group harmony while effectively resolving conflicts when they arise.

Her leadership style particularly shines in how she manages group meetings and decisions. Ultimately, she strives to ensure everyone's voice is heard, maintaining an open mind toward all opinions while being careful not to let her own ideas dominate discussions. This balanced approach creates an environment where all nine members feel valued and respected.

Jihyo's caring personality forms the foundation of her leadership effectiveness. Given that she trained for a decade before debuting, she brings substantial industry knowledge that benefits the entire group. Remarkably, her leadership helps create what she describes as "team vibes [that] are really good".

Balancing pressure and responsibility

Behind the scenes, Jihyo's leadership role carries significant weight. Actually, she once candidly admitted, "It's not hard to play a leadership role, but sometimes I think, 'I'm going to die about five years earlier than my name'". This humorous yet revealing statement highlights the pressure she feels.

During TWICE's contract renewal period, Jihyo even considered stepping down from her leadership position. "When I first renewed my contract, I wanted to say that I wanted to stop being the leader," she confessed. Nevertheless, she recognized that her personality made her suited for the role, acknowledging that groups sometimes need someone who "knows how to criticize and be harsh when needed".

The challenge of balancing her own needs with those of eight other members proves particularly difficult during important decisions. Notwithstanding these challenges, Jihyo has continued in her leadership role, understanding her importance to the group's dynamics and success.

Years into her leadership journey, Jihyo has established herself as the backbone of TWICE, simultaneously serving as their representative voice and supportive foundation. As she once reflected, looking at each member one by one: "We're really proud of each other".

Jihyo’s solo debut and musical evolution

After years of success with TWICE, Jihyo embarked on a new artistic journey in 2023, stepping into the spotlight as a soloist. This phase marked a significant evolution in her musical identity, allowing her to showcase dimensions of her artistry previously unexplored within the group setting.

Release of ZONE and Killin' Me Good

August 2023 represented a milestone in Jihyo's career as she unveiled her debut solo extended play titled "ZONE." The EP featured six tracks, with "Killin' Me Good" serving as the lead single. Upon release, the EP immediately demonstrated Jihyo's individual appeal by debuting at number one on the Circle Album Chart. Impressively, "ZONE" sold 584,225 copies in its first week alone, establishing Jihyo as a formidable solo presence in the industry.

Her international impact proved equally remarkable as the album reached number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States. This achievement underscored her global appeal beyond TWICE's established fanbase. The music video for "Killin' Me Good" similarly captivated audiences with its vibrant visuals and choreography, accumulating millions of views within days of its release.

Genre exploration and vocal growth

Musically, Jihyo's solo work revealed her versatility as an artist. Whereas TWICE's discography primarily embraced bright pop sounds, her solo material ventured into more diverse territory. "ZONE" incorporated elements of R&B, dance-pop, and electronic music, showcasing her willingness to experiment with different genres.

Vocally, the EP highlighted Jihyo's technical abilities in ways that group performances sometimes couldn't accommodate. Songs like "Talkin' About It" featuring 24kGoldn displayed her adeptness at collaborating with artists from different musical backgrounds, essentially broadening her artistic scope.

The title track "Killin' Me Good" primarily showcased her powerful vocal range alongside infectious dance rhythms. Critics noted how this solo venture allowed Jihyo to fully utilize her vocal capabilities without the constraints of having to share lines with eight other members.

First music show win as a soloist

A pivotal moment in Jihyo's solo journey occurred when she secured her first music show win as a soloist. This victory symbolized industry recognition of her individual talents outside TWICE's collective success. The emotional moment was captured as she accepted the award, visibly moved by achieving this milestone under her own name.

Throughout her promotions, Jihyo expressed gratitude toward her TWICE members for their unwavering support of her solo activities. This seamless balance between group identity and individual artistry exemplifies how Jihyo continues to evolve as both TWICE's steadfast leader and an accomplished soloist in her own right.

Beyond the stage: Jihyo’s personality and hobbies

Behind the carefully crafted public image of Park Jihyo lies a fascinating personality with distinctive traits and personal interests that contribute to her uniqueness as both an artist and individual.

MBTI evolution: ISFP to ESTP

Throughout her career, Jihyo's personality type has undergone a notable transformation. Originally identifying as an ISFP (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving), commonly known as "The Artist," she later revealed her evolution to ESTP (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving), often called "The Entrepreneur." This shift potentially reflects her growth from a more reserved trainee to a confident group leader and soloist.

The ESTP personality type typically manifests in individuals who are energetic, action-oriented, and adaptable—traits that align perfectly with Jihyo's leadership approach. As an ESTP, she likely thrives in dynamic environments, making quick decisions based on practical considerations rather than abstract theories. This personality type complements her responsibilities as TWICE's leader, where she must respond to various situations while maintaining group harmony.

Ambidexterity and quirky habits

One of Jihyo's most remarkable physical traits is her ambidexterity—the ability to use both hands with equal facility. This uncommon skill allows her versatility in daily activities and possibly contributes to her adaptability as a performer. Her ambidexterity occasionally surfaces during variety shows and interviews, where she demonstrates writing or performing tasks with either hand.

Regarding quirky habits, Jihyo has several endearing traits that fans have noticed over the years. She often unconsciously pouts her lips when concentrating—a habit that has become one of her recognizable expressions. Additionally, she tends to organize things meticulously, suggesting an attention to detail that extends beyond her professional responsibilities.

Love for webtoons, games, and karaoke

Outside her busy schedule, Jihyo finds relaxation in several hobbies that offer glimpses into her personal interests. She has expressed enthusiasm for webtoons (Korean digital comics), often discussing storylines that capture her attention during her free time.

Gaming represents another significant leisure activity for Jihyo. She enjoys mobile games that she can play during breaks between schedules, as well as console games when she has extended downtime. This hobby provides her with both entertainment and stress relief amid her demanding career.

Perhaps most aligned with her professional identity is Jihyo's love for karaoke. Even after spending countless hours rehearsing and performing, she still chooses singing as a recreational activity. This passion underscores her genuine love for music beyond its professional aspects. During karaoke sessions, she reportedly enjoys singing ballads that showcase her vocal range in ways that might differ from TWICE's typically upbeat repertoire.

These personal interests and traits provide a more complete picture of Jihyo beyond her public persona as TWICE's leader and accomplished soloist.

Public image, awards, and brand power

Jihyo's impact stretches far beyond her role as TWICE's leader, establishing herself as a formidable solo presence in the industry through numerous endorsements, critical recognition, and prestigious accolades.

Brand endorsements and ambassadorships

Throughout the years, Jihyo has secured partnerships with several high-profile brands that showcase her growing influence and marketability. Her endorsement journey began with The Body Shop in 2021, laying the foundation for her solo brand identity. As her career evolved, so did her commercial appeal, leading to a 2023 partnership with Korean cosmetics brand Milk Touch as their official muse.

Jihyo's brand portfolio expanded remarkably in 2024, with prestigious endorsements including AMI Paris, FILA, Outdoor Research as their muse, and Dr+LABNOSH. Most recently in 2025, she became the brand ambassador for Pond's Indonesia, further cementing her international appeal and commercial viability.

Critical acclaim and vocal recognition

Since early in her career, Jihyo has drawn significant attention for her exceptional vocal abilities. Music critics consistently describe her as a "powerhouse vocalist" with an "impressive vocal range", validating her position as TWICE's main vocalist.

Beyond her musical talents, Jihyo has demonstrated remarkable brand power as an individual. Based on the Korean Business Research Institute's monthly rankings, she placed second and third in their "Individual Girl Group Members Brand Power Ranking" in November 2018 and May 2019, respectively, illustrating her substantial influence even within the highly competitive K-pop industry.

Awards and nominations as a soloist

Since launching her solo career, Jihyo has accumulated an impressive array of accolades. Her debut EP Zone achieved Double Platinum certification in October 2023, representing an outstanding 500,000 units sold. She triumphantly won "The Best Solo Award" at the 2024 Asia Star Entertainer Awards, marking a significant milestone in her solo journey.

At the prestigious 2023 MAMA Awards, Jihyo received multiple nominations, including Best Female Artist, Best Dance Performance (Female Solo) for "Killin' Me Good", along with longlists for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. Additionally, her appearances on the variety show "I Live Alone" earned her a Rookie Award nomination at the 2023 MBC Entertainment Awards, demonstrating her versatility beyond music.

These accomplishments highlight Jihyo's remarkable evolution from a group member to a multifaceted solo artist with substantial influence across entertainment, fashion, and beauty industries.

Jihyo’s personal life and relationships

Throughout her career, Jihyo has maintained a largely private personal life, yet certain aspects have inevitably captured public attention as her star power grew in the K-pop industry.

Jihyo dating history: Kang Daniel

In August 2019, news broke that shook the K-pop world when Dispatch, a Korean media outlet known for revealing celebrity relationships, reported that Jihyo was dating soloist Kang Daniel. Their respective agencies swiftly confirmed the relationship, acknowledging that the two had been seeing each other since early 2019. According to reports, they developed a connection through a mutual acquaintance.

The couple's relationship lasted approximately one year. In November 2020, JYP Entertainment and Kang Daniel's agency KONNECT Entertainment jointly announced that the pair had decided to part ways, citing their busy schedules as the primary reason for the breakup. Throughout their relationship, both artists maintained professionalism, rarely discussing their personal connection in public settings.

Rumors and privacy in the spotlight

Living under constant scrutiny, Jihyo has faced various unsubstantiated rumors throughout her career. As is common for female idols, she has confronted speculation about plastic surgery, weight fluctuations, and fabricated relationships. Primarily, she has chosen to address these matters by focusing on her work rather than directly engaging with gossip.

JYP Entertainment has taken legal action against malicious rumors and explicit content involving their artists, including Jihyo. Her approach to maintaining privacy amid public interest illustrates the challenging balance K-pop idols must strike between transparency and personal boundaries.

Her ideal type and views on love

In rare moments when discussing relationships, Jihyo has expressed valuing sincerity and communication. On variety shows, she once mentioned appreciating people who are straightforward and honest. Formerly, she shared that maintaining a relationship requires mutual understanding of each other's busy schedules.

As TWICE's leader, Jihyo has demonstrated a pragmatic outlook on balancing personal and professional responsibilities. In interviews, she has emphasized the importance of respecting boundaries—a philosophy that seems to extend to her approach toward romantic relationships as well.

Even as she navigates fame, Jihyo's measured approach to personal matters reflects her maturity and commitment to maintaining certain aspects of her life away from public consumption.