Who is Chaeyoung TWICE? Untold Story Behind K-pop's Creative Idol

Chaeyoung TWICE stands out as the main rapper who became the first member of the sensational K-pop group to receive writing credits back in 2016. Born on April 23, 1999, in Seoul, South Korea, the multifaceted artist has developed remarkably since her debut in 2015, balancing group activities with individual creative pursuits.

Since securing her spot in TWICE through JYP's survival show SIXTEEN in 2015, Son Chaeyoung has evolved beyond her initial role. Not only did she officially debut with the group on October 20, 2015, with their first mini-album "The Story Begins", but she has also established herself as a creative force within the K-pop industry. According to Korean news outlet Joynews24, she is reportedly set to become the fourth member to debut as a soloist in the latter half of 2025. With an estimated net worth between $4 million and $6 million USD, Chaeyoung continues to expand her artistic repertoire while maintaining her position as an integral member of one of K-pop's most successful girl groups.

Early Life and Artistic Roots

Son Chaeyoung entered the world on April 23, 1999, in Dunchon-dong, a neighborhood in the Gangdong district of Seoul, South Korea. Her name carries beautiful meanings in Korean—"variegated colors," "crystal," or "flower"—reflecting the artistic essence that would define her journey. Growing up in a supportive family environment, Chaeyoung's household consisted of her parents and younger brother, Son Jeong-hoon, who was born in 2000 and later pursued modeling himself.

Childhood in Seoul and family background

Chaeyoung's early years were notably shaped by time spent with her grandmother, an influence that manifested in her lifelong preference for healthy foods like fruits and vegetables over sweets—a trait her bandmates would later often observe. This close-knit Seoul family provided a foundation of stability and encouragement for her burgeoning artistic talents.

Her educational path eventually led her to Hanlim Multi Art School for secondary education, where she studied alongside fellow TWICE member Tzuyu, with both graduating on February 11, 2019. Throughout her childhood, Chaeyoung's parents consistently supported her creative aspirations, establishing the groundwork for her future career.

Modeling and early interest in performing arts

Remarkably, Chaeyoung's fascination with performing arts emerged when she was merely two years old. This early artistic inclination led her to take an acting class, which subsequently opened doors to her first professional creative endeavor—modeling for a children's magazine.

By age six, Chaeyoung had already developed a clear vision for her future, deciding she wanted to become a singer. Demonstrating remarkable dedication for someone so young, she committed to over a year of intensive dance lessons to develop her skills before pursuing this dream professionally.

Throughout these formative years, Chaeyoung cultivated the multifaceted artistic sensibilities that would later distinguish her within TWICE. Her early exposure to different creative mediums established a versatile foundation that would serve her well in the demanding world of K-pop.

Joining JYP Entertainment at age 13

The pivotal moment in Chaeyoung's journey toward K-pop stardom arrived on June 6, 2012. At just 13 years old, she courageously attended auditions for JYP Entertainment, one of South Korea's most prestigious entertainment companies. Impressively, Chaeyoung passed two rounds of auditions, demonstrating exceptional talent and potential despite her young age.

Following her successful audition, Chaeyoung embarked on an intensive training period that would last nearly three years. During this crucial developmental phase, she refined her rapping, dancing, and vocal skills while preparing for a potential debut. This rigorous training ultimately positioned her to compete in JYP's 2015 survival show "Sixteen," which would determine the members of a new girl group.

The challenging journey from childhood artistic interests to becoming a JYP trainee showcased Chaeyoung's determination and natural talent. Her early artistic roots—spanning acting, modeling, dancing, and eventually rapping and singing—created the foundation for the multifaceted idol who would later help define TWICE's distinctive sound and image.

Debut Journey: From Trainee to TWICE

After nearly three years of rigorous training at JYP Entertainment, Chaeyoung's path to stardom took a decisive turn in early 2015. The talented young trainee would soon face her biggest challenge yet—a competition that would forever change her life and the K-pop landscape.

Participation in Sixteen (2015)

In February 2015, JYP Entertainment founder J.Y. Park announced that the lineup of an upcoming girl group would be determined through a survival show called "Sixteen". Beginning on May 5, 2015, the show pitted sixteen JYP trainees against one another, evaluating them not just on singing and dancing abilities but furthermore on charisma and personality.

Throughout the competition, Chaeyoung demonstrated remarkable resilience. Initially placed in the "Major" team, she faced several shifts between the advantaged "Major" and disadvantaged "Minor" groups as challenges progressed. Despite the pressure, Chaeyoung impressed the judges with her unique rap style and stage presence.

In the finale on July 7, Chaeyoung secured her position by ranking sixth among the seven initially selected members. The final lineup was expanded to nine members when Park added Tzuyu (the audience's pick) and Momo (for her exceptional performance abilities). This decision sparked controversy at the time, with many criticizing the addition of previously eliminated contestants.

Debut with TWICE and initial success

TWICE officially debuted on October 20, 2015, with their first extended play "The Story Begins" and lead single "Like Ooh-Ahh". The group's name, chosen by Park, carried a meaningful concept: "The group will touch people's hearts twice: once through the ears, and once again through the eyes".

Initially, their reception was lukewarm:

The EP debuted at number 4 on the Gaon Album Chart
"Like Ooh-Ahh" reached only number 22 on the Gaon Digital Chart
A week post-release, the single dropped to number 57 on Melon

Nevertheless, through consistent promotions and performances, the song experienced a rare "reverse run" on Korean music charts, climbing back into the top 10 of various platforms by mid-November. Within five months, their debut music video reached 50 million views on YouTube, becoming one of the most-viewed debut videos for any K-pop group.

The members themselves initially doubted their potential success. As Jihyo later admitted, "Like Ooh-Ahh didn't top the chart right away. I had no expectations. I didn't imagine our future". However, the song would ultimately become a staple in TWICE's catalog, accumulating over 450 million YouTube views.

Their early achievements earned them the "Best New Female Artist" award at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards in December. The following year, they secured even greater success with "Cheer Up," which won Song of the Year at MAMA.

Role as main rapper and sub-vocalist

Within TWICE's carefully balanced lineup, Chaeyoung established herself as the group's main rapper alongside her sub-vocalist position. Her unique style and delivery brought distinctive color to TWICE's sound, particularly in their early releases.

In addition to her performance abilities, Chaeyoung made history as the first TWICE member to receive songwriting credits. She wrote a rap verse for their version of J.Y. Park's "Precious Love" on their 2016 EP "Page Two". This achievement marked the beginning of her creative contributions to the group's discography, setting a precedent for her ongoing involvement in writing lyrics for multiple TWICE songs.

Creative Contributions to TWICE

Beyond her performing duties, Son Chaeyoung quickly established herself as a creative powerhouse within TWICE. Her artistic background proved valuable as she began contributing to the group's music and visual identity almost immediately after debut.

First songwriting credit: 'Precious Love'

In 2016, just months after TWICE's debut, Chaeyoung made history by becoming the first member to receive official writing credits. This milestone occurred with "Precious Love," the second track on their EP "Page Two". The song itself was a remake of Park Ji-Yoon's 1998 release, originally written and composed by JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin Young.

Chaeyoung's contribution was specifically crafting a new rap verse for TWICE's version. Her lyrics included personal touches that added depth to the remake: "Boy, listen, after meeting you / We cried until our eyes were so puffy that it hurt / We laughed until our stomachs hurt". This initial songwriting opportunity opened doors for her continued creative involvement throughout TWICE's career.

Notable lyrics and rap verses

After this breakthrough, Chaeyoung steadily expanded her songwriting portfolio. She penned lyrics for numerous TWICE tracks across multiple albums, including "Eye Eye Eyes," "힘내! (Don't give up)," "Sweet Talker," "Young & Wild," and "Strawberry". Her collaborative spirit showed through co-writing efforts with fellow members—"Sweet Talker" with Jeongyeon and "Eye Eye Eyes" with Jihyo.

A significant achievement came with the group's second Japanese studio album "&Twice." On the track "How U Doin'," Chaeyoung ventured into composition for the first time, making her the first TWICE member to take this creative step. She co-composed the track alongside Frants and Risa Horie.

Her lyrics often reflect her thoughtful personality, as seen in the all-member collaboration "21:29," where each member contributed to create a heartfelt message to their fans. More recently, Chaeyoung has continued her songwriting journey with contributions to "HANDLE IT," "Basics," and "RUSH".

Additionally, she created an unreleased solo track titled "내 기타 (My Guitar)," which was performed during TWICE's 5th World Tour "READY TO BE". In 2023, she crossed into international collaboration by contributing to the remix of Coco & Clair Clair's "Pop Star".

Designing album covers and merchandise

Chaeyoung's artistic talents extend well beyond music. Her visual art skills have made tangible impacts on TWICE's merchandise and packaging. Most notably, she designed the limited edition cover for the "Page Two" EP, which fans commonly refer to as being very "Chaeyoungcore" in its aesthetic.

Her design contributions continued with the creation of three different pairs of Spris shoes, allowing fans to literally walk in footwear designed by their favorite idol. These items have become coveted collector's pieces among TWICE enthusiasts.

There has been ongoing discussion about Chaeyoung's potential involvement in designing TWICE's iconic logo. Though the logo appeared before the group's official formation (visible during their "Sixteen" survival show), Chaeyoung reportedly confirmed having "a hand in its design" during her appearance on the variety show "No Prepare". Some speculate that she created an original design that was later refined by JYP Entertainment's corporate team for optimization purposes.

Throughout her years with TWICE, Chaeyoung has consistently brought her unique artistic sensibilities to the group's visual and musical identity, establishing herself as much more than just a performer—she's a multifaceted creator whose contributions have helped shape TWICE's distinctive brand.

Solo Projects and Melody Covers

Throughout her career with TWICE, Chaeyoung has carved out space for personal artistic expression through several notable solo endeavors. Outside of her group activities, these projects showcase her versatile vocal abilities and artistic vision.

Covers of 'Alone', 'Off My Face', and 'Weatherman'

As part of TWICE's "Melody Project" series, Chaeyoung has released three distinctive cover songs that highlight her vocal range. Her first solo Melody Project arrived in December 2016 with a cover of "Alone," originally performed by Dalchong of Cheeze. This early showcase of her vocal abilities earned praise for its sweet, gentle tone and demonstrated her artistic range beyond rapping.

Five years later, Chaeyoung returned to the Melody Project series with her rendition of Justin Bieber's "Off My Face" in October 2021. The cover stayed true to the original's acoustic sound while adding her unique interpretation. The accompanying visual depicted Chaeyoung in a dreamlike state, transported to an ethereal forest where she performed from her darkened bedroom, illuminated only by projector light. Fan reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the "pleasant and lovely" quality of her vocals.

In 2023, she released her third Melody Project, covering Eddie Benjamin's "Weatherman". This production perfectly captured her aesthetic sensibilities, with one fan describing it as "quintessentially Chaeyoung" and noting that she's "so weird too, in the absolute best way possible". The cover's success prompted discussions among fans about potential solo debut possibilities, with many commenting that the style and production would suit a future solo release.

Unreleased solo track 'My Guitar'

Beyond covers, Chaeyoung has begun sharing original material. During TWICE's 5th World Tour "Ready to Be," she performed an unreleased solo track titled "My Guitar". The song features Chaeyoung personifying her guitar while discussing when she first purchased it and her connection with the instrument.

The lyrics carry significant ambiguity, with fans interpreting the guitar metaphor in various ways—representing her mother, TWICE's fandom (ONCE), or even Chaeyoung herself. Despite these varied interpretations, the song clearly conveys the comfort this "guitar" brings to her life. Chaeyoung reportedly began learning to play the actual instrument in 2022 in anticipation of a potential solo debut.

Collaboration with Coco & Clair Clair

In October 2023, Chaeyoung made history as the first TWICE member to participate in a solo collaboration outside the group. She joined American pop duo Coco & Clair Clair for a remix of their track "Pop Star," which was released on October 25, 2023, as part of their "Sexy (Deluxe Edition)" album.

The collaboration generated significant buzz in the music industry given the contrasting styles between TWICE's K-pop sound and Coco & Clair Clair's synth-pop aesthetics. Fans who heard the remix noted that Chaeyoung "added an airy feel to the song," with one listener commenting it "reminds me of Basics" (a TWICE track Chaeyoung helped write).

This diverse range of solo projects highlights Chaeyoung's growth as an individual artist while maintaining her position within TWICE. Her musical endeavors outside the group demonstrate both her versatility and willingness to explore different genres and creative avenues.

Chaeyoung’s Style and Tattoos

Son Chaeyoung has cultivated a distinct visual identity within TWICE, becoming known as much for her bold fashion choices as for her creative contributions to the group's music.

Signature short hair and fashion sense

Unlike many female K-pop idols who maintain long hairstyles, Chaeyoung boldly embraced short hair early in her career, first debuting her signature pixie cut during TWICE's "Cheer Up" era in 2016. This decision marked a pivotal moment in establishing her unique identity within the group. Over the years, she has experimented with various short styles—from a bob during "What is Love?" promotions to an even shorter cut for "Fancy" and "Feel Special" eras.

Beyond her iconic hairstyle, Chaeyoung's fashion sense reflects her artistic personality. She consistently gravitates toward eclectic, vintage-inspired pieces that set her apart from conventional K-pop styling. Her off-stage wardrobe often features oversized silhouettes, distinctive accessories, and artistic elements that mirror her creative interests. Rather than following trends, she creates them, mixing high-fashion pieces with thrifted finds to create looks that fans affectionately describe as "Chaeyoungcore."

Meaning behind her tattoos

Equally noteworthy, Chaeyoung has accumulated multiple tattoos—a relatively uncommon choice for female idols in the conservative Korean entertainment industry. Her first visible tattoo appeared in 2018, featuring the phrase "This too shall pass" on her inner arm. Over time, she has added several more pieces, including a strawberry (referencing her nickname "Strawberry Princess"), the word "Inspire" on her shoulder, a fish on her wrist, and a small heart near her thumb.

Each tattoo appears thoughtfully chosen to represent aspects of her personality or journey. For instance, her back features an art piece inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat's work, reflecting her appreciation for contemporary art. Most of her tattoos remained strategically placed where they could be easily covered during broadcasts to comply with Korean television standards, which have traditionally restricted the display of tattoos.

Influence on K-pop aesthetics

Chaeyoung's distinctive style has gradually influenced the broader K-pop landscape. Her willingness to embrace androgynous fashion elements and maintain short hair has helped expand acceptable styling options for female idols. Newer generation groups increasingly feature members with similar aesthetic choices, suggesting a shifting paradigm in K-pop's visual presentation.

Furthermore, her integration of artistic references into her personal style has encouraged fans to explore art, fashion, and design beyond music. Many ONCE members cite Chaeyoung as their introduction to contemporary artists or vintage fashion aesthetics, demonstrating her cultural impact extends beyond her musical contributions.

Public Image and Controversies

In March 2023, Chaeyoung's carefully cultivated public image faced significant challenges after two back-to-back controversial clothing choices made international headlines.

QAnon and swastika T-shirt incidents

Chaeyoung's controversy began during a performance on South Korea's music television program "Show! Music Core," where she wore a cropped T-shirt featuring a Q-shaped American flag with the words "We Go All". This design immediately drew criticism from international observers who recognized it as altered QAnon merchandise, referencing the American far-right conspiracy movement known for spreading baseless theories.

Just days later, Chaeyoung posted a photo on her Instagram account—followed by 8.6 million fans—wearing a T-shirt featuring Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious sporting a swastika. Although she quickly deleted the image, it had already been widely seen and circulated online. Both incidents occurred during a particularly inopportune moment as TWICE was experiencing growing popularity in international markets, having recently launched to the top of the Billboard 200 with their mini-album "Ready to Be".

Public apologies and fan reactions

Responding to the backlash, Chaeyoung issued a formal apology on Instagram stating: "I didn't correctly recognize the meaning of the tilted swastika in the t-shirt I wore". Her statement continued: "I deeply apologize for not thoroughly reviewing it, causing concern. I will pay absolute attention in the future to prevent any situation similar from happening again". Notably, her apology addressed only the swastika incident, without explicitly mentioning the QAnon shirt controversy.

Fan reactions were divided. Many supporters defended her, suggesting she likely didn't understand the problematic symbols. Others expressed disappointment, with one Twitter user noting: "Even if chaeyoung apologized how do u not know the significance of the swastika". Some fans directed blame toward her styling team rather than Chaeyoung herself.

Impact on her image and lessons learned

These incidents came at a crucial moment in TWICE's career—just as they prepared to embark on their most extensive world tour with stops across Asia, Australia, North America, and beyond. The controversies provided a sobering reminder of the global scrutiny K-pop idols face.

Interestingly, Chaeyoung's controversies weren't isolated incidents in K-pop. The industry has experienced multiple Nazi imagery controversies, including similar situations with members of BTS, GFriend, Purple Kiss, and Epex. These recurring issues highlight the ongoing challenge for K-pop idols navigating international cultural sensitivities as their global influence expands.

Personal Life and Relationships

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Chaeyoung has nurtured meaningful relationships both inside and outside the K-pop industry. Her close personal connections reveal a side of the idol that fans rarely glimpse through official promotions.

Friendships with Somi and Rosé

Chaeyoung's friendship with soloist Jeon Somi spans more than eight years, beginning when both were JYP Entertainment trainees and continuing through their appearance on "Sixteen". Their bond remained strong after Chaeyoung debuted with TWICE while Somi took a different path. Consequently, both artists consistently support each other's careers, with Chaeyoung joining Somi's "XOXO" TikTok challenge and Somi incorporating TWICE choreography into her performances.

During Somi's YouTube show "Yes Or Hot," they revealed their friendship once resembled dating. Somi confessed she "put all her puberty on" Chaeyoung, admitting she would cry when Chaeyoung didn't greet her in the morning or when she spent time with other TWICE members. Chaeyoung recalled being "so sad" when Somi didn't make it into TWICE, saying: "We were stuck together. I was so sad I couldn't be in a team with you".

Concurrently, Chaeyoung maintains a close relationship with BLACKPINK's Rosé. Their friendship began around 2017, bonding over sharing the same Korean first name (albeit with different Hanja). Fans affectionately call them "CHAEYOUNGZ" or "DOUBLE CHAEYOUNG". The pair was spotted having dinner at an Italian restaurant in Itaewon, where they left autographs for the owner.

Relationship with Zion.T

On April 5, 2024, JYP Entertainment confirmed Chaeyoung's relationship with R&B artist Zion.T. The couple had been dating for approximately six months prior to the announcement. According to reports, Chaeyoung was attracted to his "free-spirited and musician personality," which aligned with her preference for "slim and artistic individuals".

The pair reportedly enjoyed quiet dates in Hannam-Dong and Yeonhui-Dong neighborhoods, away from public attention. Their agencies released matching statements: "The two are dating with good feelings for each other". There exists a nine-year age gap between them, with Chaeyoung approaching 25 and Zion.T being 34.

Faith, family, and lifestyle choices

Throughout her personal journey, Chaeyoung has maintained her Catholic faith, with Catarina (or Katarina) as her baptismal name. She attended Hanlim Multi Art School alongside fellow TWICE member Tzuyu, graduating together in February 2019.

In 2020, Chaeyoung experienced a privacy breach when her personal phone number leaked on social media, prompting JYP Entertainment to release an official statement and Chaeyoung herself to respond directly through TWICE's Instagram page. This incident highlighted the challenges K-pop idols face in maintaining personal boundaries while living in the public eye.

Discography and Media Appearances

Chaeyoung's repertoire extends far beyond her rapping and performing abilities, encompassing an impressive collection of creative works throughout her career with TWICE.

Songwriting and composition credits

Chaeyoung holds the distinction of having the most songwriting credits among all TWICE members. Her extensive portfolio includes contributions to numerous tracks across the group's discography. After her initial writing credit for "Precious Love," she continued crafting lyrics for songs including "Eye Eye Eyes," "Missing U," "Don't Give Up," "Sweet Talker," and "Young & Wild".

Throughout subsequent years, she expanded her creative footprint with compositions for "Strawberry," "21:29," "Handle It," "The Feels (Korean ver.)," "Celebrate," "Basics," and most recently, "Rush" from TWICE's 2024 album "With YOU-th". Moreover, she ventured into composition, co-creating "How u doin'" for TWICE's Japanese album "&TWICE".

TV shows and hosting gigs

Before her official debut, Chaeyoung participated in JYP's survival show "Sixteen," finishing in 6th place. Her television portfolio includes appearances on variety programs like "Two Yoo Project Sugar Man" alongside Nayeon, Jihyo, and Tzuyu.

In 2019, she joined Tzuyu and Dahyun as cast members on "Battle Trip" for episodes 141-142. Furthermore, she showcased her hosting abilities in 2016 at the "Suwon K-pop Super Concert" with Kim Hee-chul, Zhou Mi, and fellow TWICE member Momo. Most recently, she joined Jeongyeon and Jihyo to record "Takedown" for the Netflix animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" soundtrack.

Photobooks and music video cameos

Before debuting with TWICE, Chaeyoung made several cameo appearances in JYP Entertainment music videos. She featured prominently in GOT7's "Stop Stop It" (2014) alongside Dahyun. Additionally, she appeared in Miss A's "Only You" (2015) alongside other future TWICE members. After debut, she joined other TWICE members in J.Y. Park's "Fire" music video featuring Conan O'Brien.

In February 2023, JYP Entertainment released "Yes, I am Chaeyoung," her first solo photobook. This 254-page hardcover publication (measuring 223 x 290 mm) came with special extras including an eight-piece accordion postcard set and two photocards. The photobook was available in two versions—Neon Lime and Neon Pink—with 50 special editions containing polaroids featuring Chaeyoung's autograph. She became the sixth TWICE member to release a photobook in the "Yes, I Am" series.