Who Is Myoui Mina? The Untold Story of TWICE's Japanese Star

Myoui Mina began her remarkable journey as a Texas-born ballet dancer before becoming one of K-pop's most elegant performers. Born on March 24, 1997, in San Antonio, Texas, she trained in classical ballet for eleven years starting at the young age of three. Despite her promising ballet background, Mina's path took an unexpected turn when a JYP Entertainment staff member scouted her while she was shopping with her mother in 2013.

In fact, Mina dropped out of Obayashi Sacred Heart School in Takarazuka, Hyōgo during her second year of high school to pursue a career in K-pop. This decision led her to officially debut as a member of TWICE in October 2015 with their first extended play "The Story Begins". Furthermore, the group's lead single "Like Ooh-Ahh" made history as the first K-pop debut song to reach 100 million views on YouTube. From there, Mina established herself as an essential member of TWICE, earning the nickname "Queen of Bridges" from fans for her distinctive role singing the bridge sections in many of the group's songs.

Early Life and Family Background

The unusual story of Myoui Mina begins with an international twist. Unlike most K-pop idols from Japan who were born and raised there, Mina's life journey started across the Pacific Ocean.

Born in Texas to Japanese Parents

Myoui Mina entered the world on March 24, 1997, in San Antonio, Texas. Her parents, Sachiko (née Terao) and Akira Myoui, were Japanese expatriates temporarily living in the United States. This unique beginning gave Mina a distinction few K-pop idols can claim - American birthright citizenship.

As a result of her birth location, Mina initially held dual citizenship between the United States and Japan. This allowed her to use two different passports interchangeably throughout her childhood and teenage years. However, Japanese law required her to choose one nationality before turning 22, as maintaining both would result in being prohibited from entering Japan for five years. According to reports, Mina ultimately relinquished her American citizenship in 2019.

Additionally, some fans might be surprised to learn that Mina has an English name - Sharon Myoui. This name, however, rarely appears in her professional career.

Move to Japan and Upbringing in Hyōgo

Shortly after her birth, Mina's family returned to Japan, where she would spend her formative years. The Myoui family settled in Nishinomiya, located in Hyōgo Prefecture within the Kansai region.

Interestingly, though Mina grew up in Japan, reports suggest she faced some language challenges. According to one source, when she returned to Hyōgo, she initially didn't know how to speak Japanese despite it being where she was raised. This linguistic adjustment would be just one of many adaptations in her cross-cultural journey.

Mina's education took place at prestigious institutions, including an all-girls school. Later, she attended Obayashi Sacred Heart School in Takarazuka, Hyōgo, though she would eventually make the significant decision to leave during her second year of high school to pursue her K-pop dreams.

Family Influence and Support

The Myoui family created a supportive environment that allowed Mina to pursue her passions from an early age. Particularly notable is her father, Akira Myoui, who serves as a clinical professor and orthopedic surgeon at Osaka University Hospital. His position at one of Japan's top medical facilities has led some fans to view Mina as coming from privileged circumstances.

Her family unit includes one older brother named Kai, born in 1992, making him five years her senior. Although information about Kai remains limited in public domains, the family appears to have maintained close relationships despite Mina's eventual move to South Korea.

Contrary to some online rumors, there's no credible evidence supporting claims about Mina coming from nobility. Some fans mistakenly interpreted the rarity of her surname in Japan (shared by only about 370 people) as an indication of noble heritage. However, this simply reflects the uncommon nature of her family name rather than aristocratic connections.

Throughout her journey from ballet student to K-pop idol, Mina's family has remained a cornerstone of support, enabling her to make bold career choices that would eventually lead her to international stardom.

Ballet Roots and Artistic Foundation

Long before the bright lights of K-pop stages, Myoui Mina's artistic journey began in the disciplined world of classical dance. Her graceful movements and poised performance style stem from a foundation built over more than a decade of rigorous ballet training.

Started ballet at age 3

The artistic roots of Mina's performance skills were planted remarkably early. At just three years old, she took her first steps into the world of classical ballet. This unusually early start gave her a significant advantage in developing body awareness, balance, and coordination—skills that would ultimately serve her well in her future career.

Her parents' decision to enroll her in ballet classes at such a tender age proved pivotal in shaping her artistic identity. The disciplined nature of ballet training, even for young children, introduced Mina to the concepts of dedication and perseverance that would become hallmarks of her approach to performance.

11 years of classical training

Mina's commitment to ballet was not a passing childhood phase but a serious, long-term dedication. She invested eleven full years in classical ballet training, developing technical proficiency and the characteristic grace that would later distinguish her in TWICE. Throughout elementary and middle school, ballet remained her primary artistic pursuit.

During these formative years, many who knew Mina believed she might pursue ballet professionally. Indeed, becoming a ballerina was her original dream, one she nurtured throughout her childhood and early adolescence. Her dedication to the art form was evident in the countless hours spent perfecting techniques and movements.

Yet, as with many artistic journeys, Mina's path would take an unexpected turn. Her exposure to K-pop sparked a new interest—one that would ultimately redirect her career aspirations toward a different stage altogether.

Transition to K-pop dance

A significant shift occurred when Mina began training at Urizip Dance School. This transition marked her first formal exploration of more contemporary dance styles, specifically those utilized in K-pop choreography. The school provided her with a crucial bridge between her classical ballet background and the modern dance techniques essential for idol performances.

Interestingly, this shift presented both advantages and challenges. In an interview with Allure magazine, Mina revealed that her ballet background made her exceptionally attentive to movement details, contributing to her characteristic gracefulness regardless of dance style. Simultaneously, she acknowledged that adapting to K-pop choreography required significant adjustments.

"At first, it was difficult," Mina explained regarding the transition. "Hip hop and idol dance require a lot of chest movement, so it is the opposite of ballet". The straight posture essential in ballet contrasted sharply with the fluid, dynamic movements required in contemporary K-pop choreography.

After approximately one year of training in modern dance styles, fate intervened when JYP Entertainment scouts noticed her potential during a shopping trip in Osaka. This chance encounter redirected Mina's artistic journey once more, leading her toward the K-pop industry.

Today, Mina's dancing style remains distinctively influenced by her ballet background. Fans and fellow TWICE members alike have recognized her unique ability to bring classical elegance to contemporary choreography. The "Black Swan of TWICE," as some fans call her, demonstrates how diverse artistic foundations can create something truly unique in the K-pop landscape.

Scouting and Trainee Journey

A chance encounter in a shopping mall would forever alter the course of Myoui Mina's life, transforming her from a dedicated ballet student into a K-pop trainee virtually overnight.

Scouted by JYP in Osaka

In 2013, fate intervened in Mina's life as she was shopping with her mother in Osaka. A talent recruiter from JYP Entertainment spotted the teenager and approached her with an unexpected offer to audition for the prestigious Korean entertainment company. This serendipitous meeting occurred at a time when Mina had already begun exploring dance styles beyond ballet.

The JYP Entertainment Global Audition was taking place at the same location where Mina and her mother were shopping, creating the perfect opportunity for this life-changing encounter. Upon invitation from the company's staff, she entered the audition and performed Miss A's "Goodbye Baby". Her natural grace and years of dance training clearly impressed the JYP representatives, as she successfully passed this impromptu audition.

Training at Urizip Dance School

Prior to this fateful encounter, Mina had already taken steps toward diversifying her dance skills beyond classical ballet. After eleven years of ballet training, she had enrolled at Urizip Dance School, seeking more contemporary dance education. This decision proved crucial in her eventual transition to K-pop.

At Urizip, Mina trained specifically in modern dance styles for approximately one year, gaining exposure to the types of movements essential for K-pop choreography. This period represented her first serious exploration of dance beyond the classical realm, ultimately providing her with a foundation that would serve her well at JYP Entertainment.

Interestingly, Mina's interest in K-pop had begun during middle school when a friend suggested they learn choreography to a Girls' Generation song. This initial spark of curiosity about K-pop dance would eventually lead her down an unexpected career path.

Move to South Korea and cultural adaptation

Following her successful audition, Mina made the momentous decision to drop out during her second year at Obayashi Sacred Heart School in Takarazuka, Hyōgo. On January 2, 2014, she officially joined JYP Entertainment's trainee program in South Korea, marking the beginning of an intensive period of preparation for her eventual debut.

The transition to life in South Korea presented numerous challenges beyond the rigorous training schedule. Mina faced the daunting task of adapting to a new language, culture, and environment. For someone who had spent most of her life in Japan, the move represented a significant cultural adjustment.

Consequently, language acquisition became a critical component of Mina's trainee period. Like other non-Korean trainees, she began learning Korean immediately upon arrival. The company provided structured language lessons, typically scheduled once a week. Nonetheless, daily immersion in a Korean-speaking environment accelerated her learning process.

Among TWICE's Japanese members, Mina is generally considered to rank second in Korean language proficiency, behind Sana but ahead of Momo. This linguistic achievement is particularly impressive given that her trainee period lasted just over a year—the shortest among all TWICE members.

Mina's journey from being scouted in Osaka to debuting with TWICE demonstrates her remarkable adaptability and determination. The ballet dancer from Japan transformed herself into a K-pop idol through intensive training and cultural immersion, all within a remarkably compressed timeframe. Her willingness to leave behind her comfortable life in Japan and embrace the challenges of training abroad reveals the depth of her commitment to pursuing this unexpected opportunity.

Debut with TWICE and Rise to Fame

After just one year of training, Myoui Mina found herself thrust into the spotlight through a high-stakes competition that would determine her future in the K-pop industry.

Participation in Sixteen

In May 2015, Mina entered the reality survival show Sixteen, a collaboration between JYP Entertainment and Mnet designed to form the company's newest girl group. The program's name derived from its sixteen female trainees competing for limited spots in the final lineup. Throughout the show, contestants were evaluated not just on singing and dancing abilities but also on their charisma and personality.

Despite having the shortest training period among all TWICE members, Mina quickly stood out. Her ballet background provided a unique advantage, allowing her to showcase elegant performances that captivated both the judges and audience. By the show's conclusion on July 7, 2015, she secured fourth place, earning her position as one of the original seven members selected for the group.

The final lineup announcement included a surprise twist when JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young added two more members to create a nine-member group. This decisive moment officially established TWICE with Mina as one of its core members.

Debut with 'The Story Begins'

On October 20, 2015, just three months after Sixteen concluded, TWICE officially debuted with their first extended play titled The Story Begins. The mini-album contained six tracks, including dance numbers that Mina had performed during her Sixteen showcase.

To celebrate their debut, the group held a special showcase called "Ooh-Ahh, TWICE" at AX-Korea in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. The event was broadcast live through V Live, marking their first official appearance as a complete group. They subsequently began promoting on various South Korean music programs, making their first music show appearance on M Countdown on October 22.

The Story Begins achieved immediate commercial success, debuting at number four on the Gaon Album Chart and peaking at number three two weeks later. By the end of October 2015, the EP had sold 17,100 physical copies, establishing TWICE as a formidable new force in the K-pop landscape.

Breakthrough with 'Like Ooh-Ahh'

The lead single from their debut EP, "Like Ooh-Ahh," quickly emerged as a breakthrough hit. Composed by Black Eyed Pilseung, the song blended multiple genres including hip-hop, R&B, and rock into what was described as a "color pop" track.

To support the single, TWICE released individual member teasers for the music video from October 12 to 14, building anticipation for their debut. On October 20, the full music video premiered online and through the Naver V App.

What truly distinguished "Like Ooh-Ahh" was its remarkable longevity and growing popularity. Within five months of release, the music video reached 50 million views, surpassing 2NE1's "Fire" as the most-viewed debut music video from any K-pop group. Even more impressively, on November 11, 2016, it became the first K-pop debut music video to reach 100 million views, cementing TWICE's place in K-pop history.

This extraordinary achievement laid the foundation for TWICE's subsequent global success and established Mina as an essential member of what would become one of K-pop's most influential girl groups.

Challenges and Mental Health Struggles

Behind the glamour of stardom, Myoui Mina faced significant personal battles that would temporarily remove her from the spotlight and spark important conversations about mental health in the K-pop industry.

Hiatus due to anxiety disorder

In July 2019, fans were surprised when JYP Entertainment announced that Mina would not participate in TWICE's world tour. The company took the unusual step of being remarkably transparent about the situation, stating that Mina was "struggling with sudden extreme anxiety and insecurity toward performing on stage". This candid approach marked a significant departure from how entertainment companies typically handle idol health issues.

After seeking professional help, in August 2019, JYP Entertainment confirmed that Mina had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. The company explained that her condition was characterized by "continuous anxiety or intermittent anxiety that occurs unexpectedly and also abrupt changes in the level of anxiety". Moreover, they noted that the unpredictable nature of these symptoms made it difficult to plan her schedule with certainty.

Public response and support

Once news broke about Mina's condition, the hashtag #GetWellSoonMina began trending worldwide. This outpouring of support demonstrated fans' empathy toward her situation. Notably, many praised JYP Entertainment's honest approach, with one publication calling their candor "refreshing and progressive".

Music industry observers pointed out that K-pop stars rarely address anxiety and other mental health disorders so directly. Remarkably, this openness helped normalize conversations about psychological wellbeing in an industry often criticized for its demanding nature.

In an interview, Mina later revealed her initial hesitation about making her condition public: "Of course I was scared at first, and I contemplated whether or not I should even publicize my state... But I'm a human being. I have a heart. That's why I suffered".

Return to stage and recovery

Gradually, Mina began her journey back to performing. Initially, she participated in music videos and photoshoots while limiting stage appearances. During her early performances after returning, fellow members provided visible support. At one concert, she performed "Born This Way" while seated, with Nayeon, Jeongyeon, and backup dancers forming a protective circle around her.

Jihyo, TWICE's leader, reflected on this period: "We're really thankful that we have nine members... because we push our team of nine together, the team vibes are really good". Throughout Mina's recovery, members were frequently seen holding her hands during public appearances, with Jeongyeon and Jihyo often positioned protectively beside her.

After extensive treatment and rest, Mina successfully returned to full activities. During one Japanese concert, fans noted she sounded "bright and confident," even giving her opening greeting and final comments to the audience—something she had previously been unable to do. The hashtag #ProudOfYouMina trended worldwide following this significant milestone in her recovery journey.

MiSaMo and Japanese Promotions

In early 2023, a new chapter opened in Myoui Mina's career when TWICE's Japanese members formed the group's first-ever subunit.

Formation of MiSaMo subunit

The name "MiSaMo" combines the first syllables of Mina, Sana, and Momo's names, uniting TWICE's Japanese-born members into a specialized unit. Their journey began unofficially on January 25, 2023, when the trio released "Bouquet" for TV Asahi's series "Liaison: Kodomo no Kokoro Shinryōjo". This collaboration hinted at bigger plans for the future.

On February 9, 2023, JYP Entertainment officially announced MiSaMo as TWICE's first subunit. The announcement confirmed they would focus on Japanese-language releases, allowing Myoui Mina to reconnect with her native language throughout their performances.

After years performing primarily in Korean, this new project presented both excitement and nervousness for the members. "Since it was the first time just the three of us stood on stage, we were five times more nervous than we usually get since the other six members weren't there with us," Momo explained in an interview.

Debut with 'Masterpiece'

MiSaMo's debut extended play, appropriately titled "Masterpiece," arrived on July 26, 2023. The project received a methodical rollout, starting with the pre-release of "Marshmallow" on June 16, followed by lead single "Do Not Touch" on July 14. The complete EP featured seven tracks total.

To promote the release, MiSaMo held their debut showcase "Masterpiece" across five days in Osaka and Yokohama. These events attracted 40,000 fans from over 600,000 ticket applications, demonstrating immense demand for the subunit.

"Masterpiece" achieved immediate commercial success, debuting at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart with 154,880 copies sold—the highest first-week album sales for any female artist in Japan during 2023. The EP simultaneously topped Billboard Japan's Hot Albums chart, selling 200,986 physical copies and 1,529 downloads.

Impact on Japanese fanbase

For Myoui Mina, MiSaMo represented a homecoming of sorts. After years of primarily Korean promotions, she could now communicate freely in her native language. During TWICE's earlier Japanese activities, Mina had noted challenges: "Since the songs have been adjusted for their Japanese release, it is hard to adapt and remember these new details".

Yet now, the subunit allowed her to fully embrace her role as a cultural bridge. "We are happy but nervous. I hope like the other members did in Korea the 3 of us can lead the team now that we are in Japan," Mina had stated during earlier Japanese promotions.

Sales data revealed particularly strong support in the trio's home region, with Kansai (including Mina's native Hyōgo) accounting for 23.4% of sales compared to the typical 16.9%. This regional enthusiasm underscored how MiSaMo strengthened connections with Japanese fans through authentic cultural representation.

Since their debut, MiSaMo has continued their success with the release of "Haute Couture" in November 2024, further cementing Myoui Mina's presence as a prominent Japanese artist in the K-pop landscape.

Public Image and Endorsements

Recognized worldwide for her elegance and poise, Myoui Mina has cultivated a distinctive public image alongside securing prestigious brand partnerships throughout her career.

Known as 'Black Swan' of TWICE

Among TWICE members, Mina stands out with her unique nickname—"Black Swan"—bestowed upon her by adoring fans. This moniker perfectly captures her graceful performance style, directly connecting to her extensive ballet background. Admirers often note how she truly embodies this title, especially when wearing black outfits that accentuate her elegant movements. The nickname has become inseparable from her identity as a performer, highlighting the distinctive qualities she brings to TWICE's choreography.

Brand ambassador roles (SK-II, Fendi, Boucheron)

Beyond her musical career, Mina has established herself as a sought-after face for luxury brands across Asia. Her endorsement portfolio began expanding significantly in early 2022 when she was announced as the new muse for South Korean luxury fashion brand Metrocity. Shortly afterward, in March 2022, she secured a position as global brand ambassador for SK-II, a prestigious Japanese cosmetics brand.

More recently, Mina's influence in the luxury sector has grown even more impressive. In August 2024, French jewelry and watch house Boucheron named her their Japan ambassador. The luxury brand specifically cited shared values with Mina, praising her as "a bold, strong, and creative individual". This appointment was followed by another major endorsement in January 2025, when Italian luxury fashion house Fendi also selected her as their Japan ambassador.

Influence in Japan-Korea relations

Interestingly, Mina's cultural impact extends into diplomatic spheres. The Chosun Ilbo has credited her popularity with helping improve relations between Japan and South Korea. As a Japanese member of a Korean group, she serves as a cultural bridge between the two countries, which have historically experienced periods of tension. Many observers believe TWICE has directly contributed to more favorable perceptions between these neighboring nations.

Creative Contributions and Personal Interests

Beyond her performances on stage, Myoui Mina has quietly developed her creative voice through songwriting, undoubtedly finding balance through personal interests that reveal a multifaceted personality beneath her elegant public image.

Songwriting credits

Throughout her career with TWICE, Mina has steadily built her portfolio as a lyricist. Beginning with "Shot Thru The Heart" for TWICE's 2018 "Summer Nights" EP (co-written with Sana and Momo), she continued developing her writing skills with "21:29" on the "Feel Special" album in 2019. Her songwriting contributions expanded to include "Celebrate" for TWICE's 2022 Japanese album of the same name, plus "It's Not Easy For You" for MiSaMo's debut EP "Masterpiece" in 2023. Most recently, she wrote "Misty" for the "Haute Couture" release in 2024, demonstrating her growing confidence as a songwriter.

Gaming and hobbies

Interestingly, behind Mina's poised public persona lies an enthusiastic gamer. She plays numerous titles including Elsword, Sudden Attack, and Minecraft, often spending hours gaming whenever her schedule permits. Her gaming journey began long before her K-pop career—in Japan, she enjoyed Tamagotchi and owned a Nintendo DS where Mario Kart became a favorite.

In 2023, Mina took her gaming passion to the next level by purchasing a dedicated gaming PC with a complete set of gaming gear to "play properly". As she explained: "I love games where you can focus. When I finish them, I feel proud".

Besides gaming, she enjoys watching videos, dramas (including "Penthouse"), and movies. She also assembles Lego sets, having completed both Harry Potter and Stranger Things collections.

MBTI and personality insights

Regarding her personality type, Mina's MBTI has evolved over time. Initially testing as ISFP-T, she later revealed her result had changed to ISTP. With both types sharing introversion as a core trait, this aligns with her self-description as "a homebody" who once stayed home for two weeks straight.

Fellow member Nayeon has noted that despite MBTI changes, Mina "seeks stability" and "prefers having plans", revealing her methodical approach to life despite her quieter demeanor.