Who is Nayeon? The Untold Story of TWICE's Leading Star

Nayeon made history as the first South Korean soloist to break into the US Billboard 200's top 10 with her debut EP "Im Nayeon" in June 2022. Born on September 22, 1995, the talented vocalist has established herself as a formidable presence in the K-pop industry both as a member of TWICE and as a solo artist.

Initially rising to prominence through the reality show Sixteen in 2015, Nayeon became the first confirmed member of TWICE, a group that quickly dominated the K-pop scene. Their debut music video "Like OOH-AHH" garnered 50 million views within five months, setting records as the most viewed debut music video by a K-pop group. Additionally, TWICE's 2016 hit "Cheer Up" won Song of the Year at the Mnet Asian Music Awards, cementing their status in the industry.

In June 2022, Nayeon took a bold step forward as the first TWICE member to release solo material. Her debut mini-album "Im Nayeon" featured collaborations with artists like Stray Kids' Felix and Wonstein, selling over 500,000 copies and earning double platinum certification in South Korea. Furthermore, she continued her solo success in 2024 with her second EP "Na," which included high-profile collaborations with Sam Kim and JULIE from KISS OF LIFE.

Early life and background

Im Na-yeon began her journey in the Gangdong District of Seoul, South Korea, where she was born on September 22, 1995. Long before she became the charismatic lead vocalist of TWICE, Nayeon was just a young girl with a sparkle that would eventually catch the attention of one of South Korea's biggest entertainment companies.

Childhood in Seoul

Growing up in Seoul's bustling environment, Nayeon was raised in a Christian household. Her early years were shaped by the vibrant Korean culture and the supportive environment provided by her family. Despite her later fame, Nayeon's childhood was relatively normal for a Seoul resident, though her natural charm and presence would soon set her apart from her peers.

As a child, Nayeon showed early signs of the performer she would become. She participated in a children's modeling competition that would unexpectedly change the course of her life. This contest became a pivotal moment in her story, as it marked her first indirect connection to the entertainment industry that would later become her home.

Family and early interests

Nayeon's family consists of her parents and a younger sister named Im Seo-yoon, who is three years her junior. Her mother, Cheon Se-ah, bears a striking resemblance to Nayeon, showcasing the strong genetic resemblance that fans have often noted. The family dynamic played an important role in shaping Nayeon's personality and values.

Unlike many K-pop idols who pursued performance arts from a very young age through specialized training, Nayeon's path was less conventional. Her parents, particularly her mother, initially had reservations about her entering the entertainment industry. This parental concern would later create an interesting twist in her journey to stardom.

Nayeon's early interests weren't extensively documented, though her natural affinity for performing became evident through her participation in the modeling contest. Unlike her future bandmate Jihyo, who trained for ten years, or Mina, who studied ballet extensively, Nayeon's pre-trainee background wasn't heavily focused on formal performance training.

First encounter with JYP Entertainment

The fateful modeling competition where Nayeon participated as a child became her first connection to JYP Entertainment. Representatives from the company noticed her during this event and expressed interest in recruiting her as a trainee. However, her mother refused at the time, considering Nayeon too young to enter the demanding world of entertainment.

This maternal decision created a roadblock in what could have been an earlier debut for Nayeon. Yet, her passion for performing remained, quietly developing over the years. The defining moment came nearly a decade later when, in 2010, Nayeon made a bold decision that would alter her life trajectory.

On September 15, 2010, instead of focusing solely on academics or attending a cram school like many Korean students, Nayeon secretly attended JYP Entertainment's 7th Open Audition without her family's knowledge. This daring move, against her family's wishes, showcased her determination to pursue her dreams. Her audition proved successful, and she was accepted as a trainee, beginning her official journey toward becoming a K-pop idol.

This secret audition, which her mother had previously prevented, demonstrated Nayeon's resolve and became the first step in her five-year training period before ultimately debuting with TWICE.

The road to debut: From trainee to TWICE

After securing her place as a JYP trainee in September 2010, Nayeon embarked on a challenging five-year journey that would ultimately lead to her debut with one of K-pop's most successful girl groups. This period would test her resilience through both disappointment and triumph.

Secret audition and trainee years

Nayeon's official trainee period lasted precisely five years and two months. Throughout this time, she honed her singing, dancing, and performance skills while also gaining valuable industry experience. Notably, she appeared in several music videos for her JYP labelmates, including Jun.K's "No Love," GOT7's "Girls Girls Girls," and miss A's "Only You".

Beyond music video appearances, Nayeon expanded her resume with modeling work for brands like Smart School Uniform. She also made her first television appearance with a cameo in the second episode of KBS2's 2012 drama "Dream High 2". These opportunities allowed her to develop camera presence and performance confidence well before her official debut.

The cancelled 6mix project

In 2013, JYP Entertainment selected Nayeon to be part of a new girl group called 6mix. The original lineup featured six members: Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Jihyo (then known as Jisoo), Minyoung, Lena, and Cecilia. This group was part of JYP's ambitious 7.6.5 rookie projects, alongside groups that would later debut as GOT7 and DAY6.

6mix had advanced significantly in their pre-debut preparations. The group had completed their showcase and even finished recording their debut album. Nevertheless, the project faced a series of setbacks. First, the tragic Sewol Ferry incident in 2014 delayed their scheduled debut. Subsequently, Cecilia departed the company to pursue acting in China under the name Yanfei Song, while Lena left to become an actress in the United States.

JYP attempted to salvage the project by adding Sana to the lineup. Despite these efforts, 6mix's debut plans were ultimately abandoned when the group couldn't maintain a stable lineup. This cancellation proved particularly disheartening for Jeongyeon, who temporarily stopped attending training sessions out of despair.

Success on the show 'Sixteen'

Following the 6mix disappointment, JYP Entertainment created "Sixteen," a survival show designed to form a new girl group. The competition aired on Mnet from May 5 to July 7, 2015. Sixteen contestants were evaluated not just on singing and dancing abilities but also on charisma and personality.

Among the 16 participants, Nayeon stood out from the beginning. She became the first contestant announced for the show and, correspondingly, the first member confirmed for TWICE. The program divided contestants between "Majors" (those on track to debut) and "Minors" (those fighting for a spot).

Throughout the competition, Nayeon demonstrated her capabilities and star quality. Although she experienced fluctuations between the Major and Minor teams during various missions, her talents consistently impressed both JYP founder Park Jin-young and viewers. In the final evaluation, she secured second place in the lineup.

On October 20, 2015, Nayeon officially debuted as a member of TWICE alongside eight other finalists: Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu. This marked the successful conclusion of her lengthy trainee journey and the beginning of what would become one of K-pop's most remarkable success stories.

Rise to fame with TWICE

On October 20, 2015, TWICE officially stepped into the K-pop scene with their debut extended play, The Story Begins, marking the start of what would become one of the industry's most remarkable success stories.

Debut with 'The Story Begins'

TWICE's inaugural EP featured six tracks, including their lead single "Like Ooh-Ahh," a vibrant composition by Black Eyed Pilseung that skillfully blended multiple genres including hip-hop, rock, and R&B. To celebrate their debut, the group held a showcase titled "Ooh-Ahh, Twice" at the AX-Korea in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, where they performed their title track alongside dance numbers "Going Crazy" and "Do It Again".

The group's promotional activities began immediately with their first music show appearance on M Countdown on October 22, followed by performances on KBS2's Music Bank, MBC's Show! Music Core, and SBS' Inkigayo. Their efforts paid off as The Story Begins debuted at number four on the Gaon Album Chart and peaked at number three two weeks after its release.

"Like Ooh-Ahh" quickly captured public attention, with its music video reaching 50 million views within just five months—replacing 2NE1's "Fire" as the most-viewed debut music video from any K-pop group. This momentum continued as the video hit 100 million views by November 2016, making TWICE the fourth K-pop girl group to achieve this milestone. By November 2017, it had accumulated 200 million views, establishing TWICE as the first K-pop female act with three music videos reaching this impressive benchmark.

Breakthrough hits and global tours

After solidifying their position in the Korean market, TWICE expanded their reach through a series of concerts and tours. The group held their first concert, "TWICE 1st Tour: Twiceland – The Opening," at SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul on February 17-19, 2017. This inaugural tour continued with shows in Bangkok and Singapore in April before concluding with additional concerts in Seoul in June.

TWICE further cemented their international presence by holding their debut concert in Japan in July 2017, followed by their first Japanese tour, "TWICE Showcase Live Tour 2018 'Candy Pop'," beginning in January 2018. Their expanding popularity led to the "Twicelights World Tour" in 2019, which marked a significant milestone as the group ventured beyond Asia for the first time, hosting four concerts in North America—three in the United States and one in Mexico.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic cutting their tour short in February 2020, TWICE continued to break new ground. As their fanbase grew globally, the group scheduled increasingly ambitious tours, including their fourth concert tour "III" (2021-2022), fifth world tour "Ready to Be" (2023-2024), and their upcoming sixth world tour "This Is For," set to begin in Incheon in July 2025.

Nayeon's role as the face of the group

Within TWICE's dynamic, Nayeon established herself as a central figure, serving as the group's center, oldest member, and one of the lead vocalists and dancers. Her position at the front of formations and frequent appearance in music video openings highlighted her importance to the group's visual identity.

Nayeon's versatility became a cornerstone of TWICE's signature sound, with composers crafting songs specifically to showcase her vocal strengths. As she explained in a 2023 Billboard interview: "When the composers make songs for us, they already know each of our characteristics and strengths. They really express our personalities well, so I think that really establishes our style".

By the end of 2015, The Story Begins had sold over 40,000 copies, laying the foundation for TWICE's commercial success. This foundation would eventually support Nayeon's solo endeavors, including her groundbreaking 2022 EP "Im Nayeon" and 2024 follow-up "Na," both of which demonstrated her ability to shine individually alongside her contributions to TWICE's collective achievements.

Solo career and musical evolution

After seven years with TWICE, Nayeon made her solo debut in June 2022, breaking new ground for K-pop soloists on the global stage.

Debut EP 'Im Nayeon'

Nayeon's self-titled debut EP featured seven tracks, including the lead single "Pop!" and collaborations with Felix from Stray Kids and South Korean rapper Wonstein. The album title cleverly played on the near-identical spelling of her last name and the contraction "I'm". Musically, the EP blended various genres including R&B, dance, disco, jazz, and ballads, with the bright and addictive "Pop!" serving as its standout track.

"Im Nayeon" achieved remarkable commercial success, surpassing 500,000 pre-orders—the highest number by any female soloist in 2022. The album earned double platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) for selling over 500,000 physical copies. Most impressively, it debuted at number 7 on the US Billboard 200 with 52,000 pure copies sold, making Nayeon the first South Korean soloist to enter the chart's top 10.

Critics generally praised the EP, with NME giving it four stars out of five, highlighting Nayeon's "pop brilliance" and songwriting talent.

Second EP 'Na' and its impact

Nearly two years after her solo debut, Nayeon released her second mini-album "Na" on June 14, 2024. The title—meaning "I" in Korean—emphasized Nayeon's authentic self, contrasting with her first EP's focus on introducing her identity.

"Na" showcased a more mature sound compared to her debut, incorporating hip-hop and dance elements. The lead single "ABCD" drew inspiration from 2000s pop divas, featuring a powerful performance that differed significantly from her previous work with TWICE.

In an interview, Nayeon acknowledged the pressure following her debut's success: "I felt pressure from the success of my first solo album that far exceeded my expectations". Consequently, she approached her second release with a determination to enjoy the creative process.

Collaborations and chart success

Both of Nayeon's EPs featured impressive collaborations. While "Im Nayeon" included Felix and Wonstein, "Na" brought together an array of talent including Sam Kim, AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk, and Julie of KISS OF LIFE. JYP founder Park Jin-young co-wrote the lead single "ABCD," with producers Pdogg and GHSTLOOP handling production duties.

"Na" continued Nayeon's record-breaking streak, debuting at number 7 on the Billboard 200, matching her own record for the highest-ranking album by a female K-pop soloist on the chart. Moreover, she became the first female K-pop soloist in Billboard 200 history to spend multiple weeks on the chart with more than one album.

On the Billboard Top Album Sales chart, "Na" debuted at number 1, making Nayeon the first South Korean solo musician to hit number 1 on this chart more than once. Accordingly, this achievement pushed her ahead of several BTS members who had each earned a single number 1 on the chart.

Public image and influence

Throughout her career, Nayeon has cemented her position as one of K-pop's most recognized figures, with her public image evolving from TWICE's bright "fake maknae" to a mature solo artist who maintains her signature warmth.

Gallup Korea rankings

In Gallup Korea's prestigious annual music polls, which interview 1,500 people aged 13-29, Nayeon has consistently ranked among South Korea's most popular idols. In 2016, she placed 11th, behind only Tzuyu among TWICE members. Her popularity surged in subsequent years, reaching 6th place in both 2017 and 2018, surpassing all her bandmates. This upward trajectory continued into 2019, when she climbed to 5th position.

Beyond these rankings, the Korea Institute of Corporate Reputation placed Nayeon at the top of their May 2017 data. Their analysis examined over 31 million data points, with Nayeon accumulating 864,556 points. This impressive result established her as one of the most desirable female Korean idols for commercial and modeling campaigns.

Fan perception and media portrayal

Nayeon's visual appeal remains a defining aspect of her public image. In unedited journalist footage from a 2021 Music Bank appearance, fans expressed awe at her "unreal beauty," describing her as "too cute" and "so pretty". Many observers noted that her in-person appearance exceeds even her photographic presence.

In terms of personality, fan interactions reveal complex perceptions. Some appreciate her confidence and assertiveness, considering these traits admirable. Others occasionally find her directness challenging, as evidenced by mixed reactions to her playful teasing of audiences during concerts. Nonetheless, her playful interactions with fans, including comical misunderstandings during fan meetings, showcase her genuine and relatable personality.

Nayeon's presence in K-pop culture

Over nine years with TWICE, Nayeon has become one of the group's most recognizable members. Her warm essence and impressive vocal range have made her the epitome of an animated K-pop idol. Many regard her as "the spine of the global girl group".

Her influence extends beyond music into fashion and beauty trends. As a brand ambassador for several global companies, Nayeon has established herself as a trendsetter. Her style choices, from stage outfits to casual airport fashion, frequently inspire fans and younger performers alike.

Most importantly, Nayeon serves as a role model for emerging artists. Many rookie groups and trainees cite her as an inspiration, admiring her dedication, stage presence, and ability to balance group and solo activities. Her evolution from TWICE's bubbly performer to a confident soloist demonstrates the career longevity possible within K-pop's demanding industry.

Beyond music: Fashion, endorsements, and philanthropy

Beyond her musical achievements, Nayeon has built a significant presence in fashion and philanthropy, establishing herself as a multifaceted public figure.

Brand ambassador roles

Nayeon's fashion journey began during her trainee years when she modeled for brands like Smart School Uniform and TN. As her fame grew, prestigious brands sought her endorsement. In May 2021, she became the face of Chaumet's Joséphine collection, later being officially named Friend of the Maison in April 2022. January 2023 marked her appointment as the official muse of Givenchy Beauty, followed by becoming the Asia ambassador for Tommy Jeans in May.

Her portfolio expanded in 2023 when she was announced as the muse for Austrian jewelry brand Swarovski. Most recently, Nayeon was named Bonia's brand ambassador in 2024, representing their Spring Summer 2024 Daytime Reverie campaign. At Paris Fashion Week, she attended the Louis Vuitton FW24 Show, highlighting her rising influence in global fashion circles.

Magazine features and fashion campaigns

Nayeon's elegant image has graced numerous high-profile magazines, including Nylon Korea, Cosmopolitan Korea, W Korea, and Elle Korea. Her fashion versatility is evident through collaborations with iconic brands such as Ralph Lauren, Jill Stuart, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton.

In 2022, she was featured in Harper's Bazaar Korea for Chaumet's Joséphine collection. Recently, she made history with her first solo photoshoot for a Western publication when she appeared in a special edition of TMRW Magazine, wearing Louis Vuitton and jewelry from Spinelli Kilcollin.

Charity work and donations

Alongside her entertainment career, Nayeon maintains a commitment to philanthropy. In March 2020, she donated ₩50 million (USD 42,363) to the Community Chest of Korea to support COVID-19 relief efforts. Her generosity continued in 2023 when she contributed ₩200 million (USD 153,179) to Save the Children for the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake relief.

In January 2024, Nayeon joined the Honor Society of the Community Chest of Korea after donating over ₩100 million to the organization. Her most recent contribution came in March 2025, when she donated ₩50 million (USD 43,708) to help wildfire victims. This consistent philanthropy earned her the distinction of being named the first Honor Society member of 2024 and the 3333rd honor member nationwide.

Creative contributions and artistry

Nayeon's artistic evolution spans both her work with TWICE and her solo career, revealing a multifaceted creator who continues to expand her creative boundaries.

Songwriting and lyrical themes

First entering the songwriting realm with TWICE's 2017 album "Twicetagram," Nayeon has steadily built her writing portfolio. Her lyrics grace numerous TWICE tracks including "Rainbow," "Depend On You," and "Baby Blue Love". She penned lyrics for two tracks on her debut EP—"Love Countdown" and "All Or Nothing". The latter song, written during TWICE's American tour, explores overcoming hardships alongside relationship anxieties.

Her lyrical themes have matured over time. While her earlier compositions explored lighter themes, recent works demonstrate greater depth. Her second mini-album "Na" explores self-confidence, romance, and tenacity. Notably, Nayeon contributed to TWICE's 2024 album "This Is For" with the self-written track "MEEEEEE," which surprised fans with its mature sexual innuendos.

Music video concepts and visuals

Nayeon actively participates in shaping her visual identity, selecting outfits, hairstyles, and makeup that establish her unique image. Throughout her solo work, she intentionally chooses styles different from her TWICE appearances. For "ABCD," she presented multiple personas including "Hot Girl Nayeon," "Nerd Nayeon," and "Summer Queen Nayeon".

Her music videos combine vibrant aesthetics with narrative depth. "POP!" featured colorful sets with post-production enhancements that complemented her bright personality. In contrast, "ABCD" incorporated a multiverse concept across different eras and settings.

Stage presence and performance style

On stage, Nayeon commands attention through her energetic performances. Fans consistently rank her among TWICE's strongest performers, noting how she catches eyes even during other members' parts. Her facial expressions and evident enjoyment while performing contribute to her magnetic stage presence.

Her performance style evolved significantly between "POP!" and "ABCD," with the latter demanding more intense choreography. As she explained: "The performance for 'ABCD' is quite different from what I have typically been showing [as TWICE]. The performance itself is very powerful, and I wanted to express a bold and cool side of me".

Filmography and media appearances

Beyond her illustrious music career, Nayeon has established a diverse portfolio in Korean entertainment through numerous media appearances since her pre-debut days.

TV shows and web series

Nayeon's first television appearance dates back to 2012 when she made a cameo in KBS2's drama "Dream High 2" as Jung Ui-bong's dance partner. In 2015, she participated in the survival reality show "Sixteen," which ultimately formed TWICE. Throughout her career, she has appeared on major Korean variety programs including "Running Man" (episodes 302, 328, 398-399, 428, 506), "Knowing Bros" (episodes 27, 76, 152, 207), and "Weekly Idol" (episodes 228, 230, 249, 261-262, 274, 303-304, 327). In 2020, she starred in her own reality show "Nayeon TV," filmed primarily in Hawaii and broadcast on VLive and YouTube through JYP Entertainment.

Cameos and music video features

Prior to TWICE's formation, Nayeon built her on-screen experience through appearances in several JYP Entertainment artists' music videos. She featured prominently in GOT7's "Girls Girls Girls" (2014) as the main female character, alongside fellow TWICE member Jeongyeon who played a minor role as a "club bouncer". She appeared in Jun.K's "No Love" (2014) and miss A's "Only You" (2015), the latter featuring multiple future TWICE members. Her pre-debut portfolio included roles as a backup dancer for miss A's "Bad Girl, Good Girl" (2010) and in San E's "Please Don't Go" (2011).

Hosting and variety show roles

Nayeon ventured into hosting in 2018 when she presented the "Idol Star Athletics Championships Chuseok Special". Currently, she hosts the YouTube game show "Trick Kode" (2024-2025), demonstrating her versatility beyond performing. Fellow idols acknowledge her natural aptitude for variety content, with fans noting: "Nayeon could definitely host a variety show, given her loud voice and leader-type qualities". Her charismatic presence has made her a sought-after guest on programs like "Amazing Saturday," where she appeared in June 2022 alongside TWICE members Momo and Chaeyoung to promote her solo debut.