Jeongyeon, lead vocalist of Twice, overcame childhood challenges to soar to stardom, contributing her talents as a singer, songwriter, and entertainer. Despite health setbacks, her resilience and passion for music continue to inspire fans worldwide.
Highlights
- Jeongyeon, the lead vocalist of Twice, overcame childhood challenges for her dreams.
- Despite facing health issues, her passion for music continues to inspire fans globally.
- Born in Suwon, South Korea, Jeongyeon showed early interest in performing arts.
- She joined Twice through the reality TV competition “Sixteen.”
- Jeongyeon debuted officially in October 2015.
- Jeongyeon contributed to Twice’s success with hit songs and co-hosting “Inkigayo.”
- Despite anxiety disorders, Jeongyeon resumed activities with Twice.
- She released solo covers and contributed as a songwriter to Twice’s discography.
- Jeongyeon showcased her talent in various shows, highlighting her versatility as an entertainer.
- She received accolades, including the Newcomer Award at the 2016 SBS Entertainment Awards.
- Jeongyeon’s journey from challenges to stardom reflects her talent, resilience, and passion for music.
In the bustling city of Suwon, South Korea, a young girl with dreams as vast as the starlit sky embarked on a journey destined for greatness. Little did she know, her name would soon resonate across the globe, heralding the rise of a K-pop sensation whose voice would enchant millions. This is the story of Jeongyeon, the lead vocalist of Twice, whose path to fame was paved with determination, resilience, and an unwavering passion for music.
| Stage Name | Jeongyeon (정연) |
| Birth Name | Yoo Kyung Wan (유경완) |
| Position | Lead Vocalist |
| Birthday | November 1st, 1996 |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Official Height | 169 cm (5’7″) |
| Weight | 50 kg (110 lbs) |
| Blood Type | O |
| MBTI Type | ISFJ (Her previous result was ISFP) |
| Nationality | Korean |
| Representative Color | Yellow-Green |
Table of Contents
Early Life of Jeongyeon
Born on November 1st, 1996, in Suwon, South Korea, Jeongyeon, whose birth name is Yoo Kyung Wan, changed her name legally to Yoo Jeong Yeon. Growing up in Suwon, she faced teasing due to her birth name sounding like a boy’s name, which led to her decision to change it in the 3rd grade. Jeongyeon comes from a family with a strong culinary background; her father, Yoo Chang-joon, is a renowned Korean traditional chef. She has two older sisters, one of whom is Gong Seungyeon, a well-known actress. Interestingly, Jeongyeon is a distant relative of KARD’s Somin. From an early age, Jeongyeon showed interest in performing arts, taking aerobics classes and later developing a passion for singing and dancing.
Career Beginnings of Jeongyeon
Jeongyeon’s journey to becoming a K-pop star started with auditions for JYP Entertainment. Despite an initial failure, she eventually succeeded in an open audition in March 2010. She underwent rigorous training for five years before debuting with Twice. During this period, she was expected to debut with other trainees, including Nayeon, Sana, and Jihyo, in a new JYP girl group. However, the project was shelved. In 2015, she participated in the reality TV competition “Sixteen,” where she secured her spot as one of the nine members of Twice.
Debut and Success with TWICE
Jeongyeon officially debuted with Twice in October 2015 with their first EP, “The Story Begins,” and its lead single “Like Ooh-Ahh.” Alongside her activities with Twice, she and her sister co-hosted the music program “Inkigayo” from July 2016 to January 2017, earning them the Newcomer Award at the 2016 SBS Entertainment Awards. Jeongyeon has also contributed as a songwriter to some of Twice’s tracks, showcasing her versatility and talent beyond singing and dancing. Gallup Korea’s annual music poll consistently ranked Jeongyeon among the top 20 most popular idols in South Korea from 2016 to 2019, reflecting her immense popularity.
Health Challenges and Hiatus
Despite her success, Jeongyeon faced health challenges, leading to hiatuses from activities. In October 2020, JYP Entertainment announced her hiatus due to anxiety, followed by another hiatus in August 2021 due to panic and anxiety disorder. However, she resumed activities with the group in February 2022, starting with the North American leg of Twice’s 4th World Tour “III.” Alongside her fellow members, Jeongyeon renewed her contract with JYP Entertainment in the same year, reaffirming her commitment to the group and her passion for music.
Solo Endeavors and Achievements
Despite challenges, Jeongyeon has pursued solo endeavors and achieved significant milestones. On November 1, 2023, she released a cover of “O Christmas Tree” as part of Apple Music’s Carols Covered playlist, showcasing her vocal prowess and versatility beyond group activities. Additionally, she has contributed to Twice’s discography as a songwriter, further solidifying her position as a multifaceted artist.
Discography and Soundtrack Appearances
Jeongyeon’s contributions to Twice’s discography include songs like “Love Line,” “Sweet Talker,” “LaLaLa,” “21:29,” “Sweet Summer Day,” “Celebrate,” and “Bloom.” She has also made soundtrack appearances, such as “Like a Star” with her sister Gong Seung-yeon for the “My Dream Class OST.” Her songwriting credits demonstrate her creativity and artistic involvement in shaping Twice’s music.
Filmography and Television Shows
Jeongyeon’s presence extends beyond music into television. She appeared as a contestant on the reality TV competition “Sixteen” in 2015, showcasing her journey to debut with Twice. Additionally, she participated in shows like “Muscle Queen Project” and “Law of the Jungle in New Caledonia,” displaying her versatility and adaptability as an entertainer. Her co-hosting role on “Inkigayo” further established her as a familiar face in the entertainment industry.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout her career, Jeongyeon has received accolades and recognition for her contributions to Twice and the entertainment industry. She, along with her sister Gong Seung-yeon, won the Newcomer Award at the 2016 SBS Entertainment Awards for their co-hosting role on “Inkigayo.” Her consistent ranking in Gallup Korea’s annual music poll reflects her enduring popularity among fans and audiences.
Conclusion
Jeongyeon’s journey from Suwon to stardom with Twice is a testament to her talent, resilience, and passion for music. Despite facing challenges, she continues to inspire fans with her music, performances, and unwavering determination. As she embarks on new endeavors and faces new milestones, her legacy as a lead vocalist of Twice and a versatile entertainer remains unparalleled.
