Nayeon, the vibrant Virgo born on September 22, 1995, in the bustling heart of Seoul, South Korea, has been lighting up K-pop stages since she was a kid with big dreams. At just 29, she’s already a household name, but her path started with a childhood whim that changed everything. Picture a young girl strutting in a modeling contest; that’s how JYP Entertainment spotted her talent and pulled her into their world.
She grew up amid Seoul’s neon glow, the kind of city that never sleeps, fueling her early passion for performance. But breaking in wasn’t easy. Nayeon had to battle it out on the grueling reality show SIXTEEN in 2015, facing eliminations and tough critiques alongside other hopefuls to earn her spot in Twice. The payoff? Their debut album, The Story Begins, exploded onto the scene that same year.
As Twice’s lead vocalist, she helped shape hits that blended bubbly energy with fierce charisma-JYP’s first girl group since Miss A, home to the iconic Bae Suzy. Fans adore her playful bunny-like charm, often calling her the group’s mood-lifter during exhausting tours.
Then, in June 2022, Nayeon made history.
Offstage, she unwinds with simple joys like sketching doodles or binge-watching dramas in her cozy Seoul apartment. Her story? A reminder that persistence, sparked by a kid’s contest, can lead to global stardom.