It’s a day of celebration for ONCE worldwide as they wish a very happy birthday to the effortlessly cool and incredibly talented Jeongyeon of TWICE. Since her powerful debut with the group, Jeongyeon has captivated fans with her stunning vocals, sharp dance moves, and signature short hairstyle that exudes charm and confidence.
As the lead vocalist and one of the group’s most dependable members, she has played a vital role in TWICE’s global domination. To mark her special day, we’re diving into 10 essential facts you need to know about the beloved idol.
She’s an Actress’s Sister
Jeongyeon has a famous sibling—her older sister is the acclaimed actress Gong Seung-yeon, who has starred in numerous K-dramas and films. The two are incredibly close and even co-hosted the music show Inkigayo together.
A True JYP Veteran
Before debuting with TWICE, Jeongyeon was one of JYP Entertainment’s longest-standing trainees, training for a total of five years. She was also part of the agency’s planned girl group, 6mix, which was ultimately canceled.
The Guardian of TWICE
She is often affectionately called the “Mother” of TWICE by the members and fans alike. This nickname comes from her caring, meticulous nature, as she is known for looking after the other members and being in charge of cleaning and tidying their dorm.
A Name Change Story
Jeongyeon’s birth name was actually Yoo Kyung-wan (유경완). She changed it in the third grade because her original name sounded like a boy’s name, and she was teased for it.
She Almost Quit Idol Life
At one point during her long trainee period, Jeongyeon seriously considered giving up on being an idol. She even worked a job at a bakery and was considering opening her own shop before she joined the survival show Sixteen.
Multitalented with Both Hands
Jeongyeon is ambidextrous! While she is naturally left-handed, she can reportedly write and throw with her right hand, demonstrating her coordination and skill.
Songwriting Contribution
She has actively participated in TWICE’s discography as a lyricist. She has songwriting credits on tracks like “Love Line,” “Sweet Talker,” “LaLaLa,” and the fan-dedicated track, “21:29,” which was written by all the members.
The Story Behind Her Number ‘0’
Every TWICE member has a representative number, and Jeongyeon’s is 0. When asked about its meaning, she famously stated it has no meaning at all—a fun, quirky choice that fits her personality.
A Love for Animals
Jeongyeon has a deep affection for animals, especially dogs. She has several dogs, including Nanan (a poodle), Peanut (female, sometimes called Ttangkong), and Yuki (a male dog). Her family also adopted a Jindo dog named Yeontan, who lives with the family, along with Nanan and Bami, and gets along with Peanut and Yuki when they are there. A previous dog, Bbosong, has passed away.
A Model for Confidence
She is renowned for pioneering the “girl crush” concept within TWICE’s earlier eras, famously rocking a signature short hairstyle that became an iconic look and inspired many fans.
