Born in Seoul, the artist known as Chaeyoung brings a distinct creative energy to the global music scene. Her journey started young, leading to a pivotal moment in 2015.
That year, she became a member of the powerhouse girl group Twice. Her official debut with the group marked the start of an incredible career.
At 26, she commands attention as more than just a main rapper. She is a visual artist and a songwriter with a bold personal style.
Her work pushes boundaries, making her a defining voice in the group. This introduction frames her path from trainee to international star.
We see her as both an individual talent and a vital part of a larger ensemble. Her influence stretches across music, fashion, and youth culture.
Early Life and Foundations
The story of Chaeyoung’s rise begins not on a stage, but within the supportive walls of her family home in Seoul. Her grandmother played a central role in her early childhood, fostering a creative environment alongside her parents and older brother.
Childhood, Family, and Early Interests
She discovered a love for performance early. As a child, she modeled for a children’s magazine, dreaming of a life under the spotlight. This passion only grew with time.
Her family supported her ambitions completely. They saw her dedication and encouraged her to pursue her dreams in the competitive world of South Korean entertainment.
Pre-Debut Training and Modeling Experiences
At just 13 years old, she made a life-changing decision. She auditioned for JYP Entertainment in June 2012 and successfully became a trainee.
The next three years were a period of intense growth. She trained relentlessly, honing her skills in dance and performance. During this time, she gained valuable experience by appearing in music videos for established JYP artists like Got7 and Miss A.
She balanced this demanding schedule with her education at Hanlim Multi Art School, graduating in 2019. These formative years built her resilience and technical skill.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | JYP Entertainment Audition | Began her official trainee period |
| 2014-2015 | Music Video Appearances | Gained early industry exposure |
| 2019 | Graduation from Hanlim Multi Art School | Completed formal education while active as an idol |
Behind the trainee identity was a girl with a sweet nickname, “Strawberry Princess,” a testament to her personal interests that remained separate from her professional drive.
Career Milestones with TWICE and Solo Ventures
The path from JYP Entertainment trainee to global star accelerated in 2015 on the competitive stage of ‘Sixteen’. This reality show determined the final lineup for a new girl group. Chaeyoung secured her place, ranking sixth among the finalists.
This victory led to the official formation of Twice.
Debut Journey on Sixteen and TWICE’s Ascent
Twice made their debut on October 20, 2015, with the EP “The Story Begins”. Chaeyoung stepped into her role as a main rapper and singer for the group. Their debut reshaped the landscape for K-pop girl groups.
Contributions to Music and Creative Collaborations
She quickly moved beyond performance. On the 2016 EP “Page Two”, she wrote a rap verse for “Precious Love”. This made her the first member of Twice to receive writing credits.
Her creative input continued to grow. She contributed lyrics to several album tracks. For the Japanese album “&Twice”, she took part in composing the song “How U Doin'”.
Her vision extended to visual art. She designed the limited edition cover for the “Page Two” album.
Exploration into Solo Projects and Remix Collaborations
As a soloist, she explored different sounds through the Melody Project series. She released covers of songs by Cheeze and Justin Bieber.
During Twice’s world tour, she performed an original solo track called “My Guitar”. In 2023, she collaborated with the duo Coco & Clair Clair on a “Pop Star” remix. This showed her versatility beyond the group’s music.
Exploring the Life of Chae-young Son: Artistry and Evolution
Beyond the spotlight, a different kind of artistry defines this performer’s unique contribution to the industry. Her creative evolution showcases growth both within and beyond the group dynamic.
Songwriting, Rap Prowess, and Visual Creativity
Her musical contributions reveal a thoughtful artist with distinct vision. She has written lyrics for tracks like “Eye Eye Eyes” and “Young & Wild,” bringing personal perspective to the group’s sound.
The rapper delivers verses with precision and attitude across various musical styles. Her creative input extends to composition, making her an integral part of the creative process.
| Song Title | Album | Year | Contribution Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye Eye Eyes | Twicecoaster: Lane 1 | 2016 | Lyrics |
| Young & Wild | Yes or Yes | 2018 | Lyrics |
| 21:29 | Feel Special | 2019 | Lyrics |
| Handle It | Eyes Wide Open | 2020 | Lyrics |
Fashion Statements and Endorsement Highlights
Her bold personal style translates seamlessly into fashion influence. The artist’s gender-fluid aesthetic challenges traditional idol expectations.
Major brands have recognized her distinctive appeal. In 2023, Italian luxury house Etro selected her as their Japanese brand ambassador.
That same year, cosmetics brand CipiCipi named her their muse. These partnerships confirm her status as a style innovator.
Personal Insights and Public Persona
The public life of a global artist often blurs the line between personal milestones and public scrutiny. For the Twice member known as Chaeyoung, this reality has shaped a complex narrative beyond the stage.
Relationships, Faith, and Public Challenges
She graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School in 2019, a shared milestone with bandmate Tzuyu. This educational chapter closed as her professional fame grew.
In 2020, her privacy was violated when a stalker leaked her personal phone number. She addressed the incident directly with fans, demonstrating resilience.
A significant personal moment arrived in April 2024. Her agency confirmed her relationship with singer-songwriter Zion.T, a rare official acknowledgment in the K-pop industry.
Her faith adds another layer to her identity. She is Catholic, with the baptismal name Katarina.
March 2023 brought intense controversy. She wore a shirt with QAnon imagery during a music show. Days later, an Instagram post featured a T-shirt with Nazi symbolism.
She removed the post and apologized, stating she failed to recognize the swastika’s meaning. JYP Entertainment also apologized for its oversight. The incident sparked global debate about idol awareness and responsibility.
| Year | Event | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Graduation from Hanlim Multi Art School | Personal Milestone |
| 2020 | Personal Phone Number Leak | Privacy Invasion |
| 2023 | Controversial Imagery Incidents | Public Scrutiny |
| 2024 | Confirmation of Relationship | Personal Disclosure |
These events reveal the pressures of fame. At 26, Chaeyoung navigates the weight of her public persona while protecting her private self.
Parting Reflections on Her Impact and Future Endeavors
The long-awaited solo debut from the Twice rapper arrived not as a departure, but as the full bloom of an artist long in the making. JYP Entertainment’s June 2025 announcement culminated in September with “Lil Fantasy Vol. 1.” This album showcased her as the sole writer and composer for every song.
The lead single “Shoot (Firecracker)” propelled the record to number 3 on the Circle Chart. It also charted significantly in Japan and on the US Billboard 200. Tracks like “Girl” and “My Guitar” revealed the full range of her pop sensibilities.
Her collaborative spirit remained strong with the 2025 release “Takedown” alongside group members. This built on past projects like the “Pop Star” remix with Coco & Clair Clair and her Melody Project covers. These efforts demonstrated her consistent artistic curiosity.
Chaeyoung’s legacy is being written in real time. It is defined by a hands-on approach to music and visual art. She carves a path for idols who aspire to be true creators, ensuring her impact will resonate for years to come.
