She commands the stage as the leader of Twice, one of K-pop’s most influential groups. Her journey started long before the bright lights, rooted in a childhood dream.
Born Park Ji-soo in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, she legally changed her name at eighteen. This shift came just before she competed on the survival show Sixteen, a pivotal moment that led to her debut.
Her presence is defined by more than talent. She stands 162cm tall, and her personality type has publicly evolved, reflecting a dynamic character that fans connect with deeply.
This artist’s story is grounded in family. Her two younger sisters include actress Lee Ha-eum, showing a household that nurtured creative ambition from an early age.
She transformed a decade of training into sustained success. This introduction is not about a manufactured idol, but a dedicated performer who earned her role through sheer will and skill.
Life and Early Beginnings
Long before the spotlight found her, a young girl from Guri was already dreaming of the stage. Her journey started with the birth name Park Ji-soo, a detail that would later change but never erase her roots.
Childhood and Early Influences
Growing up in Sutaek-dong, the future star showed early competitive drive. Her family environment nurtured creative ambition from the start.
Two younger sisters watched her pursue an intense path. One would follow into entertainment as actress Lee Ha-eum. This household valued performance and supported unconventional choices.
Early Introduction to Performing Arts
At eight years old, she entered a Junior Naver child star contest. Her second-place finish caught SM Entertainment’s attention. This digital platform competition gave young hopefuls unprecedented visibility.
The contest result pulled her into idol training during elementary school. It required family support and unusual discipline for her age. Her year at SM introduced vocal lessons, dance training, and constant evaluation.
| Year | Milestone | Age | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Junior Naver Contest | 8 years | Second place finish, scouted by SM |
| 2006 | SM Training | 9 years | First exposure to idol system |
| 2015 | High School Graduation | 18 years | Balanced education with training |
Graduating from Chungdam High School marked a milestone many idols miss. She balanced education with rigorous training schedules. This detail underscores the discipline developed during formative years.
Formation and Training at JYP Entertainment
A belief in her potential guided an unusual move. When the scout who discovered her transferred from SM to JYP Entertainment, she followed. This decision reset her training but kept a vital connection.
Pre-Debut Activities and Scouting Experience
She officially joined JYP on July 15, 2005. This began a ten-year training period, one of the longest in the industry. Her childhood was traded for daily practice and monthly evaluations.
Those years were not spent entirely in secret. She gained early exposure as the face of Innisfree’s teen cosmetics line. She modeled alongside the boy group Boyfriend and future group member Nayeon.
The Transition from SM to JYP & Trainee Years
Training at JYP meant learning alongside future stars. She observed established artists like Bae Suzy and members of Wonder Girls. This environment taught professionalism through direct example.
In 2014, her debut seemed certain with the planned six-member group 6Mix. It included future members Nayeon, Jeongyeon, and Sana. The project collapsed when two members left the company.
This cancellation was a major setback after nearly a decade of work. It set the stage for one final chance to prove her worth.
| Period | Activity | Notable Peers |
|---|---|---|
| 2005-2014 | JYP Trainee | Bae Suzy, Wonder Girls’ Sunmi |
| ~2010 | Innisfree “TN” Model | Boyfriend, Nayeon |
| 2014 | 6Mix Project (Cancelled) | Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Sana |
Ji-hyo Park’s Impact as Leader of Twice
The 2015 reality show Sixteen presented the ultimate test for a trainee with a decade of experience. Jihyo entered the competition with more training than any other contestant. This background gave her an edge but also immense pressure to succeed.
Selection through Sixteen and Group Debut
Securing one of the nine debut spots validated her ten years of work. Her bandmates then voted her as the leader of the new girl group Twice. This anonymous vote added a layer of peer trust to her official role.
The group twice made its debut in October 2015 with The Story Begins. Its lead single, “Like Ooh-Ahh,” broke records. It became the first K-pop debut song to reach 100 million YouTube views.
The Evolution of Twice and Role as Main Vocalist
As the main vocalist, Jihyo anchors the group’s sound with impressive power and range. Critics describe her as a powerhouse vocalist. This technical skill provides depth to Twice’s bright pop style.
Her leadership extends beyond singing. She manages group dynamics and represents the team in public. This role became more complex as Twice evolved through hit eras like:
- “Cheer Up”
- “TT”
- “Feel Special”
Her individual popularity is strong. Brand power rankings placed her second and third among all girl group members in 2018 and 2019. This recognition highlights her significant impact within the collective.
Solo Endeavors and Musical Milestones
August 2023 marked a pivotal moment when the artist stepped out from her group identity to claim her own musical space. This solo debut followed Nayeon’s 2022 release, making her the second Twice member to launch an individual project.
Debut Mini Album “ZONE” and “Killin’ Me Good”
Jihyo released her first mini album Zone on August 18, 2023. The lead single “Killin’ Me Good” showcased her powerful vocals and mature artistic direction.
The EP blended R&B with pop and dance elements. Tracks like “Talkin’ About It” featuring 24kGoldn revealed new facets of her artistry beyond Twice’s collective sound.
Chart-Topping Achievements and Music Show Wins
Zone debuted at number one on South Korea’s Circle Album Chart. It sold 584,225 copies in its first week, earning 2× Platinum certification.
The album reached number 14 on the US Billboard 200. This placed her among the highest-charting female K-pop soloists in the American market.
| Chart | Position | Sales/Units | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circle Album Chart | #1 | 584,225 copies | 2× Platinum |
| Billboard 200 | #14 | 41,000 units | US Market Entry |
| Music Bank | First Win | August 25, 2023 | Solo Recognition |
She achieved her first solo music show win on KBS2’s Music Bank. This moment represented personal recognition after years of collective group achievements.
Personal Life, Public Image, and Endorsements
At eighteen, a legal name change signaled the beginning of a new chapter, separating a decade of training from the artist she would become. This personal reinvention preceded her appearance on the survival show that would launch her career.
Family Background and Name Change
Changing her name from Park Ji-soo marked a deliberate step toward her public identity. The decision came just before competing on Sixteen, showing her readiness for the spotlight.
Her family provided a stable foundation throughout this transition. Mother Cho Mi-ja and two younger sisters created a supportive environment. Sister Lee Ha-eum’s acting career gave them shared understanding of industry pressures.
Relationship Highlights and Brand Ambassadorships
In August 2019, JYP Entertainment confirmed her relationship with Kang Daniel. The high-profile pairing involved two group leaders navigating public scrutiny. They parted ways in November 2020 due to demanding schedules.
Brand partnerships expanded her commercial reach. She represented Milk Touch cosmetics in 2023 and attended AMI Paris fashion events in 2024. A 2025 ambassadorship with Ponds Philippines broadened her regional appeal.
Appearances on I Live Alone in 2023 revealed her private routines. This vulnerability earned a Rookie Award nomination and deepened fan connections beyond her musical role.
Artistic Collaborations and Discography Highlights
Her voice found new homes beyond the concert stage, weaving into the narratives of popular television dramas. This work built a parallel discography that highlights her versatility as a solo artist.
These projects complement her role within the group, showing a different side of her musicality.
Key Soundtrack Contributions and Collaborations
In March 2022, she released “Stardust Love Song” for the drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One. The track marked her first solo soundtrack entry on the charts.
Later that year, “I Fly” for Today’s Webtoon and “A Strange Day” for Summer Strike followed. Each song matched the tone of its respective show, from hopeful to reflective.
A major collaboration arrived in 2025 with the song “Takedown.” She worked with Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung for the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters. This hit debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Soon after, “New Days” was released for the Japanese drama Marry My Husband. It extended her reach into new international markets.
Extended Plays, Singles, and Musical Projects
Her creative input runs deep. The Korea Music Copyright Association lists her as a songwriter on numerous tracks.
Credits span from early Twice songs like “Eye Eye Eyes” to her solo mini-album ZONE. This proves her involvement goes beyond performance.
She has also appeared in every major Twice music video. Eras like Feel Special and Eyes Wide Open document her evolution on screen.
These visual projects are central to the group’s world tour concepts. They showcase her adaptability and enduring presence.
Reflecting on a Legacy of Influence
From trainee to trailblazer, her career represents the evolution of modern idol artistry. As leader and main vocalist of Twice, she guided eight other members through a decade of global success.
Her solo album Zone proved individual artistry could stand apart from the girl group. It reached number 14 on the US Billboard 200, selling over half a million copies.
Award nominations from MAMA to Seoul Music Awards recognized both group and solo work. The Asia Star Entertainer Award in 2024 marked definitive solo recognition.
Soundtrack contributions expanded her reach beyond K-pop into drama markets worldwide. These projects, documented over time, show a vocalist who connects through narrative as powerfully as performance.
The South Korean artist’s journey offers a blueprint for idol leadership—patient, skilled, and ultimately individual when the moment arrived.
