TWICE

TWICE: Ten Years, Nine Members, One Enduring Legacy

TWICE is a nine-member girl group that debuted on October 20, 2015, with their mini-album The Story Begins and title track 'OOH-AHH하게.' They are a multinational team comprising five Korean, three Japanese, and one Taiwanese member. For over 10 years since their debut, they have continued their activities with the same nine members, an impressive feat of an unbroken lineup. This page compiles TWICE's member profiles, signature songs, and activities from their debut up to the present (2026).

Quick Facts

The group name was conceived by JYP Entertainment founder, Park Jin-young. It signifies their aim to impress listeners twice: once through their ears with excellent music, and once through their eyes with captivating performances. The fandom name 'ONCE' was established in 2015, originating from the members' explanation: "If you love us once, we'll repay you twice." This creates a thoughtful connection, effectively linking the group's name and its fandom's identity in one meaningful phrase.

Meet the Nine Members

Arranged by age, their profiles are as follows. Clicking each member's name will take you to their individual page.

There are a few notable points in the table. First, Mina was born in San Antonio, Texas, USA, and held dual Japanese and American citizenship. However, she renounced her US citizenship in 2019, and her current nationality is Japanese. This unusual case of differing birthplace and nationality often causes confusion in her profile. Jeongyeon's birth name was Yoo Kyungwan, but she later legally changed it to Yoo Jeongyeon. Actress Gong Seungyeon is her older sister. Jihyo's birth name was originally Park Jisoo, but she changed it to Park Jihyo before appearing on SIXTEEN.

The leader of TWICE is Jihyo, who was chosen by an anonymous vote among the members immediately after the group's formation in 2015. Jihyo joined JYP Entertainment at the age of eight in 2005 and spent a remarkable 10 years as a trainee before debuting, marking the longest training period among the nine members. The paths for the Japanese members to join TWICE were also varied. Momo was scouted in 2012 after the company saw an online video of her and invited both her and her sister to audition. Sana was cast by a company representative at a shopping mall in Osaka during her middle school years, successfully auditioned the very next day, and began her trainee life in Korea in April 2012.

The Genesis: From Survival Show to National Phenomenon

TWICE was formed through Mnet's survival program SIXTEEN, which aired from May 5 to July 7, 2015. Sixteen JYP Entertainment trainees participated, with the initial plan to form a seven-member group. However, two additional members were added in the final episode, resulting in a nine-member lineup. According to the agency, Tzuyu's inclusion was decided solely based on viewer opinions, while Momo's was by Park Jin-young's judgment alone. Due to the controversial method of re-introducing eliminated contestants, there was initial debate over the selection criteria. Nevertheless, with these nine members remaining unchanged for over 10 years, it ultimately proved to be an exceptionally successful adjustment in terms of team formation.

Their ascent after debut was remarkably swift. In April 2016, their second mini-album Page Two's title track 'CHEER UP' became a massive hit, instantly elevating the group's stature. This success was followed by another hit, 'TT,' in October of the same year, solidifying their reputation as a "national girl group." 'CHEER UP' went on to win Song of the Year at both the 2016 Mnet Asian Music Awards and Melon Music Awards, and the Digital Song Daesang (Grand Prize) at the Golden Disc Awards the following year, effectively sweeping the top three major domestic awards of that period. They continued their winning streak, consecutively receiving the Mnet Asian Music Awards' Song of the Year for 'SIGNAL' in 2017 and 'What is Love?' in 2018, achieving an impressive record of three consecutive Daesang awards.

These achievements are also quantifiable. From 'CHEER UP' to 'YES or YES' in 2018, TWICE recorded nine consecutive No. 1 hits on Korea's Gaon/Circle Digital Chart. On June 12, 2020, they became the first girl group to surpass 100 cumulative music show wins. As of January 14, 2021, their total album sales in Korea and Japan exceeded 10 million copies. During this period, the viewership of their fancams from broadcast stages was frequently cited as a key indicator of a girl group's overall popularity and impact, and TWICE was undoubtedly at the very heart of this trend.

Discography & Key Releases

Here's a summary of their major albums and title tracks based on Korean release dates.

Their Japanese activities also ran on a distinct, separate track. Focusing solely on their full-length albums, these include BDZ (September 12, 2018), &TWICE (November 20, 2019), Perfect World (July 28, 2021), Celebrate (July 27, 2022), DIVE (July 17, 2024), and ENEMY (August 27, 2025). Few groups maintain entirely separate full album release schedules for both Korea and Japan, but TWICE has successfully sustained this dual structure since their third year after debut.

The Evolving 'TWICE Sound': A Style Analysis

TWICE's song style can be broadly divided into three distinct phases.

The first phase spans from 2016 to 2018. The common thread among tracks like 'CHEER UP,' 'TT,' 'KNOCK KNOCK,' 'LIKEY,' 'What is Love?,' and 'Dance The Night Away' is their short, repetitive choruses, coupled with "point choreography" – iconic hand gestures that make the entire song instantly recognizable. A prime example is the 'TT' hand gesture, where the song title and its corresponding movement are perfectly synchronized. This arrangement was designed to ensure that the nine members' vibrant expressions and movements on stage were the primary focus, even before the music itself. During this period, TWICE's songs consistently maintained a bright, pop-oriented tone.

The second phase begins with 'FANCY' in 2019. From this point, their sound noticeably deepened, and their aesthetic became richer. Tracks like 'Feel Special,' 'MORE & MORE,' and 'I CAN'T STOP ME' showcased synth-driven, retro arrangements with prominent, heavy basslines. The choreography also evolved, shifting from an emphasis on iconic "point" moves to highlighting intricate group formations and denser routines. While this transition influenced their domestic chart performance, their breakthrough onto the US Billboard Hot 100 ultimately came from their English singles, not their Korean-language tracks.

The third phase began in 2021. With the release of their English single 'The Feels,' TWICE directly targeted the US market, and their success structure shifted, with album-unit performance beginning to outstrip single-unit performance. Taste of Love reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200, Formula of Love: O+T=<3 peaked at No. 3, and With YOU-th finally claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 in 2024. In 2025, their fourth full album, THIS IS FOR, ranked No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Circle Album Chart, selling 671,771 copies in its first week alone. This marked a significant transformation, as the group evolved from one that dominated domestic digital charts to one that built its global presence and scale through album releases and extensive tours.

Global Reach and World Tours

Japan served as the initial stage for TWICE's international expansion. In 2017, they became the first K-pop girl group to achieve platinum certifications for both albums and singles in Japan. By 2019, they had made history again as the first K-pop female artists to embark on a Japanese dome tour. As of 2022, their cumulative album sales across Korea and Japan had exceeded 14 million copies.

In the United States, 2023 marked a significant turning point. With performances at SoFi Stadium and MetLife Stadium, TWICE became the first K-pop girl group to headline US stadiums. On August 2, 2025, they further cemented their pioneering status by becoming the first K-pop girl group to headline Chicago's Lollapalooza.

Their largest tour to date was the THIS IS FOR World Tour, which commenced on July 19, 2025, and concluded on July 12, 2026. The tour encompassed 81 shows across 44 cities, drawing a total audience of approximately 1.5 million people. In North America alone, 35 shows attracted around 550,000 attendees, setting a new record for the highest attendance for a K-pop girl group's North American tour. In Japan, they mobilized 640,000 fans. Key stadium dates are as follows:

The Japan National Stadium concerts took place over three days: April 25, 26, and 28, 2026. TWICE made history as the first foreign artist to hold a solo concert at this prestigious venue. The nearly year-long tour concluded with three sold-out encore performances at Seoul's KSPO Dome from July 10 to 12, 2026.

Solo & Unit Endeavors

Since 2022, individual activities have become more prominent, establishing a successful structure where group and solo careers run in parallel.

Nayeon's achievements have been particularly prominent. Both IM NAYEON in 2022 and NA in 2024 reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and topped Korean album charts. Tzuyu's abouTZU landed at No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the World Albums Chart, with its title track 'Run Away' topping the Taiwanese chart. Tzuyu also released 'Blink' in collaboration with Corbin Besson on September 26, 2025.

MISAMO, formed by the three Japanese members, first appeared with 'Bouquet,' a theme song for a TV Asahi drama in January 2023, before making their official debut with the mini-album Masterpiece on July 26 of the same year. Prior to this, Sana had released a digital single in February 2021, covering Kobukuro's 'Graduation.'

There are also instances of members branching out beyond music. In 2025, Dahyun made her acting debut as Oh Seon-ah in the film 그 시절, 우리가 좋아했던 소녀, earning several Best New Actress awards. She subsequently appeared in Run to You (2025) and the drama Love Me (2025-2026). Dahyun also has a history of hosting various year-end awards ceremonies and music festivals since her debut.

The 10th Anniversary and Beyond (2025-2026)

2025 was a meticulously planned year, strategically aligned with their 10th debut anniversary. In April, they appeared as special guests for all six of Coldplay's Seoul concerts, where they performed a new version of 'We Pray,' officially released on April 17. May 14 saw the release of their Japanese compilation #TWICE5. On July 11, their fourth full album, THIS IS FOR, was unveiled, simultaneously kicking off their world tour. Following their headlining performance at Chicago's Lollapalooza on August 2, Nayeon, Jihyo, Momo, and Tzuyu graced the stage of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2025 on October 15.

The schedule surrounding their 10th anniversary day unfolded in three distinct ways. On October 10, their fifth full album, TEN: The Story Goes On, along with its title track 'ME+YOU,' was released. On October 18, the 10th-anniversary fan meeting '10ve Universe' was held at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium, where 'ME+YOU' was performed live for the very first time. Finally, on their debut anniversary, October 20, the documentary film One in a Mill10n was unveiled. TEN included the title track as well as solo songs performed by all nine members during their tour, and its digital cover faithfully recreated the iconic pose from their debut album, The Story Begins. This album climbed to No. 2 on the Circle Album Chart (selling over 260,000 copies), No. 11 on the Billboard 200, and No. 5 on Oricon, making TWICE the first K-pop girl group to have ten albums chart on the Billboard 200.

The most significant change in 2026 concerned agency matters. In August, Jeongyeon departed JYP Entertainment after 11 years, moving to Baro Entertainment, the same agency as her older sister Gong Seungyeon. Similarly, Chaeyoung also left JYP Entertainment in August to establish her independent label, Lil Fantasy, for her solo endeavors. Importantly, both members confirmed that they would continue their activities as part of TWICE. This arrangement effectively separates individual contracts from group activities, thus maintaining the enduring nine-member system.

A scene of generational shift is also emerging. On August 24, 2026, the seven-member group TUI.D, under HYBE's Pledis label ABD, debuted with their mini-album Tune & Play, notably including Jihyo's younger sister as a member. Comparing the girl group landscape of 2015, when TWICE debuted, with the current landscape, truly makes one realize just how long and transformative those intervening ten years have been.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is TWICE's leader? Jihyo. She was elected by an anonymous vote among the members immediately after the group's formation in 2015. Jihyo joined JYP Entertainment at age eight in 2005 and trained for 10 years.

What are the nationalities of the members? Five Korean members (Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Jihyo, Dahyun, Chaeyoung), three Japanese members (Momo, Sana, Mina), and one Taiwanese member (Tzuyu). Mina was born in Texas, USA, and held dual citizenship but renounced her US nationality in 2019.

How did the group debut? They were formed through the survival show SIXTEEN, which aired on Mnet from May 5 to July 7, 2015. Of the 16 participants, the original plan was to select seven members, but Tzuyu and Momo were added in the final episode, making it nine.

What do the fandom name and group name mean? The fandom name is ONCE, established in 2015. It means, "If you love us once, we'll repay you twice." The group name TWICE was coined by Park Jin-young, signifying that they move listeners twice – once through their ears, and once through their eyes.

What is their biggest hit song? 'CHEER UP' (2016). It won Song of the Year at the 2016 Mnet Asian Music Awards and Melon Music Awards, and the Digital Song Daesang at the 2017 Golden Disc Awards. 'TT' also achieved great success the same year, and from 'CHEER UP' to 'YES or YES' in 2018, they recorded nine consecutive No. 1s on the Korean digital charts.

Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung have left their agency; what about the group? Both members concluded their contracts with JYP Entertainment in August 2026 but announced they would continue activities as TWICE members. Jeongyeon transferred to Baro Entertainment, and Chaeyoung established her independent label, Lil Fantasy, for solo activities. The nine-member system remains intact.

What are their US chart performances like? Their 13th mini-album With YOU-th reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2024. Previously, Formula of Love: O+T=<3 peaked at No. 3, while Taste of Love and THIS IS FOR both reached No. 6. All songs that entered the Billboard Hot 100 are English singles. 'The Feels' was their first entry at No. 83 in 2021, followed by 'MOONLIGHT SUNRISE' (No. 84), 'Strategy' (No. 51), and 'Takedown' (No. 50). No Korean-language song has yet charted on the Hot 100.