Meet Park Jihyo, the legendary leader and “Main Vocal” of TWICE. If the group is a ship, Jihyo is the engine—her powerful voice and relentless energy are what have kept TWICE moving forward for over a decade.
1. The Ten-Year Trainee
Jihyo’s journey is one of the most respected in the industry. She joined JYP Entertainment in 2005 at just eight years old. By the time Sixteen aired in 2015, she had been a trainee for 10 years, meaning she literally grew up inside the agency halls alongside members of the Wonder Girls and 2PM. This decade of preparation is why her vocals and stage presence are considered “bulletproof.”
2. The Unanimous Leader
While some groups have leaders appointed by the company, TWICE chose theirs. After the group was formed, the members held an anonymous vote, and Jihyo was the overwhelming choice. She isn’t just a leader in name; she is known for being the one who checks on everyone’s health, coordinates with the staff, and speaks up for the group during tough negotiations.
3. Solo Powerhouse: ZONE
In 2023, Jihyo became the second member to go solo with her mini-album ZONE. The title track, “Killin’ Me Good,” showcased a mature, soulful R&B side of her that differed from TWICE’s brighter sound.
- The “God Jihyo” Vocals: She is famous for her “microphone-eating” vocals, meaning she sounds exactly like the studio recording (or better) even while performing intense choreography.
- Billboard Success: Her solo debut entered the Top 15 of the Billboard 200, proving her massive global individual fan base.
4. 2026 Activities: “THIS IS FOR” Tour & Solo Stage
Currently, Jihyo is leading TWICE on their massive “THIS IS FOR” World Tour.
- Solo Stage: “ATM”: For her 2026 solo segment, she performs a high-energy, brassy track called “ATM.” It’s a fan-favorite moment where she demonstrates her “powerhouse” status with a live band and intense dance breaks.
- Billboard History: In mid-2025, she also made history with the track “Takedown” (for the K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack), which gave her her first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100.
5. Personal Quirks & Insider Facts
- The Gym Enthusiast: Among the members, Jihyo is the most dedicated to fitness. Staff often joke that if Jihyo isn’t at the studio, she’s definitely at the gym. This strength is why her dancing looks so powerful and stable.
- Gamer at Heart: Despite her “serious” leader image, she is a huge fan of League of Legends and has mentioned that playing games is her primary way to de-stress.
- Ambition & Real Estate: In a move that impressed many “insiders,” Jihyo reportedly purchased a $2.9 million commercial building in Seoul (paid in full, in cash) in 2024, showing her savvy business mind outside of music.
- Ambassadorships: By 2026, she has become the face of several major brands, including Ami Paris, Outdoor Research, and recently, VENUS Korea—becoming their first new face in 14 years.
Jihyo is the definition of “God Jihyo”—a leader who leads by example, a vocalist with unmatched power, and a woman who worked for ten years before she even got her first chance to shine.