Meet Yoo Jeongyeon, the “Guardian” of TWICE. While she is often called the group’s girl-crush icon, insiders and fans know her as the emotional anchor who keeps the group grounded.
1. The “Prankster” with a Heart of Gold
Jeongyeon has a dual personality that makes her a staff favorite. On one hand, she is a notorious prankster—she’s been known to hide members’ phones or take “ugly” photos of them for the group chat. On the other hand, she is the “Mother of TWICE.” She is usually the one seen cleaning the dorms or the waiting rooms.
- She famously carries a “safety bag” filled with snacks, medicine, and tissues just in case another member needs them.
- Managers often joke that if they can’t find a member, they just need to find Jeongyeon, as the others naturally gravitate toward her for comfort.
2. Resilience Personified
Jeongyeon’s journey is defined by her incredible strength. Between 2020 and 2024, she had to take several hiatuses due to a herniated disc in her neck and struggles with anxiety. Seeing her back on stage now is a huge deal for the fandom.
- The Barista Certificate: During one of her breaks, she didn’t just rest; she actually worked at a friend’s cafe and earned a professional barista certificate to stay busy and learn a new skill.
- Current Status (2026): She is currently performing full-out on the “THIS IS FOR” World Tour. She has been receiving massive praise for her stability and confidence, especially during the North American leg where she never missed a show.
3. Her 2026 Solo Moment: “Fix A Drink”
In Act III of the current world tour, Jeongyeon finally gets her own original solo spotlight. She performs a song called “Fix A Drink” from their 2025 anniversary album, Ten: The Story Goes On.
- The Vibe: It’s a country-inspired, high-energy track.
- The Look: She performs it in a bedazzled white cowgirl hat and chaps, which has become one of the most viral “fancam” moments of the 2026 tour. It perfectly captures her unique, cool-yet-fun energy.
4. Personal Quirks & Insider Details
- Legally Changed Name: She was actually born Yoo Kyung-wan, but she changed it to Jeongyeon in the 3rd grade because she was teased for her birth name sounding “too masculine.”
- The “No-Makeup” Queen: Staff members say she is the member most likely to be seen walking around the JYP building in a baggy hoodie and no makeup. She values comfort and authenticity over everything else.
- Songwriter: She is a secret weapon in TWICE’s discography, having written lyrics for fan favorites like “Love Line,” “Sweet Talker,” and “Lalala.”
5. Acting Roots
Jeongyeon comes from a very artistic family. Her father is a famous traditional chef (Gong Chang-gil), and her older sister is the well-known actress Gong Seung-yeon. While Jeongyeon chose music, she often displays “actress-level” charisma in TWICE’s more cinematic music videos.
Today, Jeongyeon is celebrated not just for her powerful, husky vocals, but for her honesty about mental health and her unwavering loyalty to her “eight sisters.”