Who is Chaeyoung?
Chaeyoung was born on April 23, 1999, in Seoul, and her real name is Son Chae-young. Despite being the main rapper and shortest member of TWICE, she is one of the most influential figures on stage. She joined JYP Entertainment in 2012 at the age of 13 and, after a long training period, was selected for TWICE through the “Sixteen” competition in 2015. Her versatility within TWICE clearly demonstrates that she is more than just an idol.
Chaeyoung's most prominent feature is the free spirit she brings to the stage. Her unique style is evident in both her clothing choices and body language. Her contributions to song lyrics demonstrate her interest in artistic diversity, both within TWICE and the K-pop scene. She is one of the few members of the group who can draw, write rap lyrics, and dance on stage.
Pushing Boundaries in K-pop with Her Tattoos
Chaeyoung was one of the first to break traditional idol stereotypes with her tattoos. The small but numerous tattoos on her fingers, arms, wrists, and behind her ears have become a collection among fans over time. In particular, a carrot tattoo and some words written in a specific font caused a stir in the K-pop world during a time when tattoos were considered taboo.
Her Contribution to TWICE Songs Is Greater Than Expected
Chaeyoung, one of the few members who writes lyrics for TWICE songs, stands out with her original verses in songs such as “Don't Give Up,” “Sweet Talker,” and “Young & Wild.” These songs are rare moments where she finds a space for individual expression, not just within the group. Her interest in poetry and writing is evident in her lyrics.
She Sets Her Own Fashion Rules
Chaeyoung's off-stage fashion style is a serious departure from traditional Korean beauty norms. With her oversized T-shirts, baggy pants, patterned jackets, and colorful hair, she has become an anti-mainstream icon, especially among young fans. This choice clearly shows that she is someone who is “not just right for the stage, but right for herself.”
Deep Connection with Visual Arts and Illustration
Chaeyoung is not only active in music but also in the visual arts. She has used her own drawings on some of TWICE's merchandise and sent hand-drawn postcards to her fans. She also had a dream of becoming a professional illustrator. Her minimalist sketches are still shared on social media.
Writes with her left hand, approaches the stage with her right brain
Chaeyoung's left-handedness aligns perfectly with her creative side. She uses her left hand to write, and she says this trait allows her to more easily tap into different ways of thinking. This “natural asymmetry” contributes to her art in many ways, from her song lyrics and drawings to her stage presence and fashion sense.
Family Ties and Sibling Relationship
Chaeyoung has a younger brother, and their relationship is very strong. Her brother, Seunghoon, is a basketball player with a striking physique. Chaeyoung often mentions how much her family supports her and credits their nurturing upbringing for helping her become who she is today.
Defying K-Pop Standards with Her Short Stature
In the K-pop world, tall stature is often associated with visual superiority. However, Chaeyoung, standing at approximately 159 cm, is one of the most prominent figures on stage within TWICE. Her stage energy, charisma, and confidence on stage create an impact independent of her physical dimensions.
An Unusual Bond with Her Fans
Chaeyoung is considered one of the most “approachable” members of TWICE due to her sincerity at fan events. Many fans say that she smiles when she makes eye contact, listens to the person in front of her, and avoids clichéd responses. She attracted attention when she responded to fan letters in her own handwriting, especially on her birthday.
She Made Headlines with Rumors of a Secret Romance
Chaeyoung made headlines in 2020 with rumors that she was in a relationship with a tattoo artist. Photos emerged of her shopping at a supermarket with a man and walking hand in hand. Although JYP did not make a clear statement on the matter, this incident reignited the debate over the “no dating policy” in the K-pop industry. Chaeyoung's silence on the matter reflected her desire for her private life to be respected.
Taking the Camera Instead of Running Away From It
Chaeyoung enjoys being behind the camera as much as she is in front of it. In some behind-the-scenes videos of TWICE, she can be seen holding a camera and filming the other members. Her visual storytelling skills are evident not only in her drawings but also in her framing choices. Fans speculate that she may direct short films or music videos in the future.
Food Preferences: Mango Love and Sensitivity to Meat
One of Chaeyoung's favorite fruits is mango. She has repeatedly praised mango-flavored ice cream and drinks. However, she is also known to be sensitive about meat consumption. Although she is not a strict vegetarian, she has mentioned that she occasionally prefers plant-based diets. It is known that she avoids certain types of meat.
Minimalist Jewelry Choices and Piercing Details
Chaeyoung, one of the first members of TWICE to get piercings, has multiple piercings in her ears. However, she keeps these piercings understated, adorned with delicate and minimalist jewelry. Despite her dazzling stage costumes, her simple approach to jewelry reflects her commitment to her personal style.
Her Dream World: Switzerland and a Life Intertwined with Art
Chaeyoung mentioned in a past interview that she dreams of going to Switzerland. She is attracted to a lifestyle that is closer to nature and moves at a slower pace. She says that in the future, she wants to move away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and live in an environment where she can devote time to art. These statements show that she is not just a pop star, but also an individual searching for inner peace.
Stepping into K-pop without continuing her education
While most of the TWICE members tried to balance their high school or university education with their apprenticeship, Chaeyoung started her apprenticeship at JYP at a very young age. Therefore, her formal education was shorter than most people's. However, she always made time to develop her artistic side and compensated for her lack of education in this field with her stage experience.
Childhood Nickname: “Trap Baby”
Due to her large eyes, short stature, and cute face at a young age, those around her gave her the nickname “Trap Baby.” Despite her adorable appearance, she possessed an unexpectedly powerful voice and confidence, creating this contrast. This nickname later became popular among fans as well.
Catching Attention with Art Gallery Visits
Chaeyoung has made it a habit to visit local art galleries and museums whenever she gets the chance during her world tours. She is particularly interested in modern art and abstract works. She has been spotted by fans at places like the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo. This aspect sets her apart from the traditional “idol” definition.
“Being Alone” Is Not a Fear for Her, but a Choice
Chaeyoung often mentions in social media and interviews that she enjoys spending time alone. After busy days with the group, being alone is not a necessity for her, but a mental cleansing method. Going for walks alone, reading books, or sketching are among her favorite activities.
Her Dream Collaboration: Gallant and James Blake
Chaeyoung lists Gallant and James Blake among her favorite foreign artists. She is particularly drawn to vocals with spiritual depth and experimental electronic music. She has said that if she ever does a solo project, she would like to work with artists like them. This is one of the rare moments when she has hinted at a more “personal” project, away from TWICE's bright pop sound.
She Reflects Her Mood by Frequently Changing Her Hair Color
Chaeyoung is one of the K-pop idols who has dyed her hair the most different colors. She has had green, orange, platinum blonde, silver gray, and even lilac hair. Most of these changes were not only related to stage concepts but also to her personal mood. She once said, “I dyed my hair red because I felt very calm inside.”
One of TWICE's Silent Leaders
Although not officially the leader, Chaeyoung is one of the members who carries the emotional weight of the group. Her role as a mediator when tensions arise among the members shows that she is a balancing figure not only on stage but also behind the scenes. It is known that even group leader Jihyo sometimes turns to her for her calmness.
Handwriting Used in Fan Merchandise
Chaeyoung's handwriting has been used as a design element in some special album versions and merchandise products of TWICE. The short sentences she wrote in her handwriting and the icons she drew were featured in limited edition products. This detail makes her not only an idol but also a creative figure within the brand.
Close to Manga and Anime Culture
Chaeyoung has stated that she has been interested in Japanese manga and anime culture since childhood. She is a fan of series such as One Piece and Attack on Titan. She draws inspiration from this aesthetic when creating her own character designs. Some fans say they can see anime/manga-style expressions in her drawings.
The First Member of TWICE to Hold a Solo Photo Exhibition
Chaeyoung, who caught attention with the analog photos she displayed at fan meetings, became the first member of the group to organize a mini exhibition of her own photos. Her photos mostly feature nature, city streets, and candid moments of TWICE members. This aspect also reveals how observant she is behind her public persona.
Embracing a Beauty Aesthetic Beyond Conventions
Chaeyoung is one of the rare names in the K-pop industry who has chosen to maintain her natural appearance in defiance of the dominant “beautiful and flawless” idol image. She has earned admiration for sharing her makeup-free look in photos and occasionally posing without covering small pimples or skin imperfections on her face. Her concept of beauty is based more on self-confidence and comfort.
A Desire to Escape to Nature: Plants and Gardening
Despite her busy city life and concert tours, Chaeyoung has created a small plant collection at home. She is interested in various types of plants, from succulents to tropical plants. She says that growing plants calms her down and feels like meditation. This attitude reflects her personal connection with nature.
Childhood Dream: Becoming a Pastry Chef
One of Chaeyoung's childhood dreams was to become a pastry chef. Her interest in sweets goes beyond just eating; she also enjoys trying different recipes and decorating them. When she mentioned this dream during fan meetings, many fans responded by creating custom pastry designs in her name.
She Conveys Her Feelings Through Her Eyes, Not Her Words
She is known as one of the members of TWICE who says the least but conveys the most. Especially during emotional moments or when other members are crying, the connection she makes through her eyes is striking. Many fans say she has “listening eyes.” Sometimes, just a brief glance is enough to comfort them.
Friends Outside the Group
Chaeyoung is known to have strong friendships not only with TWICE members but also with other female artists in the industry. She has been seen getting close with Lisa from BLACKPINK at several events. She also seems to have a sisterly relationship with the members of ITZY, which shows that she is a trusted and beloved figure in the industry.
Her Use of the Microphone Reflects Her Control on Stage
On TWICE stages, Chaeyoung often holds the microphone at mouth level rather than at chest level and moves it naturally in time with the rhythm. This small detail shows her technical awareness and control on stage. Such micro-adjustments, typical of professional stage performers, reflect her musical seriousness.
Her Compassion for Animals
Chaeyoung, who is extremely sensitive to animals, said that she decided not to have a pet for a while after the death of a cat she had adopted as a child. However, she advocates adopting animals from shelters at every opportunity. TWICE members are also known to frequently show affection to their pets and help take care of them.
Handmade Accessories Inspired by Simple Jewelry
Chaeyoung occasionally wears jewelry she has made herself. Bracelets made of simple beads, necklaces woven from colorful strings, and even earrings of her own design have been spotted offstage. Fans who identify with these accessories have started making similar pieces themselves.
She Keeps a Handwritten Diary
Chaeyoung is one of the rare idols who still uses a physical notebook. Instead of digital notes, she writes her feelings, travel notes, and song ideas in her handwritten diary. It is known that she spends her time in hotel rooms during tour periods in this way. The notebook she decorated has turned into a kind of creative archive over time.
Headphone Preference: Wired Over Wireless
Chaeyoung, who is not very tech-savvy, has said that she still prefers wired headphones. The reason is both her sensitivity to sound quality and her concern about losing wireless headphones. This small detail reflects her nostalgic and secure nature.
If She Weren’t an Idol, She’d Want to Be an Art Student
In an interview, Chaeyoung mentioned that if she had planned a career outside the K-pop industry, she would have gone to the Faculty of Fine Arts to study graphic design or visual communication. She expressed particular interest in areas such as cover design, magazine aesthetics, and typography. She also dreams of contributing to a magazine or art publication in the future.
Her Handwriting and Signature Are Imitated by Fans
Chaeyoung's simple yet aesthetic handwriting and signature have become one of the most popular idol signatures chosen as tattoo designs by fans. In particular, her Korean signature “채영” is quite popular among TWICE fans who want minimalist tattoos.
The Member of TWICE Who Takes the Fewest Selfies
While the other members of the group frequently share selfies on social media, Chaeyoung is quite reserved in this regard. She explains this by saying that she does not like to constantly show herself. Fans describe her rare selfies as “priceless” because they are all genuine and unfiltered.
Behaves Like a Professional Model in Fashion Shoots
Chaeyoung, who has posed for numerous magazine shoots, uses her body language and facial expressions with great awareness. Photographers working with her note that she possesses an “inner confidence” and requires very little external direction. This sets her apart from the typical idol photogenicity and brings her closer to a genuine editorial model.