Who is Jihyo?
Park Ji-hyo, born on February 1, 1997, is the official leader of the group TWICE. However, describing her solely as a “leader” would be an understatement of her stage presence and musical character. Jihyo, who grew up immersed in music from a young age, trained under JYP Entertainment for a full 10 years and 4 months before debuting as the leader of TWICE. This marks one of the longest trainee periods in the K-pop industry.
Her decision to use her real name instead of a stage name highlights her authenticity and the genuine connection she builds with her audience. For her fans, she is not just a powerful vocalist but also someone who sings with clear emotions on stage, exudes confidence through her physical presence, and expresses her feelings honestly in interviews. Jihyo's insight is behind many of the strategic decisions that have shaped TWICE's direction.
Record-breaking length of trainee period
Jihyo joined JYP when she was only in the third grade of elementary school and spent a total of 3,820 days as a trainee before TWICE debuted. During this time, she was one of the trainees practicing dance routines behind the scenes for JYP groups like 2PM and miss A. She faced the fear of being eliminated multiple times, was considered for other projects, but ultimately became the backbone of TWICE.
She Earned Her Leadership Through Trust, Not a Vote
In TWICE, the leader was not chosen by JYP but through a secret vote by the members. Jihyo was selected unanimously because the group members recognized not only her hard work but also her emotional intelligence and fair approach to everyone. Moreover, she has become a figure who maintains the internal balance of the group because she is patient enough to understand the different personalities of each member.
Vocal Power Sets TWICE's Emotional Tone
Jihyo's voice is not only technically powerful, but also has a versatile tone. Especially in songs like “Feel Special” and “Cry for Me,” Jihyo's central vocal contribution gives TWICE's overall vibe a more mature and dramatic feel. In these songs, her vocal control, crack-free high notes, and heartfelt, vibrating voice transform her into the “emotional center” of the group.
Taking Root on Stage During Performances
Jihyo's determination while dancing often leaves the audience in awe. Especially the way she uses her shoulder movements and body weight shows that she is not just a “dancer,” but a presence that seems to merge with the stage. Her ability to sing without losing her breath or facial expressions even while dancing sets her apart technically as well.
She Embarked on Her Solo Journey with the Album “ZONE”
Released in 2023, “ZONE” was Jihyo's first major step in establishing her solo music identity. The album, which follows a pop and R&B style, showed her leaning toward more personal themes. With songs like “Killin' Me Good,” she proved that she is not just a member of a group, but an independent artist who can carry the stage on her own. Moreover, this album entered the Billboard 200 chart, achieving international success.
She Has a Say in Her Makeup Style
Jihyo is one of the TWICE members who has the most say in her makeup style. She informs her stylists of her preferences for eye makeup and lip color depending on the stage. In some programs, it has been documented that she applied her own lip liner for specific scenes. This shows that she does not approach her appearance as a passive model, but consciously shapes her stage persona.
Turning Natural Asymmetry in Her Eyelids into a Stylistic Advantage
Jihyo's right and left eyelids are not symmetrical. However, instead of hiding this detail as a “flaw,” she noticed that this asymmetry adds different emotions to her face under different lighting angles. Especially in emotional songs, this natural difference gives her facial expressions a dramatic depth and makes her more captivating.
Trained Like an Artist, Not an Idol, During Her Vocal Training
In addition to pop vocal techniques, Jihyo was also taught the bel canto technique as a foundation during her vocal training. JYP's voice coaches aimed to make her not just an idol who “sings songs,” but someone who “tells a story” on stage by using her voice resonance and breath control correctly. As a result, Jihyo became one of the rare K-pop vocalists who can remain stable during live performances.
Connects with the Audience Through Intense Eye Contact
One of the most striking elements of many TWICE performances is Jihyo's intense and steady eye contact with the camera or the audience. This is described by fans as “mesmerizing eyes.” Especially in performances of ‘Fancy’ and “I Can't Stop Me,” it is observed that Jihyo is not just performing but also establishing an emotional connection with the audience.
Her Leadership Style Offstage is Like an Older Sister
Offcamera, Jihyo is like the “older sister” of the group. She organizes individual birthday celebrations for the members and makes sure the other members' needs are taken care of backstage. She also naturally takes on the role of mediator in group discussions. When Jeongyeon took a break for health reasons, she took on extra responsibilities to maintain the balance of TWICE.
Challenging K-pop Stereotypes with Her Body Type
Jihyo's physique differs from the classic K-pop female idol form. Although she is sometimes said to not fit industry standards due to her more athletic, strong, and muscular physique, she has never hidden this trait. On the contrary, she has used her powerful presence on stage to show that female idols can be not only “elegant” but also strong.
Behind-the-Scenes Leadership Seen in Documentaries
In TWICE's behind-the-scenes documentaries, Jihyo's leadership during rehearsals is clearly evident. She clearly points out any flaws in the choreography, works with each member individually, and does not hesitate to discuss issues with the trainers when necessary. Although this may seem like direct intervention, the group members see her approach as a source of motivation.
She Has Pre-Performance Rituals
Jihyo has a few habits she always does before going on stage: She warms up her voice with a tea mixture before the concert, chooses a member from the team to have a short chat with to reduce her stress, and finally looks in the mirror and closes her eyes briefly. This ritual is a personal way for her to mentally “get into the zone” for the stage.
The Member Who Sweats the Most During Dance Practice
TWICE's dance instructors note that Jihyo is the member who puts in the most effort during rehearsals and doesn't mind repeating moves multiple times. Even when everyone else is tired, especially during difficult choreography, she pushes herself to do a second or third round. This work ethic is one of the key factors behind the energy she displays on stage.
Her Camera Charisma Reaches Its Peak in the “Killin' Me Good” Music Video
The music video for her solo debut song, “Killin' Me Good,” is an example of how powerful Jihyo's camera charisma is. Especially in close-ups, her flawless use of facial expressions and eyes makes the video feel like a short film rather than just a music video. She manages to maintain her stage presence throughout the entire video.
One of the People Closest to Her Outside of TWICE
The bond between Jihyo and Sana is a detail often discussed by fans. In interviews, they have repeatedly mentioned that they can sense each other's moods through their expressions. Especially during tours, the duo is known to have special “silent support” methods for each other: eye contact, a brief touch on the shoulder, or simply resting together in silence after a concert.
Her Sense of Humor on Live Broadcasts Impresses Fans
Although Jihyo usually comes across as serious and mature on V LIVE and YouTube broadcasts, she manages to make viewers laugh with her sudden witty remarks. In particular, her tendency to make fun of herself with nicknames like “JIHYO-nator” sets her apart from other leaders. Her sense of humor is not heavy, but her timing is spot on and surprising, giving the audience the impression that she is “sincere but controlled.”
She reads fan letters and takes notes
Jihyo doesn't just read fan letters, she writes down important lines in a notebook and adds short comments next to them. This notebook is a kind of personal “emotional diary” that she opens depending on her mood and uses to motivate herself with quotes from past concerts or letters. It is known that she wrote down the line “I don't feel alone thanks to your music,” written by an ONCE, three times.
Fans especially love her when she wears glasses
While we usually see Jihyo wearing contact lenses on stage, she often wears prescription glasses in off-stage broadcasts or at airport transitions. Fans love this look so much that some have recreated it in drawings. The trend even caught on so much that a glasses brand approached her to use this image as a concept.
One of the Few Idols Who Can Combine Choreography and Mimicry
Jihyo doesn't just dance with her body; she dances with her face as well. In performances like “Set Me Free” and “Talk that Talk,” it's clear that she doesn't just focus on the steps; she immerses herself in the character, using eye, lip, and eyebrow expressions to enhance the storytelling. This indicates a stage intuition that can't be gained through training alone. The ability to convey a story through choreography makes her unforgettable on stage.
She's not afraid to talk to foreign fans
Jihyo's English isn't fluent, but she's brave. In some of the group's English-language broadcasts, she jumps in when the other members pause and keeps the conversation going with sincere comments. In particular, in interviews such as “Billboard Interview” and “Zach Sang Show,” she was not afraid to make mistakes when answering questions in English, and even corrected herself in a humorous way. This ease makes her ‘accessible’ to many foreign fans.
She has hand gestures that she developed with her fandom, “only for ONCE”
Jihyo's physical communication with ONCE is not limited to the heart sign. A specific hand gesture she makes while greeting fans by placing her hand on her forehead during some concerts is now perceived as a “special code” exclusively for ONCE. This gesture is instantly recognized by fans, not only during official events but also at airports or during stage rehearsals.
Even Her Hairstyle Changes Spark Social Media Engagement
Jihyo's hair style changes are almost as talked about as the rest of the group. Especially when she transitioned from long hair to short hair in 2022, thousands of posts were made on social media trends under the heading “Jihyo Bob Cut.” Because her image changes significantly depending on her hair style, each change makes her seem like a different character.
Jewelry Choices Can Carry Emotional Meanings
Some of the earrings or necklaces Jihyo wears in TWICE performances have special meanings. One of the earrings she wore in a performance from the “Feel Special” era resembled a piece she received as a gift during her trainee days. Fans say that accessory represents both a turning point in Jihyo's life and a nod to her past.
Maintaining Emotional Balance Through Sports
Jihyo doesn't just work out to stay fit; she also does it to maintain emotional balance. She has shared on her own channels that she prefers pilates and resistance band exercises. She notes that these activities not only relax her physically but also mentally. It is known that she doesn't skip this routine even when she's in a hotel room during tours.
The “Unexpected Presence” Who Did Not Make JYP's Initial Debut List
When the “Sixteen” competition program began, Jihyo was not among the top contenders in the initial debut list, according to viewers and producers. Her more mature appearance compared to other contestants and the fatigue from her long trainee period led her to be overlooked at the start of the competition. However, as the performances progressed, her vocal power, confidence, and charisma rose so much that she became one of the most voted contestants in the final weeks of the program.
A Style Approach That Defines Her Own Space in Fashion
Jihyo is not an “extreme trend follower” when it comes to fashion outside of the stage. She builds her style more on comfort, simplicity, and small details. For example, the simple T-shirt she wore after a concert had only a small logo, but this logo had a meaningful connection to the stage, transforming her into a quiet but effective style icon. Fans call this style “conscious carelessness.”
One of the Most Difficult TWICE Members to Imitate
In “Jihyo imitation challenges” among fans, the results are usually unsuccessful. This is not just because of her voice or facial expressions; it's the naturalness of Jihyo's behavior, her split-second decisions, and her energy on stage. She is so unique that she cannot be described using a standard template. In particular, her smile—a wide, sincere but controlled smile that covers her entire face—cannot be imitated even by other members.
She Has a Visible Sensitivity to Song Lyrics
Jihyo doesn't just sing on stage, she pays close attention to conveying the emotional tone of the lyrics to the audience. This is particularly noticeable in songs such as “Feel Special” and “Gone,” where she supports each line with her facial expressions. Her contribution to the writing and editing of the lyrics on her solo album also demonstrates this emotional ownership.
She's Not Afraid to Make Mistakes During Music Rehearsals, She Owns Her Mistakes
While many trainees or idols hesitate to make mistakes during rehearsals, Jihyo immediately stops and suggests starting over when she makes a mistake. Sometimes she even points out her own mistake aloud to help others feel more at ease. This attitude supports a culture of learning within the group and reduces pressure. She conveys the message, “If I can make mistakes, so can you,” through her actions.
Playing an Active Role in TWICE’s Global Promotion Strategies
Jihyo’s ideas are actively considered in JYP’s global promotion plans. She has been documented as providing suggestions on the presentation of English content, the flow of overseas interviews, and the language used in fan events. In some overseas press conferences, she has even been seen communicating directly with the team leader without a translator.
Her Perfume Choice Has Become a Cult Among Fans
It was noticed that Jihyo used the same perfume in some of her post-performance photos. Fans identified the scent as “Chanel Chance Eau Tendre,” and this information quickly spread throughout the ONCE community. The perfume’s energetic yet soft notes were deemed by fans to be a perfect match for Jihyo’s personality, earning it the title of “one of the best idol-perfume pairings.”
Soothing Listeners with Her Voice on Late-Night Broadcasts
Jihyo doesn't just talk during some of her late-night V LIVE broadcasts; she creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a “late-night radio host” with her soft voice. Thanks to her slow speaking pace, calm demeanor, and attention to personal details, these broadcasts are described by fans as “the Jihyo broadcast to listen to before going to sleep.”
Her Way of Expressing Herself Is More Mature Than Her Age
In interviews, especially when discussing emotional or challenging group dynamics, Jihyo's choice of words stands out. While she generally prefers to maintain a positive outlook, she doesn't shy away from acknowledging difficulties. Her ability to own her mistakes, express her emotions without filtering them, and convey them in a constructive manner has been interpreted by many fans as “emotional leadership.”
Her Relationship with Instruments Goes Unnoticed
Although Jihyo is usually seen with a microphone on stage, she is known to have taken piano lessons during her trainee years. During the solo album process, it was revealed that she created the melodic sketches for some of her songs on the keyboard herself. In particular, a short recording of her playing the main chord in the demo of “Don't Wanna Go Back” is archived in the JYP studios. This aspect positions her not only as a performer but also as a potential songwriter.
Her Lack of Frequent Health Breaks is a Sign of Her Resilience
As the leader of a high-energy group like TWICE, Jihyo’s lack of serious health breaks to date demonstrates both her physical and psychological resilience. While other members have occasionally had to step away from the stage, Jihyo has participated in nearly every event. Behind this lies not only a sense of “responsibility” but also habits such as prioritizing regular nutrition and sleep.
The “God Jihyo” Nickname Given by Fans Is No Coincidence
The nickname “God Jihyo” isn't just because of her vocal or leadership skills, but because she exudes a goddess-like power on stage. Especially her posture under the dazzling lights, her body language, and the extraordinary stage presence she sometimes shows give fans an “otherworldly” aura. This nickname has even been featured on official banners at some TWICE concerts.
The Member Who Adapted Quickest to Concept Changes in TWICE Albums
As TWICE transitioned from cute concepts to more sophisticated and mature themes, each member's reaction to this change was closely scrutinized. Jihyo, especially during periods such as “Fancy,” “I Can't Stop Me,” and “Scientist,” was the member who responded to this evolution most quickly and harmoniously, both in terms of stage outfits and gestures and facial expressions. This can be explained by her flexible stage persona.
TWICE Remains Cool-Headed During Emotionally Tense Moments in Rehearsals
In some rehearsal footage captured behind the scenes, Jihyo is observed to be the one who softens the atmosphere during minor tensions related to choreography or vocals. She neither yells nor remains completely silent; instead, she brings the process back on track with short, decisive sentences. The leadership she demonstrates in such crisis moments proves how well she reads the dynamics within the group.
There is almost no aesthetic difference between her childhood photos and her current appearance
When examining images of Jihyo from her childhood and trainee days, it is noticeable that there has been no dramatic change in her facial features. This has made her a rare example of “natural beauty” in the K-pop industry. In fact, she ranks high on lists of “idols who get more beautiful with age” on some Korean forums.
Her Sensitivity Towards Animals is More Apparent Behind the Camera
Jihyo's relationship with animals is not only evident in her social media posts but also in behind-the-scenes videos. Especially when she sees dogs, her face immediately softens, and she bends down to communicate at eye level, which has caught the attention of her fans. Some fans have even shared that she secretly visited an animal shelter and made a donation.
Known for her “perspective-changing” direction in fashion shoots
She is known as one of the rare idols who suggests poses to photographers during magazine shoots. In a Vogue Korea shoot, she suggested looking at the camera diagonally rather than directly, and this shot became the most used image from the shoot. This awareness of visuals shows that she is not just someone who poses, but someone who creates visual stories.
Her “Leader” Attitude Cannot Be Hidden Even Off Stage
In videos recorded at airports, hotel entrances, and backstage areas, Jihyo stands out for acting as if she is naturally responsible for the group's order. Sometimes she stays at the back to make sure all the members have passed, and other times she checks that no bags or belongings have been left behind. This habit shows that she carries her “leadership” position not only on stage but in every environment.
She Amazes Her Trainers with Her Speed in Memorizing Choreography
Jihyo demonstrates an exceptional speed in memorizing choreography during TWICE's intense rehearsal schedules. According to instructors, she typically grasps a new dance routine to a large extent during the first session and begins integrating it with facial expressions during the second session. This speed is not only a result of her memory but also her body awareness and the solid foundation of her previous dance skills.
One of JYP's Most Trusted Voices for Verbal Feedback
Within JYP Entertainment, it is well known that Jihyo is often called upon for private meetings when feedback on group dynamics is needed. She is considered a “trusted internal source” within the company because she is able to offer constructive comments about other members and share her professional thoughts on the production process with sincerity.
She Can Naturally Maintain Her Energy During Long Concerts
Jihyo is one of the few K-pop leaders who can maintain her energy even at the end of 2.5–3-hour concerts. Being one of the members who reaches every corner of the stage and remains physically active throughout, her stamina suggests that it is not only professional but also naturally cultivated. Fans note that her performance quality does not decline even during the “encore” sections at the end of the tour.
She Can Objectively Evaluate Her Own Development
In an interview, when asked, “How do you feel when you watch Jihyo on stage in her early years?” she replied, “I thought I was physically ready, but I was very unprepared emotionally.” Comments like this show that she measures her progress from within, rather than from the outside, and that she approaches her journey with a sense of awareness that allows her to see herself from an outside perspective.
Her Relationship with Her Sister: An Emotional Layer Rarely Seen in Her Public Life
Although Jihyo's family is not very visible in the public eye, her relationship with her younger sister is one of her most private aspects. In some special broadcasts, she proudly talked about her sister's achievements and described the short time she spent with her as “quiet but intense.” This shows how much Jihyo values her family ties and that she has an emotional side away from the cameras.
She Can Understand the Mood of TWICE Members from Their Facial Expressions
In behind-the-scenes footage and group interviews, it is often seen that even when the members are not speaking, Jihyo understands their moods through their facial expressions and body language and intervenes accordingly. She is particularly skilled at reading the emotional states of introverted members like Tzuyu and Mina and gives them space before answering on their behalf during conversations.
She Writes Notes on Small Pieces of Paper to Maintain Her Motivation
In some backstage footage, small notes are seen attached to her makeup mirror. These notes usually contain short sentences addressed to herself: “Stay calm this time,” “Things may not go as planned, but are you ready?” This habit shows that her inner discipline is fueled not only by external factors but also by an internal system.
Technical Knowledge of Camera Angles and Lighting Exceeds Expectations
In several statements from producers, it is mentioned that Jihyo also offers her opinion on technical issues such as camera angles, light reflection, and lens types during music video shoots and magazine photo shoots. In particular, in one music video, she noticed that the spotlight was shining too brightly on a certain part of her face and suggested changing the angle of the light, and the shoot was redone according to her suggestion.
She chooses to experience emotional moments on stage rather than suppressing them
Jihyo prefers to experience emotional moments on stage rather than suppressing them when she becomes emotional and tearful at the end of some concerts. In fact, in some of her speeches, she emphasizes that leadership is not about being emotionless, but about being able to balance emotions, saying, “Fans are here so that I can show them my true feelings.”
She Uses Movement Instead of Staying Still When Posing for Photos
In magazine or backstage photos, Jihyo prefers photos where she is in motion rather than static poses, with her body movements entering the frame. Behind this choice lies a desire to create a lively and fluid energy, just like on stage. This attitude also shows that her approach to visual storytelling is far from ordinary.
Questioning Not Just Comfort, but Also the Meaning of the Stage in Costume Rehearsals
When trying on stage costumes, Jihyo pays attention not only to physical comfort, but also to the overall coherence with the song's narrative. In a short clip before a concert, she finds a suggested jacket “too harsh for the spirit of the song” and opts for a softer design. This shows that she seeks artistic integrity even in her style.
She Reduces Tension by Joking About Her Own Mistakes
In interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, when Jihyo makes a mistake, she prefers to joke about it rather than try to cover it up. With natural phrases such as “I missed that step because my mind was on my coffee order,” she both puts the group at ease and reinforces her sincerity. This attitude is indicative of someone who is able to strike a balance between leadership and friendship.
She is also interested in other art forms, but quietly
Jihyo spends her free time doing digital drawing and simple graphic design. She shares very little content related to this side of herself, but some fans noticed that she designed her own birthday cards. Keeping this creative side hidden is related to her respect for her personal space and her desire to avoid showing off.
In front of the mirror, she doesn't just rehearse her dance moves, she also rehearses her emotions
During performance preparation, she is known to not only rehearse the choreography but also practice her facial expressions in the mirror. Especially during the “More & More” era, behind-the-scenes footage shows her practicing the same gaze she would give on stage multiple times from the same angle. This detail proves that she “produces performances” not only with her body but also with her facial muscles.
A Leader Figure Respected by Male K-pop Idols
Jihyo is not only respected within TWICE but also admired by many male idols in the industry for her stage presence and leadership. In particular, members of male groups have expressed their admiration for Jihyo's leadership and demeanor on certain programs. This cross-gender respect shows that she is a figure of authority based not on gender, but on talent.
Not Afraid to Take Risks on Entertainment Programs
Jihyo does not worry about maintaining her “idol image” on comedy shows or game shows. Her prominence in physical jokes, fast-paced games, and improvisational sketches on shows like “Knowing Bros” shows that she is comfortable expressing herself off stage as well.
A Master at Making Her Own Playlists
Before going on tour, Jihyo creates custom playlists tailored to her mood. These playlists aren’t limited to TWICE songs; they also include classic R&B, alternative pop, and even some lo-fi instrumental tracks. In an interview, she explained that the 20 songs she listened to on a tour plane were arranged based on their emotional transitions.
Keeps Up Her Daily Journaling Habit Despite Her Busy Schedule
Despite her busy schedule of performances, recordings, and broadcasts, Jihyo said she has kept up her daily journaling habit for years. She doesn't share her journal with anyone, but it is known that she sometimes turns some of her entries into her own writings or song lyrics. She sees this habit as a way of organizing her inner world and part of her search for emotional balance.
Seen as TWICE's Spiritual Anchor
It is often mentioned that when a member of the group feels emotionally vulnerable or under pressure, they first turn to Jihyo for support. This support is not just verbal; sometimes her silent listening or simply being present is enough. Jihyo’s steady and reliable presence makes her not just a leader but the “spiritual center” of the group.