Introduction

Jeongyeon (정연), born Yoo Kyung-wan (유경완) on November 1, 1996, in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, and later legally renamed Yoo Jeong-yeon (유정연), is a South Korean singer best known as a member of TWICE, a K-pop girl group formed by JYP Entertainment in 2015.

As one of the group's vocalists, she is recognized for her warm vocal tone, steady singing and expressive delivery. Her stage presence and ability to combine melodic passages with choreographed performances contribute to TWICE's musical identity. In 2026, she also began pursuing a career in acting.

Career

Jeongyeon joined JYP Entertainment in 2010 and underwent more than five years of vocal and dance training. Initially considered for the planned girl group 6MIX, a project that was eventually abandoned, she participated in the survival show SIXTEEN in 2015. She was selected for TWICE, which officially debuted on October 20, 2015, with the mini-album The Story Begins.

As a member of TWICE, Jeongyeon contributed to the group's international rise, helping establish it as one of the leading acts in K-pop. Alongside her musical activities, she co-hosted the television music program Inkigayo between 2016 and 2017, notably with her older sister, actress Gong Seung-yeon.

On August 10, 2026, Jeongyeon announced her departure from JYP Entertainment and signed with VARO Entertainment to pursue acting opportunities. However, she confirmed her commitment to continuing her activities with TWICE. This new chapter includes her first film role in New Recruit: The Movie, scheduled for release on December 30, 2026.

Did You Know?

  • Background: Jeongyeon was born in Suwon, South Korea.
  • Name: originally named Yoo Kyung-wan, she legally changed her name to Yoo Jeong-yeon during childhood.
  • Family: her older sister, Gong Seung-yeon, is a South Korean actress.
  • Television: she co-hosted Inkigayo with her sister between 2016 and 2017.
  • New direction: she joined VARO Entertainment in 2026 to develop her acting career while remaining a TWICE member.
  • Instagram: @jy_piece.