Nayeon’s Profile
- Full Name: Im Nayeon
- Native Name: 임나연
- Nicknames: Nabongs, Bunny Unnie, Imu Nayon, Mat-nae
- Birthday: Sep 22, 1995 (29 years old)
- Blood type: A
- Height/Weight: 163 cm (5’4”) / 47 kg (104 lbs)
- Gender: Female
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Debut: Oct 20, 2015
- Position: Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer, Center
- MBTI: ISTP (The Crafter)
- Birthplace: Gangdong District, Seoul, South Korea
- Education: Konkuk University (Film Arts)
-
Nationality:
South Korean
- Profession: Singer
- Languages: Korean, English
- Group: TWICE
Im Na-yeon (Korean: 임나연), born on September 22, 1995, in Gangdong District, Seoul, South Korea, is a South Korean singer better known by her stage name Nayeon. She is a member of the K-pop girl group TWICE under JYP Entertainment, where she serves as the lead vocalist.
Early life
Nayeon was born and raised in Seoul in a family of two daughters, being the eldest with a younger sister named Im Seo-yoon. As a child, she once participated in a children’s modeling contest, where she was noticed by a JYP Entertainment scout. Initially, her mother opposed her entering the entertainment industry at such a young age, but Nayeon later secretly attended an open audition for JYP Entertainment on September 15, 2010, and was accepted as a trainee.
During her trainee years, she was originally set to debut as part of a project girl group called 6mix, but the plan was canceled after some members left. Before her debut with TWICE, Nayeon appeared in commercials, featured in several music videos of JYP artists, and made a cameo appearance in episode 2 of the drama Dream High 2 (2012).
Career
Nayeon became a trainee at JYP Entertainment in 2010 after passing an open audition. Before debuting, she was initially slated to debut in the group 6MIX, but the project was canceled. She also made a brief appearance in the drama Dream High 2 (2012). Nayeon participated in the survival show Sixteen (2015) and was selected as a member of TWICE.
Within TWICE’s discography, Nayeon features prominently in signature tracks such as “Like OOH-AHH,” “Cheer Up,” and “Likey.”
In 2022, she released her first solo mini album titled Im Nayeon. The album topped the Circle Album Chart in South Korea and reached No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard 200, making her the first Korean solo artist to break into the top 10 on the American chart. The lead single “Pop!” showcases a bubblegum pop style with catchy melodies and energetic beats.
In 2024, Nayeon continued her solo career with her second mini album Na, consisting of seven tracks mainly in hip-hop and dance genres. The album includes collaborations with artists Sam Kim and Julie. The promotional single “ABCD” won awards on music shows such as Show Champion and Music Bank.
Besides music, Nayeon has ventured into fashion and endorsements. She has graced the covers of Nylon Korea, W Korea, and Cosmopolitan. From 2022 to 2024, she served as a “Friend of the Maison” for Chaumet and was a brand ambassador for Swarovski.
Strengths
Nayeon’s songwriting ability is demonstrated through her participation in writing and co-composing the track “Sweet Talker” on TWICE’s 2020 album Eyes Wide Open. This highlights her expanding artistic role beyond performing.
Her stable and clear vocal tone is one of her strengths. As lead vocalist and center, she handles high notes and maintains the group’s energy in many songs.
Her precise and flexible dance skills earn her the position of lead dancer in TWICE. Her technique contributes to the consistency and quality of their performances.
Nayeon’s professionalism and perseverance are evident in her over five years of trainee life (2010–2015) and sustained consistent performance. She is known by colleagues and fans as friendly and approachable.
Additionally, Nayeon has broadened her activities into fashion and advertising, appearing on magazine covers and representing major brands, increasing her influence in the entertainment industry.
Achievements
She is the first TWICE member to receive major solo awards.
- She was honored as “Best Female Solo Artist” at the 2022 MAMA Awards, one of Asia’s most prestigious annual music award shows organized by Mnet.
- She won “Female Solo Artist of the Year” at the 2023 Circle Chart Music Awards, which is based on official statistics of album sales, streaming, and music consumption in South Korea.
- She also received the “Best Female Artist (Overseas)” award at the 2022 Asian Pop Music Awards, recognizing outstanding pop artists across Asia.
Beyond awards, Nayeon has seen significant success with her solo albums Im Nayeon and Na, solidifying her diverse talents and stature in the music industry.
Fun Facts
- She loves peaches and sweet desserts, earning her the nickname “Fruit Queen” among fans.
- Her nickname “Yeowo” (여워), meaning “extremely cute,” was coined by fans and is a favorite of hers.
- Nayeon injured her left leg as a child, making it weaker than her right leg.
- She enjoys playing badminton but runs away to escape when near the sea because she is afraid of deep water.
- When focused, she often furrows her brows—fans jokingly call this her “math face.”
- She is close friends with Yeri (Red Velvet), Jisoo and Jennie, forming a legendary “visual alliance” in K-pop.
- Known for playfully teasing other members during games, she is often the group’s source of humor.
- She made a brief cameo in Dream High 2 (2012), a short appearance that fans still seek out.
- Nayeon has said her lips are her most attractive feature—fans call them her “sweet weapon.”
Photo Gallery
