The single Takedown, recorded for the animated film KPop Demon Hunters, reached number 50 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2025. This achievement marked the first solo chart entry for Yoo Jeong-yeon, a South Korean performer who rose to prominence as a central member of the girl group Twice under the JYP Entertainment label.
Early Development and Training
Born Yu Kyung-wan in Suwon in 1996, the future performer attended Apgujeong High School. Although she failed an initial audition for JYP Entertainment during childhood, she succeeded in a second attempt in 2010. She spent five years in the agency's rigorous training program. In 2014, a planned project featuring her alongside Nayeon, Sana, and Jihyo was cancelled. She eventually secured a spot in the group after competing on the 2015 reality show Sixteen.
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Jeongyeon officially debuted with the group in October 2015 via the EP The Story Begins. Between 2016 and 2017, she co-hosted the music program Inkigayo with her sister, Gong Seung-yeon, earning a Newcomer Award at the 2016 SBS Entertainment Awards. During this period, she gained public recognition, appearing in Gallup Korea's top 20 list of popular idols for four consecutive years.
Health Challenges and Career Transitions
In 2020, spinal disc herniation forced her to undergo surgery, and subsequent steroid treatment for Cushing's syndrome led to physical complications. She managed multiple hiatuses due to anxiety and panic disorders between 2020 and 2022. Following her return, she continued her work with the group and in 2023 released a cover of O Christmas Tree for Apple Music.
Recent Projects and Agency Change
Beyond her music career, she hosted the YouTube talk show Inspector from 2024 to 2025, which raised ₩30 million for ChildFund Korea. Her acting career began with the film New Recruit: The Movie. By August 2026, she departed JYP Entertainment to sign with Varo Entertainment, maintaining her membership in Twice while pursuing individual projects.
Fast facts
- Born: 1996, Suwon, South Korea
- Primary occupations: Singer, rapper, dancer
- Group affiliation: Twice
- Acting debut: New Recruit: The Movie
- Billboard Hot 100 peak: Number 50
- 2026 agency transition: Signed with Varo Entertainment
- Education: Apgujeong High School
Questions readers ask
Is Jeongyeon still a member of Twice?
Yes, she remains a member of the group despite signing a new contract with Varo Entertainment in 2026.
What was her first solo Billboard Hot 100 hit?
Her first solo entry was the song Takedown, released in 2025 for the film KPop Demon Hunters.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: K-pop, dance-pop and electropop
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