TWICE’s Nayeon on Solo Debut, Songwriting, and Spoilers: Insights for Aspiring Music Creators

About the Role

As the eldest member of the global K-pop group TWICE, Im Nayeon embodies a protective, loving, and playful energy. Known for her playful nature, Nayeon occasionally slips up with spoilers, much to the amusement of her fans and fellow members. Despite her own tendency to spoil, she prefers being spoiled herself, often looking up spoilers before watching movies or TV series to avoid accidentally spoiling others.

New Beginnings with a Solo Debut

Nayeon is set to reveal more of herself with her first solo EP, IM NAYEON. This project reintroduces her as a multi-faceted artist—bubbly, talented, and authentic. The lead single, "POP!", showcases grand K-pop production, luxurious music video sets, and a catchy hook, drawing inspiration from second-generation K-pop sounds she loves. Through this project, she embraces her roles as a leader, main vocal, main dancer, and visual center, marking a new stage in her career and TWICE’s journey as they approach their seventh anniversary.

Journey to Solo Stardom

Nayeon’s path to TWICE began in 2010 with a secret audition at JYP Entertainment. Initially slated to debut with a pre-debut girl group, she instead competed on the survival music show SIXTEEN, leading to her debut with TWICE. Known for her all-around talent and infectious stage presence, her solo debut, IM NAYEON, features collaborations with artists like Felix of Stray Kids, Wonstein, LDN Noise, Jade Thirlwall of Little Mix, Destiny Rogers, and The Stereotypes. These collaborations highlight her versatility and gratitude for the talented individuals she worked with.

Challenges and Growth

Being the first member of TWICE to release a full solo album brought its own anxieties, particularly in songwriting. Nayeon recalls feeling pressure and worry but finds joy in exploring different styles and expressing herself creatively. Despite challenges, she holds onto the joy of the process, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in songwriting. Throughout her journey, she received unwavering support from her TWICE members, who helped her make decisions and provided emotional backing. Letters from the members, included in her album packaging, are filled with messages of pride and trust.

Looking Forward

Nayeon’s solo debut marks a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her individuality while appreciating the teamwork that TWICE embodies. Her journey reflects a commitment to growth, creativity, and a desire to make her fans proud. She hopes to inspire aspiring music creators to embrace challenges, find joy in creativity, and value the support of their community. As she continues to explore new avenues in music, Nayeon remains committed to her artistry and her fans, with much more to offer in the future.