twice chaeyoung

Hey fellow K-pop lovers! As a proud ONCE since day one, I wanted to share the incredible journey of our girls, TWICE, and talk a bit about their amazing solo ventures too.

Grab some snacks because this is going to be a ride through memory lane!

The Beginning: SIXTEEN and Dreams Coming True

It all started in 2015 with JYP Entertainment's survival show SIXTEEN. Watching these talented trainees compete was both exciting and nerve-wracking. We fell in love with each girl's unique charm and desperately wanted them all to debut together.

The show was designed to select 7 members, but thankfully, JYP surprised us by adding two members back into the lineup and selecting 9 members total. Talk about a plot twist that changed K-pop history!

Our final lineup became the perfect blend of personalities: Nayeon (our adorable bunny leader-to-be), Jeongyeon (our short-haired goddess), Momo (our dancing machine), Sana (our aegyo queen), Jihyo (our powerhouse leader), Mina (our elegant penguin), Dahyun (our variety star), Chaeyoung (our artistic rapper), and Tzuyu (our visual queen). Each member brought something special to the table, creating the magical chemistry we know and love today.

The Rookie Years: Taking the World by Storm

TWICE officially debuted on October 20, 2015, with "The Story Begins" and their title track "Like OOH-AHH." I still get goosebumps watching that music video – it was clear from the start that these girls were something special. The song was catchy, the choreography was addictive, and their personalities shone through immediately.

But it was really "Cheer Up" in 2016 that launched them into the stratosphere. That colorful, cheerful concept with the iconic "Shy shy shy" became a cultural phenomenon. Suddenly, everyone was doing the "TT" pose, and TWICE was everywhere. The trilogy of "Cheer Up," "TT," and "Knock Knock" established them as the ultimate girl crush group with their bright, happy concepts that could make anyone smile.

Growing Up: Musical Evolution

What I love most about being a ONCE is watching how our girls have grown both musically and personally. The cute concepts of their early years gradually evolved into more mature sounds. Songs like "What is Love?" and "Dance The Night Away" showed their versatility, while "Feel Special" marked a significant turning point toward more sophisticated themes and visuals.

Then came their English releases! "The Feels" was such a fun surprise, hearing the girls sing entirely in English felt surreal but exciting. It opened up so many new opportunities for international recognition, and seeing them on American talk shows was a dream come true for international ONCEs like myself.

Japanese Success and MISAMO: A Special Chapter

Let's talk about TWICE's incredible success in Japan!

The girls have absolutely dominated the Japanese market with their Japanese albums and singles. Their Japanese releases like "BDZ," "BREAKTHROUGH," and "&TWICE" showed how well they could adapt their sound for different audiences while maintaining their signature charm.

But the real surprise came in 2023 with MISAMO, the Japanese sub-unit featuring Mina, Sana, and Momo! As a ONCE, seeing our Japanese members come together for "Masterpiece" was emotional on so many levels. The elegance, maturity, and sophistication they brought to this project was breathtaking. Their debut showcase and promotions in Japan felt like watching them come full circle, representing both TWICE and their individual heritage.

MISAMO proved that TWICE's Japanese members aren't just "the Japanese line" – they're incredibly talented artists who can stand on their own while bringing something unique to the TWICE universe. The way they balanced their native language with their K-pop training created something truly special that only they could deliver.

Solo Ventures: Nine Stars Shining Individually

While TWICE as a group is irreplaceable, watching the members explore solo activities has been equally thrilling:

Nayeon made history as the first TWICE member to go solo with her mini-album "IM NAYEON" in 2022. "POP!" was such a perfect debut solo track – it captured her bubbly personality perfectly while showing her growth as an artist. The album topped charts worldwide, proving that our girls can shine individually too.

Jihyo followed with her own solo debut "ZONE" in 2023, showcasing a more mature, R&B-influenced sound that highlighted her incredible vocals. Songs like "Killin' Me Good" showed a different side of our leader that had us all shook in the best way possible.

And we can't forget Tzuyu's solo debut! Our youngest member, who we've watched grow up before our eyes, finally stepped into the spotlight on her own. Seeing our maknae embrace her solo career while maintaining that elegant, graceful presence she's always had was such an emotional moment for ONCEs. Her solo work really highlighted her growth as both a performer and an individual artist.

And most recently, Chaeyoung blessed us with her solo debut! Our little artist finally got to showcase her unique style and creative vision as a solo artist. Watching her express herself through her own music after years of seeing her artistic talents through her drawings and fashion sense has been incredibly rewarding as a ONCE.

Each member has also been busy with individual activities from Mina's modeling work to Sana's variety show appearances and Dahyun's MCing skills. Momo continues to blow our minds with her dancing, Jeongyeon charms us with her wit on variety shows, and the artistic projects from our members keep surprising us.

The ONCE Family: More Than Just Fans

Being a ONCE isn't just about supporting a K-pop group, it's about being part of a global family. The bond between TWICE and ONCE is something truly special. The girls always make sure to show their appreciation for our support, and honestly, they've been there for us through tough times too. During the pandemic, their online concerts and frequent communication through social media helped so many of us feel less alone.

The way they remember ONCE birthdays, create inside jokes with us, and genuinely seem to care about our wellbeing makes this relationship feel authentic rather than just transactional. It's not uncommon to see ONCEs from different countries helping each other stream, translate content, or even meet up at concerts, TWICE created this beautiful community.

ONCE forever!

TWICE isn't just a K-pop group, they're a phenomenon, a source of joy, and for many of us ONCEs, a constant in our lives during both good times and bad. From their infectious energy to their genuine personalities, from their musical growth to their individual achievements, they continue to exceed expectations.

Whether you're a longtime ONCE or just discovering TWICE, welcome to this amazing journey. Trust me, once you're in the ONCE family, you'll understand why we say "One in a million" isn't just a song title – it's exactly what TWICE and our fandom represent.