The Present of TWICE’s Sixteen: Where Are the Contestants Now?
Eight years have passed since Twice, the South Korean girl group, was formed through the survival show Sixteen, organized by JYP Entertainment, in 2015. The show aimed to find 16 talented contestants to form the 7-member group. Today, let's explore where the remaining contestants are and how they're faring in their respective journeys in the K-pop industry.
Debut of TWICE and Who Are the Current Members?
Twice became a nine-member group, with two additional members later added. After their contract with JYP Entertainment expired this summer, pleasantly, all members decided to renew their contracts. As of now, TWICE is an active group consisting of the following members: Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Dahyun, Mina, Sana, Chaeyoung, Jihyo, Tzuyu, Momo.
Nayeon: The Lasting Leader
Nayeon, the lead vocalist, lead dancer, and face of the group, debuted at the tender age of 20 and is now 29. Beyond her individual success, she also made a solo debut in June last year with the album IM NAYEON, showcasing her solo talents.
Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung: Balancing Dual Roles
Jeongyeon, the second contestant, is 27 and Chaeyoung, the sixth contestant, is 30. Both have successfully navigated their two identities within the group and as solo artists, making significant contributions to the K-pop industry.
Dahyun, Mina, Sana, Tzuyu, and Momo: The Founding Members
The remaining founding members, Dahyun, Mina, Sana, Tzuyu, and Momo, have all remained active and continue to showcase their talents, often through sub-units such as MISAMO.
Former Contestants and Their Adventures
Here’s what happened to the other contestants:
Minyoung: Transitioning to YouTube
Minyoung, the 17-year-old who ranked 10th in Sixteen, though not immediately active, recently carved out a new path on YouTube. Currently with 24.7K subscribers, her content showcases her interest in dance.
Somi: The Youngest to Take the Stage
The youngest contestant, Jeon Somi, who was 14 at the time, has grown significantly in the K-pop world. After her successful debut with Produce 101, she remains active as a soloist and has recently released her album GAME PLAN.
Natty and Chaeryeong: Destiny and Sisterhood
Natty (Anatchaya Suputtipong) and Chaeryeong both joined the K-pop industry after adjustments by JYP Entertainment. Natty now dances for KISS OF LIFE, while Chaeryeong is part of the influential group ITZY.
JIWON and EUNSUH: Individual Paths
Jiwon and Eunsuh, who both participated in Idol School, had different paths. Jiwon debuted in FROMIS_9, while Eunsuh, despite not being active, has opened an Instagram account to share her passion for dancing. It’s heartening to see how each journey has its own unique story.
Chaeyeon: A Sister's Debut
Lastly, Chaeyeon, sister to Jihyo, had a more personal journey. She left JYP Entertainment so her sister could debut, and later found success with her solo debut, "HUSH RUSH."
Conclusion
The success of these contestants showcases the enduring impact of the survival show Sixteen. Each member has not only stayed active but has also broadened their horizons, proving that the K-pop industry is a path of continuous growth and exploration.