Jeongyeon: TWICE Member Poised for Rock Ballad Success
TWICE, formed by JYP Entertainment, is one of K-pop’s most successful groups, known for bright pop songs, synchronised choreography, and a consistently high production standard. Each member has showcased individual strengths, branching into acting, solo music, and subunits like MiSaMo.
However, among the nine members, Jeongyeon stands out as the one capable of crossing genres into the world of rock ballads.
Most K-pop solo projects maintain the group’s core sound, but Jeongyeon has demonstrated the ability to break away from this pattern. Her vocal tone carries emotional depth, maturity, and power, making her well-suited for balladry rooted in storytelling rather than spectacle. She has the vocal range and natural stage presence to command attention without relying on complex dance routines or high-concept staging.
Jeongyeon’s voice is versatile. While she often uses a light soprano tone within TWICE tracks to suit the group’s style, she is not confined to it. She would benefit from minimising her reliance on the soprano range except when absolutely necessary to complete a melody. Her mid-to-lower register offers a fuller, richer quality—essential for delivering emotionally resonant rock ballads with strength and sincerity.
The tradition of rock ballad performers, particularly from the 1970s to 1990s, depended on authentic, midrange vocal power rather than technical perfection or studio polish. When Jeongyeon leans into her natural chest voice with slight texture and roughness, she taps into this classic style. In a music industry dominated by electronic production and visual spectacle, her vocal authenticity would offer something both rare and highly marketable.
Jeongyeon also possesses the critical stage presence necessary for solo ballad success. She does not rely on showy theatrics; instead, she projects a calm, commanding energy that naturally draws focus. This approach mirrors how many great rock ballad singers built enduring solo careers, where the voice and emotional delivery remained the centre of attention.
To strengthen her solo identity, Jeongyeon could establish a pair of unique selling points (USPs). First, she could continue wearing her distinctive hat, already seen in promotional appearances, using it as a trademark image. Second, she could introduce a signature long scarf—similar to those worn by Doc Neeson of The Angels—or occasionally add a stylish shoulder jacket. These accessories could be released through merchandise drops, encouraging fans to collect each variation as her solo career progresses.
While other TWICE members, such as those in MiSaMo, have the potential to succeed within K-pop traditions, Jeongyeon offers something different. Her natural vocal character, combined with her understated charisma, positions her to revive the emotional, storytelling-driven rock ballad tradition for a global audience.
If Jeongyeon focuses on strengthening her midrange delivery and selects material with strong narrative arcs and dynamic builds, she could transition seamlessly into the global rock market. Her success would not merely extend TWICE’s brand but could carve out a completely new lane in international music.
Few artists today are equipped to bridge the energy of K-pop with the emotional power of Western rock ballads. Jeongyeon has the vocal range, emotional tone, and stylistic potential to fill that space—offering something fresh yet timeless for a worldwide audience.