TWICE Member
Son Chaeyoung 손채영
Main Rapper · Sub-Vocalist · Visual Artist · Songwriter
Strawberry Princess
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Son Chae-young (손채영) |
|---|---|
| Baptismal Name | Catarina |
| Born | April 23, 1999 (age 26) |
| Birthplace | Dunchon-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Blood Type | B |
| MBTI | INFP |
| Group | TWICE (since 2015) |
| Position | Main Rapper, Sub-Vocalist |
| Agency | JYP Entertainment |
| Siblings | Son Jeong-hun (younger brother, b. 2000) |
| Pets | Logan & Nererie (dogs) |
| @chaeyo.0 |
Biography
Son Chae-young (Korean: 손채영), known by her stage name Chaeyoung (채영), is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and visual artist born on April 23, 1999, in Dunchon-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul. She is the main rapper and a sub-vocalist of the K-pop girl group TWICE, formed through Mnet's survival show Sixteen in 2015 and managed by JYP Entertainment.
Chaeyoung was raised in a Catholic household and holds the baptismal name Catarina. She grew up with her parents and two siblings, including a younger brother named Son Jeong-hun (born 2000). The name "Chaeyoung" can be translated from Korean to mean "variegated colors" or "flower" -- a fitting meaning for someone whose life revolves around art and creative expression.
She auditioned for JYP Entertainment at the age of 13 and entered the company's trainee program between 2012 and 2014. During her trainee years she appeared in music videos for JYP labelmates, including GOT7's "Stop Stop It" (2014) and Miss A's "Only You" (2015). In 2015, she competed on the Mnet survival show Sixteen, finishing in 6th place and securing her spot as a member of TWICE.
TWICE officially debuted on October 20, 2015, with the EP The Story Begins. Since then, the group has become one of the best-selling K-pop girl groups of all time. Within the group, Chaeyoung is known for her rap skills, songwriting talent, artistic illustrations, and distinctive fashion sense. Fans affectionately call her the "Strawberry Princess" (after her self-written song "Strawberry") and "Chaeng".
Beyond music, Chaeyoung is a skilled visual artist. She designed the limited-edition cover art for TWICE's Page Two EP (2016), created special-edition sneakers for the Korean brand Spris, and is well known within the fandom for her illustrations and sketches shared on social media.
Career Timeline
JYP Trainee Era
Auditioned for JYP Entertainment at age 13 and entered the trainee program. Appeared in music videos for GOT7 ("Stop Stop It") and Miss A ("Only You") during this period.
Sixteen & TWICE Debut
Competed on Mnet's survival show Sixteen and placed 6th, earning her spot in TWICE. The group debuted on October 20, 2015, with the EP The Story Begins and the hit single "Like Ooh-Ahh".
First Songwriting Credit
Wrote a rap verse for TWICE's remake of J.Y. Park's "Precious Love" on the Page Two EP. Also drew the limited-edition cover art for the same album.
Songwriter & Tattoo Era
Contributed lyrics to multiple TWICE albums including Signal, Twicetagram, and Fancy You. Co-wrote notable tracks like "Eye Eye Eyes", "Missing U", "Sweet Talker", "Strawberry", and "21:29". Made her composing debut on the Japanese track "How U Doin'" (2019). Graduated from Hanlim Performing Arts High School (2019). First tattoos appeared mid-2019.
Guitar & Continued Growth
Began studying guitar for future solo work. Co-wrote tracks on More & More (2020) and Formula of Love: O+T=<3 (2021). Continued expanding her tattoo collection.
Solo Performances & Ambassadorships
Performed her unreleased self-written solo track "My Guitar" during the Ready to Be world tour. Co-composed a remix of "Pop Star" with Coco & Clair Clair. Appointed Japan brand ambassador for Etro (Sept 2023) and muse for Japanese cosmetics brand CipiCipi (Nov 2023).
With YOU-th, Strategy & Zion.T
TWICE released their 13th mini-album With YOU-th (February 23, 2024), followed by the major collaboration "Strategy" featuring Megan Thee Stallion (October 2024). Both releases feature Chaeyoung as part of the group. She also worked on a campaign for K-beauty brand Kissing Heart (alongside Sana & Mina). In April 2024, JYP Entertainment confirmed Chaeyoung's relationship with R&B singer Zion.T.
Solo Debut: LIL FANTASY vol.1
On September 12, 2025, Chaeyoung made her long-awaited solo debut with her first full-length album LIL FANTASY vol.1 (JYP Entertainment / Republic Records). The lead single "SHOOT (Firecracker)" was promoted across all major music shows. The album debuted at #38 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on World Albums, cementing her as a successful solo artist. She wrote, composed, and arranged the vast majority of the 10-track album herself.
Songwriting & Music Credits
Chaeyoung is one of TWICE's most prolific songwriters, contributing both lyrics and melodies. Her writing style blends introspective personal themes with pop and rap elements, often touching on self-confidence, individuality, and emotion.
"Precious Love"
Rap verse (lyrics) · Page Two EP
Her first official songwriting credit -- a rap verse for TWICE's remake of J.Y. Park's original song.
"Eye Eye Eyes" & "Missing U"
Lyrics · Signal / Twicetagram
Co-wrote lyrics on two tracks across TWICE's 2017 releases, establishing herself as a regular group contributor.
"Sweet Talker"
Lyrics · What Is Love? era
Another lyrical contribution showcasing her growing confidence as a songwriter.
"Strawberry" & "21:29"
Lyrics · Fancy You
"Strawberry" became a fan favorite and the origin of her "Strawberry Princess" nickname. "21:29" is a sentimental group track about the 9 members' bond (21:29 = the sum of their ages at debut).
"How U Doin'"
Composition & Lyrics · Japanese release
Her composing debut. Chaeyoung contributed both the melody and words for this Japanese-market track.
"My Guitar"
Self-written & composed solo
An unreleased solo track she wrote and composed herself, learning guitar specifically to perform it live during TWICE's Ready to Be world tour.
"Pop Star" Remix
Co-composition · feat. Coco & Clair Clair
Co-composed a remix collaboration with the American duo Coco & Clair Clair, showing her expanding creative reach.
With YOU-th & "Strategy"
Group member · 13th Mini-Album + Collaboration
Featured on TWICE's 13th mini-album With YOU-th (February 2024), and the globally charting "Strategy" feat. Megan Thee Stallion (October 2024). One of TWICE's biggest international collaborations.
LIL FANTASY vol.1
Solo debut full-length album · JYP Entertainment
Released September 12, 2025. Chaeyoung wrote, composed, and arranged the majority of the 10-track album herself. The lead single "SHOOT (Firecracker)" was promoted on all major music shows. The album peaked at #38 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on World Albums. Notable tracks include "AVOCADO (feat. Gliiico)", "RIBBONS (feat. SUMIN, Jibin of Y2K92)", and the self-composed "내 기타" (My Guitar) finally released in studio form.
Art & Creative Work
Chaeyoung is well known as one of the most artistically talented idols in K-pop. She carries a sketchbook and pencil case everywhere and frequently shares her illustrations on social media. She describes her notebook as a "trash can for my emotions" -- her creative outlet for processing feelings through art.
Page Two Album Cover (2016)
Chaeyoung drew the limited-edition cover art for TWICE's second EP, Page Two. One of her drawings from the cover was later adapted into a design associated with TWICE's brand identity. She is one of the few K-pop idols to have hand-drawn an official album cover.
Spris Sneaker Design
She designed three special-edition sneakers for the Korean footwear brand Spris, combining her illustration style with fashion. The collection showcased her ability to translate her art into commercial products.
Illustrations & Sketches
Chaeyoung regularly posts her artwork on social media, ranging from detailed pencil drawings to colorful digital pieces. In interviews, she emphasizes that fine art is her primary passion alongside music. She has said she tends to doodle flowers when she's in a good mood.
Chaeyoung's Tattoo Guide
Chaeyoung is one of the most tattooed female idols in K-pop. She has at least 10 known tattoos, most of which appeared during 2019-2020. While she has never officially explained the specific meaning behind each design, fans have developed theories based on interviews and context. Here is a complete guide to all of her known tattoos:
TWICE Colored Lips
A pair of pink-orange lips in TWICE's signature colors (apricot and neon magenta). Fans theorize it symbolizes "I love TWICE" or represents her own artistic persona. This was her first publicly visible tattoo.
Cherry Tomatoes
Two small cherry tomato tattoos. Fans speculate they honor fellow TWICE member Mina, who is known for loving ketchup. The meaning has not been confirmed by Chaeyoung.
Carrots
Four stylized carrot shapes in a line. Fan theories suggest it relates to member Nayeon, whose character plushie is a rabbit. Chaeyoung has not explained the design.
Shot Through Heart
A small arrow-pierced heart (broken heart design). Fans suggest it connects to member Sana, who co-wrote the TWICE song "Shot Thru the Heart". No official statement on its meaning.
Colorful Stars
A constellation of colorful stars that appears decorative. Neither Chaeyoung nor JYP Entertainment has commented on its significance.
Quarter Rest
A tiny musical quarter rest symbol -- in music notation, it means "pause". A subtle reference to her musical career. The specific inspiration is unclear.
Stylized Fish
A stylized fish tattoo that fans describe as a hybrid between an angelfish and a pufferfish. Its meaning is unknown, but it showcases her quirky artistic taste.
Birdcage
A black birdcage tattoo that was initially covered by a bandage in November 2019 and later seen unveiled in January 2020. Its symbolism remains unconfirmed.
Butterfly (?)
An indistinct design that some fans believe resembles a butterfly. Due to low visibility in photos, the exact design is uncertain. Chaeyoung has not addressed it publicly.
Botanical Plant
A large botanical design featuring what appears to be vines or leaves. It is one of her bigger tattoo pieces. No official explanation for this design is known.
Style, Interests & Personality
Fashion & Style
Chaeyoung favors a relaxed, slightly edgy aesthetic. She has stated she prefers "worn-down vintage" clothes over new ones. She often experiments with her hair -- past colors include red, pink, orange, and blonde, and she's tried undercuts and even shaved styles. She consistently breaks the "cute idol" mold with bold, natural looks that reflect her artistic personality.
Film & Media
She enjoys artsy films and animation. Her favorites include the stop-motion Wallace & Gromit series, Little Women, and works starring Timothee Chalamet. She is drawn to storytelling and creative visual concepts.
Food & Lifestyle
Raised on healthy eating, Chaeyoung reportedly prefers fruits and vegetables and doesn't have a sweet tooth. She credits her grandmother with instilling this diet. She has spoken openly about body image pressure as an idol but embraces a natural self-image.
Values & Personality
MBTI type INFP, Chaeyoung values authenticity and moral principles over trends. She is known for being introspective and thoughtful -- she calls her notebook a "trash can for my emotions." She has said she tends to doodle flowers when in a good mood and uses art as an emotional outlet.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- Nicknames: "Strawberry Princess" (from her song "Strawberry" and bright image), "Chaeng" and "Chaengvely" (fan terms of endearment).
- Name meaning: "Chaeyoung" means "variegated colors" or "flower" in Korean.
- Pets: She has two pet dogs named Logan and Nererie.
- Religion: Catholic (baptismal name: Catarina).
- Beauty recognition: Nominated for TC Candler's "100 Most Beautiful Faces" list in 2020.
- Celebrity friends: Close friends with Jeon Somi, Red Velvet's Yeri, and WJSN's Yeoreum.
- Art habit: She carries a sketchbook and pencil case everywhere she goes.
- Emotional outlet: Calls her notebook a "trash can for my emotions" -- a creative space for processing feelings through art.
- Guitar journey: Started learning guitar around 2020-2021, specifically to perform her self-written solo song "My Guitar" live.
- Survival show: Placed 6th on Mnet's Sixteen to debut in TWICE.
- Youngest rapper: She was the youngest main rapper in TWICE at the time of debut.
- Album artist: One of the very few K-pop idols to have hand-drawn an official album cover (Page Two, 2016).
- Brand ambassadorships: Japan ambassador for Etro (2023), muse for CipiCipi cosmetics (2023).
- Relationship: Confirmed in a relationship with R&B singer Zion.T since April 2024.
- Solo debut: Released her first full-length album LIL FANTASY vol.1 on September 12, 2025 (JYP Entertainment). The lead single "SHOOT (Firecracker)" charted worldwide; the album hit #38 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on World Albums.
Notable Media Appearances
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Chaeyoung from TWICE?
Chaeyoung was born on April 23, 1999, in Seoul, South Korea. As of 2026, she is 26 years old (international age).
What is Chaeyoung's real name?
Chaeyoung's real (birth) name is Son Chae-young (Korean: 손채영). Her Catholic baptismal name is Catarina.
What is Chaeyoung's position in TWICE?
Chaeyoung is TWICE's main rapper and a sub-vocalist. She is also recognized for her songwriting contributions and visual art.
How many tattoos does Chaeyoung have?
Chaeyoung has at least 10 known tattoos, including lips on her left wrist, cherry tomatoes on her forearm, carrots on her left hand, a quarter rest musical symbol, a stylized fish, a birdcage, colorful stars, a shot-through-heart, and more. She is one of the most tattooed female K-pop idols. See our complete tattoo guide above for details on each one.
Has Chaeyoung had a solo debut?
Yes! On September 12, 2025, Chaeyoung released her first full-length solo album LIL FANTASY vol.1 under JYP Entertainment. The lead single "SHOOT (Firecracker)" was promoted on KBS2 Music Bank, MBC Show! Music Core, and SBS Inkigayo. The album debuted at #38 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on World Albums. She wrote, composed, and arranged the majority of the album herself, and you can stream it on her personal Spotify page.
Who is Chaeyoung dating?
In April 2024, JYP Entertainment confirmed that Chaeyoung is in a relationship with South Korean R&B singer Zion.T.
What is Chaeyoung's MBTI type?
Chaeyoung's MBTI personality type is INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving), often called "The Mediator" -- fitting for her introspective, artistic nature.
Did Chaeyoung design a TWICE album cover?
Yes! Chaeyoung hand-drew the limited-edition cover art for TWICE's Page Two EP in 2016. She is one of the few K-pop idols to have designed an official album cover.
What does the name Chaeyoung mean?
In Korean, "Chaeyoung" (채영) can be translated to mean "variegated colors" or "flower" -- a beautiful name for someone so deeply connected to art and creative expression.
What are Chaeyoung's pets' names?
Chaeyoung has two pet dogs named Logan and Nererie.
Listen & Learn More
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