When Im Na-yeon — the eldest member of one of K-pop’s greatest girl groups — stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist in 2022, the world was watching. TWICE had already established Nayeon as one of the most recognizable faces in Korean pop, but her debut single “POP!” proved she could command global attention entirely on her own. With over 200 million YouTube views on her debut music video and an ever-expanding solo career running alongside her TWICE commitments, Nayeon has built an estimated net worth of $10 million in 2026 that reflects two parallel income streams: the collective power of TWICE and the growing might of her solo brand.
| Full Name | Im Na-yeon (임나연) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 22, 1995 |
| Age | 30 years old |
| Height | 5’5″ (163 cm) |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Profession | Singer, Dancer, Model |
| Net Worth | $10 Million (2026) |
| Label | JYP Entertainment |
| Known For | TWICE member, solo singles “POP!” and “ABCD”, lead vocalist |
Early Life and Training
Im Na-yeon was born on September 22, 1995, in Ilsandong-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. From an early age, she displayed the natural stage presence and vocal clarity that would eventually define her career. As a child, she harbored clear ambitions toward the entertainment industry and began auditioning for the K-pop trainee system that serves as the pipeline for talent development at South Korea’s major entertainment companies.
Nayeon auditioned for JYP Entertainment — one of South Korea’s “Big Three” entertainment conglomerates alongside SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment — and was accepted as a trainee in 2010 at age 15. The JYP trainee system is notoriously competitive: trainees receive intensive instruction in singing, dancing, foreign language (English and Japanese are standard), and performance presence, while only a fraction of recruits ever debut with a group.
Nayeon spent five years as a JYP trainee before debuting with TWICE in 2015 — a period of preparation that is long even by K-pop industry standards. During those years, she was eliminated from and then returned to two different JYP reality competition shows, demonstrating the persistence and resilience that characterize the most successful K-pop performers. When TWICE was finally assembled through the elimination show “SIXTEEN” in 2015, Nayeon was selected as a member, beginning her professional career at age 20.
Career: TWICE and the K-Pop Phenomenon
TWICE debuted in October 2015 with the single “Like OOH-AHH,” which became one of the most successful debut singles in K-pop history. The group — composed of nine members (three Japanese, one Taiwanese, and five South Korean, including Nayeon) — quickly established themselves as one of the defining girl groups of the third generation of K-pop.
Between 2016 and 2020, TWICE released a string of hits that dominated South Korean and Asian charts. Songs like “CHEER UP” (2016), “TT” (2016), “Signal” (2017), “What is Love?” (2018), and “Feel Special” (2019) made them one of the best-selling girl groups in South Korean music history. During this period, TWICE’s annual album sales routinely exceeded one million copies — a “million-seller” designation that places them among only the most elite K-pop acts.
Nayeon served as TWICE’s lead vocalist and was often the group’s visual centerpiece — the member who occupied the most prominent roles in music video choreography and promotion. Her bright, energetic stage persona and natural charisma made her one of the most recognized faces in Korean entertainment throughout this period.
TWICE’s global expansion accelerated significantly from 2020 onward as the K-pop wave (Hallyu) broke into Western mainstream markets. Their tours sold out arenas in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia, with ticket prices and venue sizes continuing to grow as their international fanbase (called “ONCE”) expanded.
Nayeon’s solo career began in June 2022 with the release of her debut mini-album “IM NAYEON” and its lead single “POP!”. The music video was bright, bubbly, and undeniably catchy — a showcase for the solo identity she had developed distinct from TWICE’s collective sound. “POP!” was an immediate commercial success, breaking records for a JYP soloist debut and demonstrating that Nayeon had a devoted fanbase who would follow her beyond the group. By August 2023, the “POP!” MV had exceeded 200 million YouTube views. Her 2024 comeback single “ABCD” and its album further solidified her solo presence, with a more mature and dance-oriented sound that expanded her artistic range.
Nayeon’s Net Worth: Income Sources and Breakdown
Nayeon’s $10 million net worth in 2026 comes from two primary income streams: her share of TWICE’s collective earnings and her growing solo revenue. Both streams have been expanding significantly since 2020 as TWICE’s global reach has extended and her solo career has taken off.
| Income Source | Estimated Amount | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TWICE Group Share (Touring, Albums, Streaming) | $1.5M–2.5M/year | Annual (personal) | Estimated 1/9 share of TWICE’s collective income after JYP Entertainment’s label split (JYP retains a portion of earnings per standard K-pop contract terms) |
| Solo Music Income (IM NAYEON, ABCD) | $500K–900K/year | Annual (personal) | Solo album sales, streaming, MV revenue from 200M+ view videos; personal take after JYP split |
| Brand Endorsements & CFs | $1M–1.5M/year | Annual (personal) | K-pop idols are prime brand ambassadors in Korea and Asia; Nayeon’s visibility commands premium rates for commercial filming (CFs) |
| Merchandise & Licensing | $300K–500K/year | Annual (personal) | TWICE and solo Nayeon merchandise, licensing income from photocards, lightstick sales, etc. |
| Fan Engagement (Fan Meetings, Online Content) | $200K–400K/year | Annual (personal) | Solo fan meetings, Weverse paid content, fan event revenue |
| Estimated Total Net Worth | $10 Million (2026) | ||
Net Worth Over Time
Nayeon’s wealth has grown steadily since TWICE’s debut in 2015. In 2018, as TWICE reached peak domestic Korean popularity, her estimated net worth was approximately $2–3 million. By 2021, expanded global touring, album sales, and endorsement deals had pushed that figure to an estimated $5–6 million. Her 2022 solo debut with “POP!” added a significant new revenue stream, and continued growth in TWICE’s international fanbase has sustained an upward trajectory through 2026.
Personal Life
Nayeon is known for her warm, expressive personality both on and off stage. She is close to her fellow TWICE members and frequently engages with fans through social media, Weverse posts, and fan meetings. Her genuine enthusiasm for fan interaction — combined with her natural humor and openness — has made her one of the most beloved K-pop idols of her generation.
Like most K-pop idols at major agencies, Nayeon maintains a deliberately private personal life. JYP Entertainment has historically encouraged its artists to keep romantic relationships private, and Nayeon has not publicly confirmed any relationships as of 2026. She has spoken in interviews about the pressures of idol life and the importance of maintaining her own sense of identity outside of the group.
Nayeon is a known animal lover, frequently sharing her affection for her pets on social media. She is also known for her dedication to her craft — even after years of success, she maintains a rigorous practice schedule that reflects the discipline instilled during her five years as a JYP trainee.
Awards and Recognition
As a TWICE member, Nayeon has received numerous Daesang (grand prize) awards at South Korea’s major music ceremonies, including the MAMA Awards, Melon Music Awards, and Seoul Music Awards. TWICE has been recognized as one of the best-selling girl groups in South Korean history by the Gaon Chart. As a solo artist, Nayeon received recognition for “POP!” at multiple South Korean award shows and was nominated for Best New Solo Artist at several ceremonies despite having already established herself with TWICE — a testament to how the K-pop industry treats solo debuts as a separate artistic chapter from group activities.
Little-Known Facts About Nayeon
- Nayeon trained for five years before debuting with TWICE — longer than many K-pop trainees, a period she has described as formative but also psychologically challenging.
- She was eliminated from JYP’s “SIXTEEN” competition show during the process of forming TWICE, only to be brought back and ultimately selected as a member — a dramatic arc that many fans see as foreshadowing her resilience as an artist.
- Nayeon’s nickname “Bunny” among fans refers to her distinctive front teeth and bright smile — features that have become a recognized part of her visual identity.
- “POP!” set a record for the fastest debut single by a JYP Entertainment soloist to reach 100 million YouTube views, completing the milestone in approximately 60 days.
- Despite South Korea being a highly competitive market for luxury brand ambassadorship, Nayeon has secured multiple high-profile beauty and fashion campaigns that reflect her standing as one of Asia’s most recognizable entertainment figures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nayeon
What is Nayeon’s net worth in 2026?
Nayeon’s net worth is estimated at approximately $10 million in 2026. Her wealth comes from two primary streams: her share of TWICE’s collective earnings (touring, album sales, merchandise, and endorsements split among the nine members after JYP Entertainment’s label cut) and her growing solo career income from album sales, solo endorsements, fan meetings, and solo streaming revenue.
What is Nayeon’s most famous solo song?
“POP!” is Nayeon’s most famous and commercially successful solo song. Released in June 2022 as the lead single from her debut mini-album “IM NAYEON,” it exceeded 200 million YouTube views — a remarkable milestone for a K-pop soloist debut. Her 2024 comeback single “ABCD” further demonstrated her solo pulling power with a more mature, dance-driven sound.
How old is Nayeon?
Nayeon was born on September 22, 1995, making her 30 years old as of 2026. She is the oldest member of TWICE and one of the first members to pursue a significant solo career alongside her group activities, using her position as TWICE’s most recognizable member to establish a distinct solo fanbase.
How long has Nayeon been in TWICE?
Nayeon has been a member of TWICE since the group’s debut in October 2015, making her a member for over a decade as of 2026. TWICE debuted through JYP Entertainment’s reality competition show “SIXTEEN” and immediately became one of South Korea’s most successful girl groups. Nayeon’s eleven-plus years with the group represent a substantial portion of her entire adult life.
How much does Nayeon earn from TWICE?
Exact income figures are not publicly disclosed, but as one of nine members in TWICE, Nayeon receives an estimated share of the group’s collective earnings after JYP Entertainment’s label cut. With TWICE routinely earning substantial income from sold-out global tours, million-selling albums, and major brand endorsements, each member’s annual personal share from group activities is estimated at $1.5–2.5 million — though the exact split varies based on JYP’s specific contractual arrangements with each member.
Is Nayeon still with JYP Entertainment?
Yes, as of 2026, Nayeon remains with JYP Entertainment, the Seoul-based entertainment company that signed her as a trainee in 2010. JYP is one of South Korea’s most prestigious entertainment companies and has been central to TWICE’s global success. Multiple TWICE members have renewed their contracts with JYP in recent years, reflecting the strong business relationship between the group and their agency.