TWICE's Inner Circle: Who Is Nayeon Closest To in TWICE?

Ever wonder about the bonds inside K-pop's biggest girl group? We dive deep into the friendships to find out who is Nayeon closest to in TWICE.

Published April 27, 2026 · beauof editorial
TWICE's Inner Circle: Who Is Nayeon Closest To in TWICE?

The Unbreakable "2Na" Bond: Nayeon and Sana

Beyond the perfectly synchronized choreography and chart-topping hits lies the true heart of TWICE, the intricate web of friendships that fans, known as ONCE, adore. At the center of many of these dynamics is Im Nayeon, the group's effervescent oldest member and center. While she shares a special connection with everyone, her bond with Minatozaki Sana is legendary. Their relationship, affectionately dubbed "2Na," is characterized by a playful, almost magnetic closeness. They are constantly seen leaning on each other, sharing inside jokes, and engaging in the kind of casual skinship that speaks to a deep level of comfort and affection.

This dynamic isn't just for the cameras. In countless V LIVE broadcasts and behind-the-scenes footage, Sana is often found seeking Nayeon out, and Nayeon, in turn, showers Sana with doting attention. It's a friendship that feels both aspirational and relatable, a perfect blend of supportive sisterhood and mischievous fun. This vibrant energy is reflected in their beauty choices. Nayeon is famous for her fresh, fruity visuals, often sporting a peachy or coral lip that enhances her bright smile. Sana, on the other hand, embodies a sweet, candy-like charm. Together, their aesthetic is pure dopamine.

Get the 2Na Look: Juicy, Vibrant Lips

To capture the effervescent spirit of Nayeon and Sana's friendship, you need a lip product that pops with color and shine. Think of a freshly picked cherry or a ripe peach. The goal is a high-shine, voluminous pout that looks healthy and playful.

  • Curation: The K-beauty market is filled with glossy tints, but few have the lasting power and iconic status of the Romand Juicy Lasting Tint. It delivers a burst of color with a beautiful, candy-like coating that builds over time.
  • Interpretation: This works because it mimics the natural plumpness and vitality associated with youth and happiness, core elements of the 2Na dynamic. The formula stains the lips for longevity while the gloss layer provides that coveted glass-like finish.
  • Execution: Start with exfoliated, moisturized lips. Apply a single layer of the tint, focusing on the inner part of your lips. Press your lips together gently, then use your fingertip or a cotton swab to blur the edges for a soft gradient effect. For a bolder look like Sana's iconic cute style, wait 60 seconds and apply a second, fuller coat all over the lips. Avoid rubbing your lips together too much to preserve the glossy top layer.

A Matriarch's Alliance: Nayeon and Jihyo

sana

If the 2Na bond is about playful affection, the relationship between Nayeon and group leader Park Jihyo is built on a foundation of steel, forged through more than a decade of shared history. Both joined JYP Entertainment as young trainees and grew up together, witnessing each other's struggles and triumphs long before TWICE was even a concept. As the oldest member and the official leader, they are the two pillars that support the group's structure. Theirs is a quieter, more mature bond rooted in profound mutual respect and understanding.

You can see this in the way they interact during interviews and official events. Nayeon often defers to Jihyo on serious matters, showing her respect for the leader's role. In return, Jihyo relies on Nayeon's experience and bright energy to lift the group's mood. They are a true team, a leadership duo that ensures TWICE runs like a well-oiled machine. This reliability and strength translate into a beauty philosophy focused on performance and polish. A leader needs a look that is dependable and flawless, one that stays put through long press days and energetic concerts.

The Leader's Base: Flawless and Resilient

The key to a powerful, polished look is a base that won't quit. A great cushion foundation provides coverage, skincare benefits, and longevity, making it the perfect tool for someone who needs to look their best under pressure, just like Nayeon and Jihyo.

  • Curation: For a base that offers high coverage and a semi-matte finish that lasts all day, the TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion is a viral sensation for a reason. Its lightweight formula adheres closely to the skin, minimizing transfer and keeping you looking fresh for hours.
  • Interpretation: This cushion is effective because its formula was specifically designed for longevity, even under a mask. The fine powder particles create a smooth, seamless layer that covers imperfections without feeling heavy, embodying the effortless strength of the Nayeon-Jihyo dynamic.
  • Execution: For best results, press the puff lightly into the cushion to pick up a small amount of product. Instead of swiping, use a gentle tapping motion to apply the foundation to your skin, starting from the center of your face and blending outwards. This technique builds coverage naturally and helps the product adhere better for a longer-lasting finish.

The Nabong Dynamic: Nayeon and Jeongyeon

k-pop group backstage

Perhaps the most foundational friendship in Nayeon's life within TWICE is her bond with Yoo Jeongyeon. Their relationship predates the group by years, starting in the dorms of JYP Entertainment. Known as "Nabong" (from Nayeon's nickname) and "Jeongbong," they are the group's resident Tom and Jerry. Their dynamic is defined by comfortable bickering, savage teasing, and an undercurrent of unshakeable loyalty that only comes from knowing someone through and through.

They are the epitome of sibling-like love. Nayeon, despite being older, often has a mischievous streak that Jeongyeon is quick to call out, leading to hilarious and chaotic interactions that fans cherish. Yet, when it matters most, they are each other's fiercest protectors. During Jeongyeon's hiatuses for health reasons, Nayeon was consistently vocal about how much she missed her, showcasing the deep affection beneath the playful jabs. This easy, comfortable relationship is mirrored in a beauty approach that is all about effortless, lived-in charm. It’s the kind of simple, no-fuss routine you’d do before grabbing coffee with your oldest friend.

Effortless Charm: The Everyday Lip Balm

For a look that captures the comfortable essence of a lifelong friendship, you want a product that enhances your natural beauty without looking like you tried too hard. A hydrating, tinted melting balm is the perfect choice. It gives a hint of color and a healthy sheen, making you look put-together in seconds.

  • Curation: The Romand Glasting Melting Balm offers the perfect fusion of a nourishing balm and a glossy tint. It glides on smoothly, drenching lips in moisture and leaving behind a sheer, dewy color.
  • Interpretation: This product works so well for an everyday look because it's foolproof. The plant-based oils in the formula provide deep hydration, while the color is subtle enough that you don't need a mirror for a perfect application. It’s the beauty equivalent of an old, comfortable sweater.
  • Execution: Simply swipe the balm directly onto your lips. You can apply one layer for a sheer, natural look or build it up with two to three layers for more color payoff and a plumper, glossier finish. It's the perfect product to keep in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day.

Big Sister, Little Sister: Nayeon and the Maknae Line

nayeon

As the oldest member, Nayeon naturally assumes a big-sister role for the maknae line: Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu. However, her version of being the "eonni" is uniquely Nayeon. She is fiercely protective and doting, often seen showering the younger members with hugs and praise. At the same time, her own youthful, bunny-like energy has earned her the title of "mat-nae," a portmanteau of the Korean words for oldest (mat) and youngest (maknae). She loves to play pranks and joke around, blurring the lines of hierarchy in the most endearing way.

Her relationship with each maknae is distinct. With Dahyun, she shares a high-energy, comedic chemistry. With Chaeyoung, she has a cool, almost artistic rapport. And with Tzuyu, the group's quietest member, Nayeon is often the one to draw her out of her shell with gentle teasing and warm affection. This ability to connect with the younger generation keeps Nayeon's own style fresh and on-trend. She’s never afraid to experiment with new, playful beauty looks, from glittery eye makeup to innovative lip textures.

Playful Textures: The Pudding Pot Trend

To channel Nayeon's youthful energy and her bond with the maknae line, embrace fun, modern textures. The latest trend to take over Korean beauty is the unique "pudding" or clay-like texture for lips and cheeks, which provides a soft, blurred, and velvety finish.

  • Curation: A standout product in this category is the FWEE Lip & Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot. This versatile pot features a bouncy, dough-like formula that can be applied to both lips and cheeks for a cohesive, soft-focus wash of color.
  • Interpretation: The pudding pot is a hit because it’s both playful to use and delivers a sophisticated matte-blur effect. The unique texture allows for a seamless blend, melting into the skin without emphasizing lines or texture. It captures the trendy, soft-focus aesthetic popular among younger idols.
  • Execution: For cheeks, scoop a tiny amount with your finger and warm it up on the back of your hand. Tap it onto the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards and outwards for a diffused, natural-looking flush. For lips, apply with a finger or a brush, starting in the center and blending out for a dreamy, blurred lip line.

The J-Line Connection: Nayeon, Momo, Sana, and Mina

chaeyoung

While Nayeon's one-on-one friendships are strong, her connection with TWICE's Japanese members, Momo, Sana, and Mina, is a special dynamic in its own right. As a Korean member, Nayeon often acts as a bridge, having trained with them since their arrival in a new country. There's a palpable warmth and ease in their interactions, built on years of navigating cultural differences and supporting each other far from home. Nayeon, with her outgoing personality, often leads the charge in their joint content, creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere.

This cross-cultural friendship is also reflected in the beauty world, where K-beauty and J-beauty trends often intersect and influence one another. Both aesthetics prioritize clear, radiant skin and often feature a signature pop of color on the lips. The dewy, "glass skin" look popularized by K-beauty has found a home in Japan, while the Japanese preference for sheer, watery tints and subtle elegance has influenced Korean product development. Nayeon's style often incorporates elements from both, pairing a flawless complexion with a fresh, glossy lip that feels both modern and timeless.

The Global Glow: Dewy Lip Tints

The perfect product to represent this beautiful fusion of cultures is a dewy water tint. It provides the long-lasting stain of a classic K-beauty tint but with a lighter, more transparent, and hydrating finish that is beloved in J-beauty.

  • Curation: The Amuse Dew Tint is a perfect example of this hybrid style. It’s a vegan formula with a high water content that feels weightless on the lips, leaving behind a clear, vibrant color and a fresh, dewy sheen that isn't sticky.
  • Interpretation: This type of tint is universally flattering because it enhances the natural lip color and texture rather than masking it. The lightweight formula is comfortable for all-day wear, and the dewy finish gives the lips a healthy, hydrated appearance that aligns with both K-beauty and J-beauty ideals.
  • Execution: Apply the tint to the center of your lips and allow it to spread naturally. For a more defined look, you can use the applicator to trace your lip line. Because the formula is light and watery, it layers beautifully. Let the first coat set for about 30 seconds before adding a second for a more intense color and an even dewier finish. This technique also helps improve its longevity.

Nayeon's Solo Glow-Up: How Friendship Fuels Her Confidence

friends sharing makeup

Ultimately, the answer to "who is Nayeon closest to in TWICE?" is that she has cultivated a unique and meaningful bond with every single member. These relationships form a powerful support system that has been instrumental in her success, especially during her solo debut with the smash hit "POP!". Launching a solo career can be a daunting experience, but Nayeon was surrounded by the unwavering support of her members. They visited her on music video sets, promoted her song on their own social media, and celebrated her wins as if they were their own.

This unconditional support is what allows Nayeon to shine so brightly on her own. Knowing she has a safety net of eight sisters gives her the confidence to be bold, experiment with her artistry, and command the stage with her signature charisma. Her solo look reflects this confidence, it's an amplified version of her classic style. The look is all about a flawless, luminous base, sharp eyeliner, and a statement lip that says she's the main character. It's a look that requires high-performance, luxurious products to match her superstar status.

Main Character Energy: The Luxury Lip

For a stage-ready look that screams confidence, a luxurious, high-impact lipstick is essential. It's the final touch that pulls everything together and signals that you're ready for the spotlight, just like solo Nayeon.

  • Curation: A lipstick like the YSL Beauty Rouge Volupte Shine delivers on all fronts. It combines vibrant, high-impact color with a deeply hydrating, oil-in-stick formula that leaves lips looking plump and luminous. It feels as luxurious as it looks.
  • Interpretation: This product embodies Nayeon's solo energy because it's unapologetically bold yet still fresh and modern. The shine finish prevents the color from looking flat or aging, while the moisturizing formula ensures comfort through hours of performing. It’s the perfect blend of glamour and care, much like how Nayeon's confidence is supported by her members' care.
  • Execution: For maximum impact, apply the lipstick directly from the bullet, carefully tracing the cupid's bow and outer corners. For extra precision, use a lip brush. Blot with a tissue, then apply a second coat. This technique builds intensity and ensures the color lasts all night, giving you that unshakeable, Nayeon-level confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

So, who is Nayeon's best friend in TWICE?

It's hard to name just one, but her bonds with Jeongyeon and Sana are famously close. Her relationship with Jeongyeon is a deep, sibling-like friendship from their trainee days, while her dynamic with Sana is incredibly affectionate and playful.

Are Nayeon and Jennie from BLACKPINK friends?

Yes, Nayeon and Jennie are known to be good friends. They were seen together during their pre-debut days and have maintained their friendship over the years, often seen interacting at award shows and industry events.

What is Nayeon's personality like in the group?

Nayeon is the oldest member and often takes on a caring, big-sister role, but she's also known for her bright, energetic, and playful personality. Fans lovingly call her the "fake maknae" (youngest member) because of her youthful and mischievous charm.

Does Nayeon get along with all TWICE members?

Absolutely. TWICE is famous for their incredibly strong group bond, and Nayeon shares a unique and positive relationship with every single member. From leading with Jihyo to doting on Tzuyu, her connections are a cornerstone of the group's chemistry.

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