After spending more than a decade dominating the K-pop industry, TWICE member Sana is finally stepping onto the big screen. The singer has officially been confirmed as the female lead of the upcoming Korea-Japan co-production Nyangi (working title), marking the biggest career move she has made outside music. Her first acting project will pair her with acclaimed Japanese actor Takeru Satoh, creating one of the most talked-about cross-border collaborations currently in development. The announcement has instantly excited fans who have long hoped to see Sana explore acting.
Since debuting with TWICE in 2015, Sana has built a massive global following through hit songs, sold-out world tours and countless international promotions. Although she has appeared in music videos, variety shows and commercials over the years, she has never taken on a lead acting role until now. That changes with Nyangi, which opens an entirely new chapter in her entertainment career after 11 years in the spotlight as an idol.
JYP confirms Sana’s first lead acting role
Reports about Sana’s casting first emerged on July 8 through South Korean media outlet Osen. Shortly afterwards, JYP Entertainment officially confirmed the news, ending days of speculation surrounding the project. In a brief statement, the agency said, “Sana will star as a lead in the film ‘Nyangi.'” While story details remain under wraps, the confirmation has already generated enormous interest among both K-pop and Japanese cinema fans.
The film is expected to begin production in Japan during the second half of this year. Interestingly, despite being filmed in Japan, Nyangi will reportedly be produced by an all-Korean staff, highlighting the growing number of entertainment collaborations between the two countries. Industry observers believe the project reflects the increasing popularity of Korea-Japan co-productions as streaming platforms and international distributors continue investing in stories that appeal to audiences across Asia. More details about the supporting cast and storyline are expected in the coming months.
Sana will star opposite Japanese actor Takeru Satoh, one of Japan’s most respected leading men. Satoh has earned widespread acclaim through successful romance dramas, historical series and live-action manga adaptations. International audiences know him best for projects such as First Love, The Emperor’s Cook and An Incurable Case of Love. The pairing of Sana and Satoh has already become one of the film’s biggest attractions, with fans eager to see their on-screen chemistry.
Fans celebrate a new chapter for Sana
The announcement quickly sparked celebrations across social media, where ONCEs welcomed Sana’s move into acting after years of supporting her music career. Many fans described the casting as a natural progression for the singer, praising her versatility and expressing confidence that she would shine on screen just as she has on stage. The crossover between Korean and Japanese entertainment has also added another layer of excitement, especially given Sana’s Japanese roots and long career in South Korea.
One fan wrote on X, “ONCEs are so ready for Actress Sana! Wishing her all the best on this new journey.” Another commented, “Sana’s big-screen debut opposite Takeru Satoh already sounds like such an exciting crossover can’t wait to see her shine in Nyangi.” A third fan added, “This is huge! Sana making her big-screen debut as the female lead in “Nyangi” opposite Takeru Satoh is such an exciting next chapter. From dazzling stages with TWICE to leading a movie — her versatility never fails to impress. Can’t wait to see her shine in this role. Congrats Sana, we’re rooting for you!”
Sana also joins several fellow TWICE members who have recently expanded into acting while continuing their musical careers. Members including Dahyun and Jeongyeon have taken on acting projects in recent years, showing how the group’s members are gradually exploring opportunities beyond the stage. Despite these individual ventures, TWICE remains active as one of K-pop’s biggest girl groups. The group is currently in the middle of its THIS IS FOR World Tour and will wrap up its Seoul concerts at KSPO Dome from July 10 to 12 before continuing performances for fans around the world.
For Sana, Nyangi represents more than simply landing her first acting role. It is the beginning of a fresh creative journey that could introduce her to an even wider audience beyond the music industry. With production set to begin later this year and anticipation already building across Korea, Japan and international fan communities, all eyes will now be on how the beloved TWICE star makes her long-awaited transition from the concert stage to the silver screen.
