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    Chuu

    Chuu

    South Korea flagSouth Korea
    Celebrity

    Member of Loona

    singeractor

    Also known as: Kim Ji-woo

    Birthday

    October 20, 1999

    Birth Sign

    Libra

    Birthplace

    Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, South Korea

    Age

    26 years old

    Height

    5 ft 3 in (160 cm)

    About

    Chuu is a South Korean singer and actor who brings infectious energy and warmth to everything she does. Since going solo in 2023, she has released the single album Howl and the EP Strawberry Rush, building a sound that mixes bright pop with rock and R&B. She hosts her own YouTube show Chuu Can Do It, appears regularly on variety programs like DoReMi Market, and has stepped into acting with web dramas. Her fandom, kkotbies, supports her through fan projects and flash mobs at her concerts. As of 2026, she continues to release new music and connect with fans across Asia and the US.

    Early Life & Background

    Chuu grew up in Cheongju with her parents and an older sister. She was athletic as a child, swimming competitively, and also took piano lessons. In middle school she discovered K-pop and decided she wanted to perform. She auditioned for Hanlim Multi Art School, was accepted into the Practical Dance department, and graduated in 2019. During her school years she trained at a local dance academy, which led her to audition for Blockberry Creative. She passed and moved to Seoul as a trainee. In 2017 she was revealed as the tenth member of Loona, releasing her solo single Heart Attack on December 28. The song's cheerful concept and her powerful vocals made it an instant fan favorite.

    Career Growth

    Chuu debuted in Loona's sub-unit yyxy in May 2018 with the EP Beauty & the Beat, then joined the full group for [+ +] that August. She started her own YouTube variety show Chuu Can Do It in 2019, which became a staple for fans. In 2020 Loona won their first music show trophy with So What. She became a fixed cast member of DoReMi Market in 2021, showcasing her quick wit. In November 2022 Blockberry Creative expelled her, citing alleged misconduct, which she denied. She signed with ATRP the next month and made her solo debut in October 2023 with Howl. Her first EP Strawberry Rush dropped in June 2024. She embarked on her first solo fan concert tour Chuu's Heart Attack in 2025, playing dates across Asia and the United States.

    Career Timeline

    2017Released debut solo single 'Heart Attack' as the 10th member of Loona.
    2018Debuted with Loona sub-unit yyxy on EP 'Beauty & the Beat'.
    2018Debuted as full member of Loona with EP '[+ +]'.
    2019Launched YouTube variety show 'Chuu Can Do It'.
    2020Loona won first music show trophy with 'So What' on M Countdown.
    2021Became fixed cast member of 'DoReMi Market (Amazing Saturday)'.
    2022Expelled from Loona by Blockberry Creative.
    2022Signed solo contract with ATRP.
    2023Released first solo single album 'Howl'.
    2024Released first solo EP 'Strawberry Rush'.
    2025Began first solo fan concert tour 'Chuu's Heart Attack'.
    2025Released digital single 'Underwater'.

    Public Image & Style

    Chuu is known for her bright, energetic persona and her signature aegyo, cute, playful behavior that fans adore. The media often calls her a variety gem for her natural comedic timing and unpredictable reactions. Her visual style leans colorful and youthful, with lots of pastels and playful accessories. On social media she talks to fans in a casual, emoji-filled tone, often replying to comments during live streams. Her fandom, kkotbies (flower light), organizes coordinated projects like pink-and-yellow lightstick waves and Heart Attack flash mobs at her events.

    Fame & Fandom

    Chuu's name is known far beyond K-pop circles. The Global Fame Engine at iFANN has evaluated her standing, and while she has not yet secured a placement in the Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list as of August 2026, her cultural footprint is unmistakable. She is a fixture in South Korean entertainment, with a solo career that has produced the hit EP Strawberry Rush and a YouTube show that draws millions of views. Her fame is built on a foundation of constant visibility: variety show appearances, brand endorsements, and a social media presence that keeps her in the public eye daily.

    What sets Chuu apart is the intensity of her fandom. Though she shares the official LOONA fandom name Orbits, her individual supporters have carved out a distinct identity, informally calling themselves "C.T.T", a name that has gained traction in fan communities. This fanbase is legendary for its organization and dedication. When Chuu faced expulsion from LOONA in 2022, her fans mobilized on a scale rarely seen, trending hashtags, boycotting her former agency, and rallying public support. Their efforts were credited with helping her win her contract lawsuit in 2023, a victory that solidified her status as a fan-beloved figure.

    Her fans are not just supporters; they are active participants in her career. They organize streaming parties for her releases, coordinate birthday projects that include subway ads and charity drives, and show up in force at her concerts. Chuu reciprocates with genuine warmth, engaging with fans through live streams and personal messages. This symbiotic relationship has made her one of the most beloved idols of her generation, a star whose fame is inseparable from the devotion of her fans.

    Interesting Facts and Legends

    Chuu's stage name combines the sound of a kiss with the Korean word for juice, a nod to her sweet image. She is a devoted collector of Keroppi merchandise, and her favorite number is 10, as she was the tenth member revealed in LOONA. She taught herself guitar during her trainee days and occasionally plays on her YouTube channel. Her fear of heights and insects often surfaces on variety shows, and she proudly calls herself a foodie, frequently posting meal photos on Instagram.

    One of the most iconic moments in her career is the 2017 music video for "Heart Attack," which became a viral sensation and is still celebrated by fans. Another defining chapter is her expulsion from LOONA in 2022, a story that fans retell as a turning point. The agency's allegations were met with widespread disbelief, and the other members' decision to file contract suspensions was seen as a collective show of support. Her subsequent legal victory in 2023 is often framed by fans as a triumph against injustice, cementing her legend.

    Notable Quotes

    I want to be an artist who can make people happy with my music and my smile. That's my goal.
    When I was in Loona, I learned so much. But now, as Chuu alone, I feel like I can show you more of my true self.
    Even if it's hard, I won't give up. I will keep running forward.
    My fans are my biggest strength. Whenever I feel tired, I think of them and I can smile again.

    Family & Personal Life

    Chuu was born to parents who have stayed out of the public eye. She has one older sister, who she has mentioned in interviews as a supporter of her career. She grew up with a family dog named Tori, who appeared in some of her early social media posts. As of 2026, she lives in Seoul with her cat, Butter. She has said her family was initially worried about her entering the entertainment industry but became her biggest cheerleaders after her debut.

    Notable Connections

    Chuu worked closely with Jaden Jeong, Loona's former creative director, during her pre-debut and early group days. She was a member of yyxy alongside Yves, Gowon, and Olivia Hye. At ATRP, she is managed by CEO Lee Min-kyung. On variety shows, she has collaborated with hosts Boom, Yoo Jae-suk, and Lee Seung-gi.

    Relationships & Dating History

    As of 2026:Single

    Chuu has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. In 2019, dating rumors linked her to fellow idol Yoo Seon-ho, but both denied them. She has stated in interviews that she is focused on her career and her fans. As of 2026, she is reported as single.

    Salary, Net Worth In 2026

    $2 Million

    iFANN Editorial Team estimate

    iFANN's editorial analysis currently estimates Chuu's net worth at $2 million. This figure reflects her diverse income streams. Solo album sales from Howl and Strawberry Rush contribute significantly, along with streaming royalties. Her first solo tour in 2025 added concert earnings, and her fixed roles on DoReMi Market and The Return of Superman provide steady income. Guest appearances on other shows add to her earnings, while her YouTube channel Chuu Can Do It generates ad revenue. Brand endorsements with cosmetic and fashion labels also play a role. Residual payments from her time in LOONA still trickle in, though they now form a smaller portion of her overall income.

    Awards Won (5)

    Chuu has won three solo awards. She took home Favorite New Artist (Female) at the 2023 MAMA Awards for her debut single album Howl. In 2024, she won Female Solo Singer (Rising Star) at the Korea First Brand Awards and Best Female Solo Singer at the Brand Customer Loyalty Awards.

    2024 · Best Female Solo Singer

    Solo career

    Won

    2024 · Female Solo Singer (Rising Star)

    Solo activities

    Won
    View all 13 awards, honours and achievements

    Known For

    Heart Attack

    2017 · Solo single

    Howl

    2023 · Solo single album

    Strawberry Rush

    2024 · Solo EP

    Chuu Can Do It

    2019 · Host

    DoReMi Market

    2021 · Cast member

    Keywords

    ChuuLoonaK-popsolo singervariety show hostHeart AttackHowlStrawberry Rush

    Quick Facts

    Profession
    singer, actor
    Born
    +1999-10-20
    Birthplace
    Cheongju
    Gender
    Female
    Birth Sign
    Libra
    Height
    5 ft 3 in (160 cm)

    Personal Details

    Full Name
    Kim Ji-woo
    Height
    5 ft 3 in (160 cm)
    Education
    Hanlim Multi Art School (Practical Dance)

    Filmography

    5

    Total

    0

    Film

    3

    TV

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Chuu's real name?
    Chuu's real name is Kim Ji-woo (김지우). She was born on October 20, 1999, in Cheongju, South Korea.
    Why did Chuu leave Loona?
    Chuu was expelled from Loona by Blockberry Creative in November 2022, citing alleged verbal abuse toward staff. She denied the claims and later signed with ATRP as a solo artist.
    What is Chuu's net worth in 2026?
    Chuu's net worth in 2026 is estimated at $2 million, earned from solo music sales, tours, variety show appearances, YouTube revenue, and brand endorsements.
    Is Chuu still active in 2026?
    Yes, Chuu is actively promoting as a solo artist in 2026. She released a digital single 'Bloom' in March and continues to host her YouTube show and appear on variety programs.
    Does Chuu have any solo albums?
    Yes, Chuu released her first solo single album 'Howl' in 2023 and her first EP 'Strawberry Rush' in 2024, both showcasing her bright pop sound.

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