JooE

JooE is a South Korean singer, rapper, and television personality, best known as a member of the girl group Momoland. Born Lee Joo-won on August 18, 1999, she shot to fame in 2018 when Momoland's single "Bboom Bboom" became a viral sensation, and her ad-lib "Shy, shy, shy" turned into a nationwide catchphrase. As of 2026, JooE has shifted her focus to solo activities under Inyeon Entertainment, appearing regularly on variety shows, hosting her own YouTube channel, and exploring acting. Fans know her for her boundless energy, quick wit, and willingness to be goofy on camera, a rare authenticity that has earned her a reputation as one of K-pop's most natural entertainers.[edit]

JooE grew up in Seoul with her parents and an older brother. From elementary school, she was drawn to dance and music, spending hours learning choreography from K-pop videos. She enrolled at Seoul Performing Arts High School, majoring in practical dance, where her skills caught the attention of MLD Entertainment scouts.

In 2016, she joined the survival show "Finding Momoland," a high-pressure competition to select the group's final lineup. JooE's energetic stage presence and sharp dance moves stood out, and she secured her spot. She then trained intensively for several months, balancing school and rehearsals, before debuting on November 10, 2016.[edit]

Momoland debuted quietly with "Welcome to Momoland" in late 2016, but it was the January 2018 release of "Bboom Bboom" that changed everything. The song peaked at number 2 on the Gaon Digital Chart and earned the group their first music show win on M Countdown. JooE's spontaneous "Shy, shy, shy" line became a cultural phenomenon, imitated by celebrities and used in commercials.

She followed up with "Baam" in June 2018, which also performed well. As group activities slowed after 2020, JooE carved out a solo niche. She appeared on "King of Mask Singer" in 2020, showing her vocal range, and became a regular on variety shows like "Knowing Bros" and "Running Man." She took on MC roles for events and online shows, and in 2024, after Momoland's contract with MLD expired, she signed with Inyeon Entertainment to pursue solo work. In 2025 and 2026, she has focused on YouTube content and occasional musical releases, while taking acting lessons.[edit]

JooE is known for her bright, bubbly personality and energetic stage presence. Her fashion style is youthful and trendy, often mixing casual streetwear with pops of color. Korean media has dubbed her a "variety queen" for her natural comedic timing and willingness to be silly. Unlike many idols who maintain a polished image, JooE is celebrated for her authenticity. Her social media voice is casual and friendly, full of emojis and slang, and she frequently interacts with fans through Instagram live. Momoland's fandom is called Merry-Go-Round, and fans often recreate her "Shy shy shy" dance at events.[edit]

JooE commands a distinct presence in the global entertainment landscape, recognized primarily through her enduring legacy with Momoland and her subsequent solo ventures as a variety staple. Her career trajectory from viral idol to resilient solo entertainer has generated sustained international interest, though she currently occupies a specific tier within the broader fame ecosystem. According to the August 2026 evaluation by iFANN, JooE is currently evaluated but does not hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 rankings or any Top-100 scope list. This status reflects a profile that maintains strong regional recognition without currently meeting the threshold for a ranked position in the global database. While no formal numerical rank applies at this moment, her consistent activity on YouTube and variety programs ensures she remains a familiar figure to K-pop enthusiasts worldwide. The collective fanbase supporting JooE operates under the official name Merries, a designation shared with her former group Momoland. This community, known for its energetic digital campaigns, rallied significantly during the group's "Thumbs Up" comeback and maintained morale through the turbulent period of the 2023 disbandment announcement. Although there is no separate formal name for JooE's individual followers, the grassroots network often referred to as the "Momoland Union" actively tracks her agency transitions and reunion efforts. These fans have been instrumental in sustaining her visibility, particularly following the confirmation of Momoland's return in April 2025 with the track "RODEO," validating the narrative of a group that never truly departed.[edit]

JooE adopted her stage name by retaining the "Joo" from her birth name Lee Joo-won and appending an "E" for a fresh sonic identity. A devoted Disney enthusiast, she maintains a personal collection of merchandise and frequently shares her love for the brand. Despite her energetic persona, she harbors a genuine fear of heights, a trait often highlighted during variety show challenges. She cites BoA as her primary role model and inspiration throughout her career. Since her trainee days, JooE has maintained the disciplined habit of keeping a daily diary. She shares close friendships with members of both TWICE and Red Velvet. Beyond these personal details, K-pop lore is filled with stories of her legendary appetite. Fans still retell the tale from 2018 where the eight members each consumed 4.5 servings of meat in a single sitting, cementing her reputation as a down-to-earth idol who eats like anyone else. Another defining chapter involves the group's complex history; after announcing a disbandment in February 2023 with emotional letters, JooE clarified months later that they were merely pausing. This confusion culminated in a legendary reunion in April 2025 with "RODEO," a comeback celebrated as a resurrection of the group's spirit.[edit]

JooE has an older brother. She has described her parents as supportive of her idol career, though she keeps details about them private. As of 2026, she lives in Seoul and has not mentioned any pets.[edit]

JooE is associated with her Momoland groupmates Hyebin, Jane, Nayun, Ahin, Nancy, and former members Yeonwoo, Taeha, and Daisy. She works closely with her current agency Inyeon Entertainment. She has built friendships with members of TWICE and Red Velvet, and has appeared alongside comedians and hosts on variety shows like Knowing Bros and Running Man.[edit]

JooE has never publicly confirmed a romantic relationship. Throughout her career, she has kept her personal life private, and no credible dating rumors have surfaced. As of 2026, she is single and focused on her career.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, JooE's net worth stands at $1 Million as of 2026. This valuation reflects her substantial earnings accumulated during her tenure with Momoland, where revenue from album sales, concerts, and brand endorsements peaked between 2018 and 2019. Following her departure from MLD Entertainment in 2024, her income streams have diversified to include fees for variety show appearances, hosting engagements, and monetization of her personal YouTube channel. Additional revenue is generated through sponsored social media posts on platforms like Instagram. While exact financial figures remain private, her net worth has demonstrated steady growth driven by her successful transition into solo activities.[edit]

JooE won the Rookie Award in the Variety Show Category at the 2018 MBC Entertainment Awards for her work on variety programs. She was also nominated for the Female Variety Star award at the 2019 Korea First Brand Awards.[edit]