Who Is Chou Tzuyu? The Untold Story of TWICE's Youngest Star

Chou Tzuyu, the youngest member of South Korean girl group TWICE, made history as the first female K-pop idol from Taiwan when she debuted in 2015. Born on June 14, 1999, in Tainan, Taiwan, she has rapidly risen to become one of the most influential figures in the K-pop industry. In fact, in 2023, Tzuyu surpassed Jay Chou and became the most followed Taiwanese celebrity on Instagram with over 10 million followers.

Since her official debut with TWICE on October 20, 2015, with their first mini-album 'The Story Begins', Tzuyu has achieved remarkable success. The group's lead single 'Like Ooh-Ahh' became the first K-pop debut song to reach 100 million views on YouTube. Additionally, according to a Gallup Korea survey, Tzuyu was ranked as the third most popular idol among young South Koreans in 2016, behind only SNSD's Taeyeon and IU. Furthermore, she recently expanded her career by making her solo debut on September 6, 2024, with the mini-album "aboutTZU".

Who Is Chou Tzuyu?

From Taiwan's sunny Tainan to global stardom, Chou Tzuyu represents one of the most interesting cross-cultural success stories in K-pop. Beyond her role in TWICE, understanding who Tzuyu truly is requires looking at her origins, name, and identity as an international idol.

Basic profile: age, birthday, nationality

Born on June 14, 1999, in Tainan, Taiwan, Tzuyu proudly carries her Taiwanese nationality while building her career in South Korea. As the only Taiwanese member of TWICE, this cultural distinction has shaped her journey in significant ways. Her roots remain important to her identity, having grown up in the East District of Tainan.

Standing at 170 cm (5'7") tall and weighing approximately 48 kg (106 lbs), Tzuyu possesses the physical presence that complements her role as TWICE's visual. Moreover, her blood type is A, a detail often noted in K-pop profiles as part of the cultural interest in blood type personalities.

Within TWICE's structure, Tzuyu holds multiple positions that showcase her talents. She serves as a lead dancer, vocalist, and visual for the group. Most notably, she is the "maknae" - the Korean term designating her as the youngest member of the group.

Stage name vs real name

While fans know her as Tzuyu (pronounced "chewy" in English and written as 쯔위 in Korean), her full birth name is Chou Tzuyu, written as 周子瑜 in Chinese characters. This distinction between stage name and birth name reflects the common practice in K-pop of using simplified names that might be easier for international fans to remember.

Each character in her Chinese name carries beautiful meaning. The surname "周" (Chou/Zhou) means "meticulous," while "子" (Tzu/Zi) represents "child" or "youthful," and "瑜" (Yu) translates to "beautiful jade". These meanings paint a picture of a youthful, careful person with precious qualities - quite fitting for her persona.

Interestingly, while not widely used, Tzuyu also has an English name - Sally Chou. This represents another dimension of her multinational identity, bridging her Taiwanese roots with her global career.

How old is Tzuyu today?

As of July 2025, Tzuyu is 26 years old. Having celebrated her most recent birthday on June 14, 2025, she continues to mature both personally and professionally while maintaining her position as TWICE's youngest member.

Her age plays a significant role in her identity within TWICE. Being the maknae carries specific cultural expectations in Korean group dynamics, typically involving being cute or playful while receiving care from older members. Despite being the youngest, Tzuyu has consistently demonstrated maturity beyond her years, especially considering she debuted when she was just 16 years old.

Tzuyu's family remains an important part of her life despite her busy schedule. She grew up as the daughter of self-made entrepreneurs Yen-ling and Yi-cheng. This background presumably instilled the work ethic that helped her succeed after being scouted at the MUSE Performing Arts Workshop in Tainan back in 2013.

Growing Up in Taiwan

Behind every K-pop star lies a childhood that shapes their journey to fame. Tzuyu's early years in Taiwan provided the foundation for her extraordinary path into the entertainment world.

Family life and early interests

The sunny East District of Tainan became Tzuyu's first home when she was born on June 14, 1999. Unlike many aspiring performers, she grew up with significant financial stability thanks to her entrepreneurial parents. Her mother and father built a successful business empire in Taiwan, running a chain of dermatology clinics throughout the southern region. Beyond that, her mother expanded the family business portfolio by operating two coffee shops.

This privileged upbringing included growing up with an older brother, born in 1992, who is seven years her senior. Their comfortable lifestyle allowed Tzuyu to pursue her interests without financial limitations.

Throughout her childhood, Tzuyu displayed both typical child behaviors and unique quirks. In a relatable moment for many schoolchildren, she occasionally faked illnesses to skip school days. Interestingly, she developed an unusual habit that would later become well-known among fans – sleeping with her eyes open.

The changing seasons played a significant role in young Tzuyu's life. She particularly favored spring for its mild temperatures. This preference stemmed from her sensitivity to cold weather – winter remained a challenging season that she approached with trepidation.

Her love for animals and food

Long before joining TWICE, Tzuyu demonstrated a profound affection for animals, particularly dogs. She embraced all canine breeds with open arms and frequently visited dog cafés during her pre-debut trainee days.

The family pet, a Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix named "Gucci," became her beloved companion. Though a family relative suggested the designer-inspired name, the little dog developed a personality of his own – humorously refusing to respond when called by his name.

Her compassion for animals extended beyond household pets. During a TWICE music video shoot on Jeju Island, she became attached to the rabbits used in filming. Upon wrapping production, Tzuyu shed tears while saying goodbye to the animals – a remarkable reaction from someone described by fellow members as not typically emotional. Her dedication to animal welfare continued through volunteer work at animal shelters alongside fellow TWICE member Jeongyeon.

Regarding culinary preferences, young Tzuyu developed several favorite dishes:

Kimbap (Korean seaweed rice rolls)
Eel
Bread
Tonkatsu (Japanese breaded pork cutlets)

She particularly enjoyed a chocolate milk beverage called Choco-ae-mong, reflecting her sweet tooth.

First exposure to performing arts

Tzuyu's path toward stardom began early. Initially drawn to dance, she enrolled in formal training at a local dance academy. Her natural talent became evident through performances at school events and local competitions.

The pivotal moment in her artistic journey occurred at Tainan's MUSE Performing Arts Workshop in 2012. Her performance caught the attention of talent scouts from JYP Entertainment. Upon discovering Tzuyu's potential, they extended an invitation that would forever change her life trajectory.

On November 15, 2012, the 13-year-old Taiwanese dancer took a tremendous leap of faith by relocating to South Korea to begin intensive K-pop training. This bold decision, supported by her family's resources, marked the first step toward her eventual debut with TWICE.

Outside of dance, Tzuyu cultivated other creative pursuits as well. She demonstrated skill in archery, which later became a recreational hobby she continued to enjoy despite her demanding schedule.

From Trainee to Idol

The journey from aspiring performer to global superstar began with a single audition that changed Tzuyu's life forever. Her transition required immense courage as she left behind the comfortable familiarity of Taiwan for the competitive world of K-pop training.

Scouted by JYP Entertainment

Tzuyu's path to stardom took a decisive turn in 2012 when talent scouts from JYP Entertainment discovered her exceptional potential at the MUSE Performing Arts Workshop in Tainan. At just 13 years old, she made the life-altering decision to relocate to South Korea, officially joining JYP Entertainment as a trainee on November 15, 2012.

This remarkable opportunity came during her second year of junior high school in Taiwan. Following her acceptance into the prestigious entertainment company, Tzuyu made the difficult choice to drop out of school, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to pursuing her dream.

Her journey began with determination rather than guaranteed success. Interestingly, Tzuyu had to audition twice for JYP Entertainment before officially securing her position as a trainee. This persistence foreshadowed the tenacity she would demonstrate throughout her career.

Training hardships and language barriers

For approximately two and a half years, Tzuyu underwent rigorous training at JYP Entertainment. Beyond mastering dance choreographies and vocal techniques, she faced the formidable challenge of learning Korean—a language entirely different from her native Mandarin.

The language barrier proved to be one of her most significant obstacles. Even after debuting, Tzuyu continued struggling with Korean fluency. During a 2016 interview, she candidly admitted that Korean remained difficult for her. Her fellow TWICE members developed a thoughtful system to support her language development:

They intentionally used simple Korean words around her
They helped explain definitions when she encountered unfamiliar terms
They assisted when she stumbled over pronunciation

TWICE's Japanese members (Sana, Mina, and Momo) shared similar challenges as foreign idols adapting to Korean culture and language. This created a bond of understanding among the non-Korean members as they navigated these difficulties together.

Joining TWICE through 'Sixteen'

After her training period, Tzuyu's opportunity for debut came through the 2015 reality survival show Sixteen, created by JYP Entertainment and co-produced by Mnet. The program, which aired from May 5 to July 7, 2015, featured 16 female trainees competing for spots in the new girl group.

Sixteen evaluated contestants not merely on singing and dancing abilities but also on their charisma and personality. Throughout the competition, participants were divided into "Major" and "Minor" teams, with positions constantly shifting based on performance evaluations.

Tzuyu experienced both highs and lows during the show. At one point, she was demoted from the Major team to the Minor team. Nevertheless, her perseverance paid off. In a dramatic finale, JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young announced that TWICE would debut with nine members instead of seven as originally planned. Tzuyu secured her position in the final lineup alongside Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, and Chaeyoung.

Following this triumph, Tzuyu officially debuted as TWICE's youngest member on October 20, 2015, with their first extended play, The Story Begins. At just 16 years old, she made history as the first Taiwan-born and raised member of a South Korean girl group.

Life as TWICE’s Youngest Member

As the youngest member of one of K-pop's most successful girl groups, Chou Tzuyu occupies a unique position that shapes her daily experiences and relationships within TWICE. Her role extends beyond her official positions as vocalist, dancer, and visual, creating a distinctive dynamic that defines her idol life.

What it means to be the maknae

In Korean group culture, the "maknae" (youngest member) holds a special status that comes with both privileges and responsibilities. For Tzuyu, this position means receiving care and guidance from her eight older members. Typically, the maknae enjoys certain perks, such as being doted on by seniors and occasionally getting away with playful behavior.

However, Tzuyu often defies typical maknae expectations through her remarkably mature demeanor. Despite being the youngest, she frequently displays wisdom beyond her years, earning the nickname "old soul" from fellow members. This maturity stems partly from her experience moving to a foreign country at such a young age, forcing her to develop independence earlier than most teenagers.

Her relationship with other members

The bond between Tzuyu and her groupmates has evolved into a genuine family-like connection over the years. Each relationship carries its own unique qualities:

With Jihyo (the leader): A nurturing, almost maternal relationship where Jihyo took special care of Tzuyu during her early training days
With Sana: A playful dynamic where Sana's affectionate personality often results in cute interactions with Tzuyu
With Mina: A quiet understanding between two introverted members who appreciate peaceful moments together

Consequently, these varied relationships provide Tzuyu with a support system that helped her navigate the challenging transition from Taiwan to Korea. The members have consistently supported her through language barriers, cultural adjustments, and the inevitable homesickness that comes with living far from family.

Living in the dorm and daily routines

During TWICE's early years, Tzuyu shared living quarters with all eight members in their company dormitory. As the group matured, they eventually moved to a larger space where Tzuyu primarily roomed with Chaeyoung and Dahyun.

Her daily routine generally revolves around rigorous practice schedules, performances, and promotional activities. Unlike some idols who struggle with early mornings, Tzuyu maintains a relatively stable sleep schedule, though she famously sleeps with her eyes partially open—a quirk that has amused her roommates.

Regarding household responsibilities, Tzuyu gained recognition for her tidiness and organization. She often keeps her personal space meticulously clean, reflecting her disciplined approach to both professional and personal life. In her limited free time, she enjoys simple pleasures like watching movies, practicing languages, or video calling her family in Taiwan.

For meal preferences in the dorm, Tzuyu gravitates toward nutritious options that maintain her health and energy for demanding schedules. Nevertheless, she occasionally indulges in her favorite comfort foods, particularly during celebratory moments with the group.

Tzuyu’s Personality and Habits

Beyond her professional achievements and public persona, understanding the essence of who Chou Tzuyu truly is requires exploring her distinctive personality traits and daily habits. These characteristics reveal the authentic person behind the carefully curated idol image.

Introverted but caring

Beneath her stunning visuals and poised stage presence, Tzuyu possesses a quiet, introspective nature that sometimes surprises new fans. Fellow TWICE members often describe her as the most introverted among them, preferring peaceful solitude to noisy social gatherings. This reserved demeanor occasionally leads to misinterpretations of her as aloof or distant.

Nonetheless, those who know Tzuyu well recognize her profound capacity for compassion. Her caring nature manifests in subtle yet meaningful ways - from remembering members' dietary preferences to offering silent support during challenging times. Remarkably, she demonstrates exceptional empathy toward animals, frequently volunteering at shelters alongside fellow member Jeongyeon.

Her communication style reflects this duality - speaking infrequently but meaningfully. When she does share thoughts, they typically carry significant weight. TWICE members joke that Tzuyu's rare but profound observations often leave them speechless.

Sleeping with eyes open

Among Tzuyu's most unusual characteristics is her habit of sleeping with her eyes partially open. This peculiar trait first came to light through dormitory stories shared by fellow members, who initially found it startling. Roommates reported instances of believing Tzuyu was awake and attempting conversations, only to discover she was sound asleep.

This physiological quirk, technically called nocturnal lagophthalmos, became a source of playful teasing within the group. Tzuyu herself seems amused by this distinctive sleeping habit, occasionally referencing it during variety show appearances.

Coupled with this unusual sleep characteristic, Tzuyu maintains impressively regular sleep patterns despite TWICE's demanding schedule. She values proper rest, understanding its importance for maintaining both physical health and mental clarity amid the pressures of idol life.

Her love for spring and dislike of cold

Seasonal preferences reveal another dimension of Tzuyu's personality. She holds a particular affinity for spring, appreciating its moderate temperatures and natural beauty. This preference aligns with her generally gentle temperament and appreciation for aesthetic harmony.

Conversely, Tzuyu exhibits a pronounced aversion to cold weather. Winter months pose a genuine challenge for her, as she struggles to maintain comfort in lower temperatures. This sensitivity influences her wardrobe choices during colder seasons, often featuring multiple layers and practical warmth over fashion statements.

Her seasonal preferences extend to food choices as well. During warmer months, she gravitates toward lighter, refreshing options, while winter sees her seeking comfort in warmer, heartier dishes despite her generally health-conscious approach to nutrition.

These seemingly minor details - from her introverted yet caring nature to her unusual sleep habits and seasonal preferences - collectively paint a more nuanced portrait of Chou Tzuyu beyond her public image as TWICE's visual and maknae.

Fun Facts and Hidden Talents

Beyond her public image, Chou Tzuyu possesses a collection of unique talents and quirky characteristics that endear her to fans worldwide. These lesser-known aspects of her persona offer glimpses into the multifaceted individual behind the polished performer.

Nicknames like 'Yoda' and 'Chewy'

Tzuyu carries several affectionate nicknames among fans and fellow members. Most prominently, she's known as "Chewy" - a clever phonetic approximation of her name's pronunciation.

Alongside this, "Yoda" became another popular moniker due to her admiration for the Star Wars character and her remarkable ability to impersonate him. This nickname stuck among both fans and group members, demonstrating their playful camaraderie.

In her childhood, Tzuyu also earned the nickname "Chocolate" referencing her naturally tan complexion. Interestingly, she once specified this comparison was specifically to "dark chocolate, not milk chocolate".

Her viral archery moment

Perhaps one of Tzuyu's most iconic moments occurred during South Korea's Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC) in 2018. While participating in archery, she created an unintentional internet sensation through a simple hair flip after taking her shot.

The clip subsequently went viral across multiple platforms. Years later, during the 2024 Paris Olympics, this footage resurfaced dramatically, garnering over 20.9 million views on one platform alone. Remarkably, many viewers mistook her for an actual Olympic athlete competing for South Korea.

Although she missed the actual shot, her graceful demeanor and natural elegance transformed an ordinary moment into an enduring visual legacy. This incident perfectly exemplifies how Tzuyu's poise transcends conventional performance settings.

Weird talents: ear movement and limbo skills

Unexpectedly, Tzuyu possesses several unusual physical abilities that surprise even her closest companions. Foremost among these is her capacity to move her ears at will - a rare talent she proudly showcases.

Equally impressive, she can flip her tongue and rotate her hands in a complete circle, physical feats that few can replicate. These distinctive capabilities often emerge during variety show appearances, adding to her charm.

Most surprisingly, despite being TWICE's tallest member, Tzuyu excels at limbo - the flexibility-demanding game where participants bend backward to pass under a progressively lowering bar. On an episode of Weekly Idol, she astonished everyone by outperforming members previously considered more flexible. She later defeated competitors from other groups including GFriend, GOT7, and BTOB.

Ironically, Tzuyu mastered this challenging activity without even knowing its proper name or traditional background music until after winning multiple competitions.

Style, Beauty, and Public Perception

Throughout the K-pop industry, few idols command the same level of visual recognition as Chou Tzuyu. Nicknamed "Light of Taiwan" by Taiwanese media, her beauty has received widespread attention since her debut with TWICE. This visual impact, simultaneously a blessing and a challenge, shapes both her career opportunities and public perception.

Chou Tzuyu sexy vs elegant image

Regarding Tzuyu's image, her visual style predominantly leans toward elegance rather than overt sensuality. Her October 2021 appearance in W Korea magazine perfectly showcased this balance – wearing everything from brown cropped knit tops with denim to polka dot jackets and formal black dresses. Even when modeling fitted outfits that highlight her proportions, the overall aesthetic remains sophisticated and tasteful.

Fashion critics often note how her tall stature and slender figure contribute significantly to her visual appeal. Yet beneath this emphasis on appearance, Tzuyu maintains a refreshing authenticity that resonates with fans across different backgrounds.

Fashion endorsements and magazine covers

Tzuyu's visual impact has translated into numerous high-profile endorsement deals, including:

LG U+ and Crocs Korea advertisements
Brand ambassador for South Korean clothing brand Zooc (January 2022)
Muse for Visée, one of Japan's most popular cosmetics brands (October 2022)
Global ambassador for Pond's Skin Institute (October 2023)

Her magazine portfolio continues to expand, with notable features in L'Officiel Malaysia and W Korea, where she modeled for the Tory Burch Fall/Winter collections. These collaborations highlight her versatility – effortlessly transitioning between casual, elegant, and semi-formal styles.

Her take on beauty vs talent

Fundamentally, Tzuyu maintains a grounded perspective on beauty versus talent. When asked about people complimenting her appearance, she emphasized that she believes her improvement in skills over five months was most noticeable. This reveals her desire to be recognized for abilities rather than just visual appeal.

This mindset reflects her broader approach to the industry – working diligently to improve her skills and demonstrate merit beyond physical attributes. In 2023, Tzuyu surpassed Jay Chou to become the most followed Taiwanese celebrity on Instagram with over 10 million followers, a testament to her enduring popularity beyond superficial appreciation.

Friendships, Hobbies, and Dreams

Outside the spotlight, Chou Tzuyu nurtures meaningful connections, pursues diverse interests, and harbors aspirations that reveal the person beneath the polished idol persona.

Close friends in K-pop

Beyond her tight-knit relationships within TWICE, Tzuyu maintains several significant friendships across the K-pop industry. She shares a particularly close bond with former CLC member Elkie. This friendship created a bridge to another meaningful connection, as Elkie introduced Tzuyu to (G)I-DLE's Shuhua, with whom she has since developed a strong relationship.

In fact, during 2021 when COVID-19 restrictions prevented both Taiwanese idols from returning home for holidays, Tzuyu and Shuhua decided to spend that time together, finding comfort in their shared cultural background.

Regarding other industry relationships, Tzuyu has established connections with several BLACKPINK members. She maintains friendships with Rosé, Jisoo, and Jennie, demonstrating her ability to form bonds beyond her immediate group circle.

Her favorite music and movies

Concerning musical preferences, Tzuyu displays remarkably eclectic taste spanning multiple genres and eras. She listens to Celine Dion "a lot" and "really loves" Korean singer Yerin Baek. Her appreciation extends to classic soul, as she has recently been "very into" Aretha Franklin's "I Say A Little Prayer", often exploring cover versions on YouTube.

Her cinematic preferences reveal her romantic sensibilities. Tzuyu cites the 2013 Rachel McAdams film "About Time" as a favorite, appreciating how it encourages reflection on time's value. "It's so romantic, and at the same time, it gives me a chance to imagine what I would do if I could turn back time," she explains. She likewise adores the animated masterpiece "Spirited Away," having watched it repeatedly.

What she wants in her next life

In essence, Tzuyu's dreams have evolved throughout her career. As a trainee, she aspired to "holding concerts both home and overseas" and "meeting lots and lots of fans, and one day, meeting fans from all over the world". This international vision reflects her unique perspective as a Taiwanese artist in Korea.

Intriguingly, when asked what she would want if reborn, Tzuyu consistently expresses a desire to return as "a short girl". This wish provides a fascinating glimpse into her self-perception, suggesting that her tall stature (unusual for an East Asian woman) might sometimes feel distinctive in ways both positive and challenging.