Who is JooE? MOMOLAND's Dancing Queen Revealed

JooE Momoland captivated fans with her infectious energy and bright personality since her debut in 2016. Born Lee Joo-Won on August 18, 1999, she earned her place in the K-pop girl group through the survival show "Finding Momoland" before officially debuting on November 10, 2016. Known for her multiple roles as Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer, and Lead Rapper, JooE quickly became the Face of the Group, drawing attention with her vibrant performances and unique charm.

After MOMOLAND's disbandment on February 14, 2023, JooE continued pursuing her entertainment career, participating in the survival show "Queendom Puzzle" later that year. Throughout her time in the spotlight, she gained recognition for notable endorsements including the makeup brand Baker7 and a popular Tropicana commercial. Additionally, JooE showcased her versatility by appearing on various television programs such as "King of Mask Singer" and serving as an MC for "Get It Beauty 2018." 

JooE’s Basic Profile

Known for her vibrant presence in the K-pop industry, JooE stands out as one of MOMOLAND's most recognizable members. Though the group officially disbanded in 2023, her popularity continues to thrive in 2025 as she pursues new ventures. Let's explore the current profile of this energetic performer who won hearts with her authentic personality and exceptional dancing skills.

Full name, stage name, and age

Behind the stage name JooE (주이) is Lee Joo-won (이주원), born on August 18, 1999, in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. As of 2025, she is 25 years old (26 in Korean age calculation). Her stage name "JooE" cleverly incorporates part of her birth name while creating a memorable identity that fans worldwide recognize.

The name JooE has become synonymous with boundless energy in the K-pop industry. Despite MOMOLAND's disbandment, she maintains this professional moniker in her solo activities and new group endeavors. Her birth name reflects traditional Korean naming conventions, with "Lee" (이) being her family name and "Joo-won" (주원) her given name.

Height, weight, and blood type

JooE stands at approximately 163 cm (5'4") tall. While her weight has fluctuated throughout her career, she typically maintains around 46-48 kg (101-106 lbs). Her blood type is O, which in Korean entertainment is often associated with outgoing and energetic personalities—traits JooE certainly embodies.

Throughout her career, JooE has been open about her physical appearance and health journey. She previously gained attention for her dramatic physical transformation, showcasing her dedication to fitness and health. Her commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle continues to inspire fans who admire both her talent and discipline.

Body measurements and physical attributes often receive undue attention in the K-pop industry, yet JooE has consistently promoted body positivity and self-confidence. Rather than focusing solely on appearance, she emphasizes the importance of health, strength, and the ability to perform energetically on stage.

Early Life and Education

The foundation of JooE's energetic persona and performance style traces back to her formative years in South Korea. Long before capturing hearts as MOMOLAND's "Dancing Queen," her childhood experiences shaped the artist fans came to adore.

Where she was born and raised

JooE's birthplace remains a point of mild contention among sources. Several reliable accounts indicate she was born in Seoul, South Korea, whereas others suggest Bucheon as her birthplace. Regardless of where she was born, evidence points to Yangpyeong in Gyeonggi Province as where she primarily grew up. This mix of urban and more suburban upbringing likely contributed to her adaptable personality.

Family played an important role in JooE's early development. She grew up with her parents and an older brother named Lee Min Jae, though little public information exists about her family's influence on her eventual entertainment career. The family dynamic of having an older sibling possibly contributed to her outgoing personality that would later become her trademark in MOMOLAND.

Schools she attended

JooE's educational journey follows a clear progression through South Korea's school system. Initially, she attended Damoon Elementary School, followed by Yongmun Middle School. Her dedication to academics continued alongside her growing interest in performing arts.

Her most notable educational achievement came when she graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School on February 9, 2018. This specialized institution, known for educating many K-pop idols, provided JooE with formal training in the Practical Music Department. Many of South Korea's entertainment companies prefer trainees who attend arts-focused schools, as these institutions accommodate the demanding schedules of young performers.

Worth noting is that JooE completed her high school education after already debuting with MOMOLAND in 2016, demonstrating her commitment to balancing education with her burgeoning entertainment career. Throughout her time at Hanlim, she maintained both academic studies and rigorous training schedules.

Childhood interests and talents

Beyond academics, JooE developed several distinctive talents during her childhood years. Most notably, she began learning Judo in sixth grade, eventually earning a black belt in the martial art. This athletic foundation undoubtedly contributed to her later dancing abilities and stamina for energetic performances.

Furthermore, JooE exhibited natural talents that would serve her well in entertainment. Her skill at voice impressions showed early signs of her versatility as a performer. This talent later translated into her ability to take on various concepts and personas during MOMOLAND's different comeback concepts.

Her childhood hobbies were relatively simple, primarily consisting of:

Listening to music
Web surfing and online exploration

These seemingly ordinary interests foreshadowed her future as an entertainer, as she cultivated an ear for music and stayed connected to trends through internet culture. Her early fascination with music likely helped develop the rhythmic sensibility that would eventually make her stand out among MOMOLAND members.

JooE's journey from a regular student to K-pop idol represents a gradual progression rather than an overnight transformation. Her childhood foundations in athletics, performing arts education, and natural talents all contributed to the multifaceted entertainer who would eventually capture public attention through both performance skills and her infectiously positive personality.

How JooE Joined MOMOLAND

JooE's path to K-pop stardom began through a unique opportunity that would ultimately shape her future as an entertainment industry standout. Unlike many idols who train for years, her journey to becoming a MOMOLAND member followed a relatively accelerated timeline.

Finding Momoland survival show

In June 2016, Mnet launched a reality competition called "Finding Momoland," created by Duble Kick Entertainment (later renamed MLD Entertainment). The program aimed to select seven members from a pool of ten trainees to form a new girl group. Interestingly, JooE joined the company just one month before the survival show began, making her one of the newest trainees among the contestants.

The show ran from July 22 to September 16, 2016, spanning ten episodes. Throughout the competition, participants demonstrated their singing, dancing, and performance abilities while showcasing their personalities and charisma. JooE managed to stand out among the contestants, securing her place as one of the seven winners alongside Hyebin, Yeonwoo, Jane, Nayun, Ahin, and Nancy.

Behind the scenes, however, controversy would later emerge. In 2020, former contestant Daisy claimed the show was manipulated, though MLD Entertainment firmly denied these allegations. Regardless of these later claims, JooE's selection helped establish her career trajectory.

Her training period and debut

JooE's training period was remarkably brief compared to many K-pop idols. With merely a month at the company before participating in "Finding Momoland," she had limited time to prepare for both the competition and subsequent debut. This speaks to her natural talent and quick learning abilities that allowed her to keep pace with more experienced trainees.

Following the group's formation, their debut faced an unexpected hurdle. During their final mission, they needed to attract 3,000 spectators, yet only approximately 2,300 people attended. Consequently, MLD Entertainment delayed their official launch to better prepare promotional strategies.

After additional preparation, MOMOLAND finally held their debut showcase on November 9, 2016. The next day, they officially debuted with their first mini-album "Welcome to Momoland" and the title track "Jjan Koong Kwang," making their first music show appearance on M! Countdown.

Worth noting, JooE had apparently faced numerous rejections prior to joining MLD Entertainment. According to her confession on the show "1 vs. 100," she had auditioned for more than forty agencies without success. This persistent journey makes her eventual debut all the more meaningful.

Initial public reception

Initially, MOMOLAND didn't achieve immediate mainstream success. The group spent their early months performing, holding fan meetings, and building their fanbase through street performances. Their determination would eventually pay off when, on January 3, 2018, they released "BBoom BBoom" as part of their third mini-album "Great!".

This breakthrough track helped the group achieve their first music show win on M! Countdown on January 11, 2018. Although MOMOLAND faced a plagiarism accusation from Russian girl group Serebro claiming similarities between "BBoom BBoom" and their song "Mi Mi Mi," the controversy didn't significantly dampen their rising popularity.

For JooE specifically, her unique and energetic performance style began attracting attention. Though sometimes receiving criticism about her appearance, her authentic personality and undeniable talent helped her gradually win over fans and establish herself as a vital member of the group who would eventually become known for her dancing prowess and vibrant energy.

JooE’s Role in MOMOLAND

Within MOMOLAND's dynamic ensemble, JooE quickly established herself as a multifaceted performer whose contributions extended far beyond typical idol expectations. Her journey from rookie to standout member showcases how personality and talent can elevate an artist's position in a competitive industry.

Position in the group

As a cornerstone member of MOMOLAND, JooE officially held multiple positions that reflected her diverse talents. She served simultaneously as Lead Dancer, Lead Vocalist, and Lead Rapper, demonstrating remarkable versatility uncommon among K-pop idols. Moreover, her outgoing personality and distinctive charm earned her the crucial role of "Face of the Group" - the member most responsible for public recognition and promotional activities.

JooE's position evolved throughout MOMOLAND's career. Initially joining as one of the group's newer trainees, she steadily expanded her responsibilities as her popularity grew. Following the commercial breakthrough of "BBoom BBoom" in 2018, her prominence within the group increased substantially, often receiving featured parts in choreographies and center positions during key performance moments.

Throughout their promotions, JooE consistently took on roles that showcased her natural charisma. In variety show appearances, she typically represented MOMOLAND as the outspoken, energetic member, essentially becoming their unofficial spokesperson. This positioning proved crucial for the group's visibility in South Korea's competitive entertainment landscape.

Signature performances and songs

JooE's most iconic performance undoubtedly came during MOMOLAND's breakthrough hit "BBoom BBoom." Her energetic execution of the point choreography became instantly recognizable, particularly her "shoulder dance" moments that fans frequently imitated. This performance established her reputation for infusing routines with unmistakable personality.

Another standout moment occurred during their "BAAM" promotions, where JooE's center parts highlighted her ability to command attention during high-energy dance sequences. Subsequently, in "I'm So Hot," her facial expressions and movement quality further cemented her reputation as one of the group's strongest performers.

Beyond title tracks, JooE particularly shined in live stages of "Wonderful Love" (EDM version), where her energetic dance breaks demonstrated both technical skill and performance intensity. For many fans, this performance exemplified her ability to elevate relatively simple choreography through sheer charisma and commitment.

Her nickname as the 'Dancing Queen'

JooE's title as MOMOLAND's "Dancing Queen" stemmed primarily from her distinctive performance style rather than purely technical prowess. Unlike dancers known exclusively for precision or flexibility, JooE garnered recognition for her energetic execution, facial expressions, and ability to convey joy through movement. This approach made her dancing particularly appealing to casual viewers and helped MOMOLAND's choreographies appear more accessible.

The nickname gained widespread acceptance after her viral 2017 Tropicana commercial, where her unrestrained dancing captivated public attention. Industry professionals and fellow idols frequently praised her performance energy, with several mentioning how her natural exuberance created a unique stage presence difficult to replicate.

What truly distinguished JooE from other skilled dancers in the industry was her consistency. Regardless of the concept or choreography style, she maintained identical energy levels across performances - whether executing cute concepts like "BBoom BBoom" or more mature themes in later releases. This reliability earned respect from choreographers and dance coaches who worked with MOMOLAND.

By balancing technical dance skills with infectious enthusiasm, JooE created a performance identity that perfectly complemented MOMOLAND's upbeat musical style. This synergy between her dancing capabilities and the group's concepts played a significant role in their recognition during their peak popularity years.

TV Shows, MC Roles, and Variety Appearances

Beyond her performances with MOMOLAND, JooE established a significant presence across South Korean television, where her natural charisma and entertainment skills helped elevate her individual profile. Throughout her career, she has balanced idol activities with an impressive array of broadcasting opportunities.

King of Mask Singer and other shows

In February 2018, JooE took on a unique challenge by appearing on MBC's King of Mask Singer as "Helicopter." During the competition, she performed the duet "If I Say Ya, You Say Ye!" originally sung by Kim Tae Woo and Lyn. Despite her strong vocal performance, she narrowly missed advancing to the next round by just 3 votes. For her final solo song, she delivered an emotional rendition of Song Ji Yeon's "I Was a Car."

After removing her mask and revealing her identity, JooE made a heartfelt confession: "Vocals are my specialty but most people recognize me through my dancing. I thought maybe singing wasn't right for me and went through a hard time but now that I was able to put on a mask and stand on stage, I've gained some new confidence." This appearance showcased a vulnerable side of JooE rarely seen in her energetic group performances.

In fact, she returned to King of Mask Singer multiple times throughout her career, appearing as both a contestant again in 2021 (Episode 472) and as a panelist for several episodes (159-160, 169-170, 237-238), demonstrating the program's appreciation for her musical insights.

MC roles in Get It Beauty and School Attack

On February 9, 2018, JooE joined Get It Beauty 2018 as a main MC, marking her first major hosting role. The beauty-focused program spanned 41 episodes and allowed her to showcase her knowledge of trends and cosmetics while connecting with viewers through her approachable personality.

Concurrently, she served as the main host for episodes 3-8 of School Attack 2018, a variety show that brought K-pop idols to surprise students at schools across Korea. Before these opportunities, she had already gained hosting experience on The Show from October 17, 2017, to May 8, 2018, demonstrating her growing versatility as an entertainer.

Guest appearances and reality shows

JooE's variety show resume extends far beyond her MC roles. Her notable appearances include:

Real Man 300 (2018) as a cast member, testing her physical limits in military-inspired challenges
Law of the Jungle (2019, Episodes 388-392), showcasing her survival skills in the wilderness
Kim Saeng Min's Veteran (2017-2018), where she eventually became a fixed cast member
Battle Trip (2018) as a special host
Salty Tour (April 28, 2018) as a guest
The Second World (2022) as a contestant

Most recently, following MOMOLAND's disbandment, JooE joined Queendom Puzzle in 2023, where she candidly spoke about "trying to work alone" after the group "separated." This appearance marked an important transition in her entertainment career as she navigated her identity as a solo performer.

Through these diverse broadcasting opportunities, JooE has consistently demonstrated versatility that extends well beyond her original role as an idol performer.

Endorsements and Commercial Fame

JooE's rise to mainstream recognition extended far beyond her musical accomplishments, with her commercial endorsements arguably bringing her more public visibility than her MOMOLAND activities at certain points in her career. Her distinctive personality and energetic performance style proved to be marketable assets that brands eagerly sought to capture.

Tropicana commercial and viral fame

JooE's commercial breakthrough began unexpectedly in 2017 after her enthusiastic dance to MOMOLAND's "Wonderful Love (EDM Ver.)" captured public attention. The viral video showcased her uninhibited dancing style and infectious energy, qualities that caught the eye of Tropicana executives who subsequently invited her to star in their sparkling soda commercial.

The Tropicana advertisement perfectly harnessed JooE's natural exuberance, featuring her dancing energetically while sporting vibrant orange hair. Following this appearance, she quickly became widely recognized as the "Tropicana girl" throughout South Korea. This commercial represented a pivotal moment in her career, transforming her from simply a MOMOLAND member into a recognizable personality in her own right.

What made this endorsement particularly noteworthy was how it capitalized on JooE's authentic personality rather than asking her to portray a manufactured image. The commercial's success primarily stemmed from her genuine enthusiasm that resonated with viewers.

Makeup brand Baker7

In 2018, JooE expanded her endorsement portfolio by becoming an ambassador for makeup brand Baker7. The company specifically selected her because they valued her "cute and familiar" image alongside her "fresh" appeal. This partnership proved strategically beneficial for both parties.

Baker7 primarily targets women in their 20s and teenagers, making JooE's youthful image and approachable personality ideal for their marketing. The brand features playful packaging designs, including milk bottle-shaped essence packs, which aligned well with JooE's bright public persona.

As part of this collaboration, JooE showcased her preference for natural eye makeup paired with vibrant lip colors in orange and red shades, further establishing herself as a beauty influencer besides her singing and dancing talents.

Other notable CFs and brand deals

Throughout her career, JooE secured several additional commercial partnerships. In 2017, she filmed an advertisement for GS25, a prominent convenience store chain in South Korea. She likewise appeared in commercials for Guronsan Barmond in 2018.

Meanwhile, in 2019, JooE partnered with Mom's Touch alongside YouTuber Yunjuku, demonstrating her continued commercial appeal. Additionally, she landed another vibrant deal with mobile game Friends Marble, where she performed a catchy synth-pop song while showcasing her signature dance moves.

These diverse endorsements reflect JooE's versatility as a commercial model and her strong brand recognition value even after MOMOLAND's peak years.

Fun Facts and Personality Traits

Behind the vibrant stage presence and commercial success, JooE possesses unique personal qualities that endear her to fans. These characteristics have shaped her identity beyond her professional achievements, offering glimpses into the person behind the performer.

Unique talents and quirks

JooE demonstrates remarkable mimicking abilities that showcase her versatile talent. Indeed, one of her most unusual skills is the ability to imitate the sound of wiping a window, a quirk that highlights her distinctive sense of humor. Throughout her career, this talent for imitation has become one of her signature traits, often displayed during variety show appearances.

In terms of personal choices, JooE has been refreshingly candid about having undergone nose surgery during her first year of high school. This openness about cosmetic procedures stands out in an industry where such topics often remain unaddressed. At the same time, her nicknames "Ddongju" and "duck" reflect the playful public perception of her personality.

Hobbies and habits

When not performing, JooE enjoys relatively simple activities. Her primary hobbies include listening to music and surfing the web, pursuits that provide balance to her high-energy public persona. For instance, she has mentioned her preference for the color black, which might surprise fans given her typically colorful stage outfits.

On a more personal note, JooE dislikes getting up in the morning and cutting her nails, relatable quirks that humanize the star. These small details offer fans connection points with the idol beyond her professional accomplishments.

Her motto and charm points

JooE lives by the motto: "When you start doing something and you're worried, nothing will be good". This philosophy reflects her approach to both performance and life challenges, emphasizing action over hesitation.

Her most recognized charm point remains her "bright energy", an attribute that defines her public image. JooE's straightforward, honest personality complements this energetic presence, creating an authentic persona that resonates with audiences. Granted, this directness occasionally leads to unfiltered moments, yet it remains central to her appeal among fans who appreciate her genuineness.

JooE Then and Now: Life After MOMOLAND

The year 2023 marked a significant turning point for JooE as she navigated life beyond the group that launched her career. After years of performing alongside her MOMOLAND teammates, she found herself charting an unexpected solo path.

Departure from MLD Entertainment

On January 27, 2023, MLD Entertainment officially announced that all six MOMOLAND members—Hyebin, Jane, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, and Nancy—would not be renewing their contracts following "a lengthy discussion" with the agency. The statement noted that "the wishes of all parties will be respected" as the members' exclusive contracts officially ended. Shortly thereafter, on February 14, MOMOLAND officially announced their disbandment.

Nonetheless, JooE has since clarified that despite public perception, the group hasn't completely dissolved. In December 2023, she stated, "MOMOLAND did not disband, but people think we already disbanded. We are going to have an overseas fanmeeting". This suggests the members maintain some connection even without agency representation.

Participation in Queendom Puzzle

Henceforth, JooE pursued new opportunities as a solo performer. In June 2023, she participated in Mnet's survival show "Queendom Puzzle," notably becoming "the only contestant not represented by any entertainment company". As part of the subunit "DROP The Beat," she performed the track "Charismatic". Unfortunately, JooE was eliminated during the first elimination rounds.

Current agency and solo activities

Presently, JooE manages her career independently without agency support. She candidly revealed the challenges of this arrangement, explaining, "It's tough, but it's nice not having to share profits with other members". She handles all her schedules personally, even driving herself to filming locations.

Financial struggles have accompanied this transition. During a December 2023 television appearance, JooE shared a poignant revelation: "We received salaries after two years and I knew we were doing well. My parents even bought a foreign car. But after COVID-19, we need to sell the foreign car now".

Overall, JooE continues seeking entertainment opportunities while expressing concerns about pursuing variety show appearances "without doing music". Her journey reflects the often challenging reality facing former members of disbanded K-pop groups.