Momo's Profile
- Full Name: Hirai Momo
- Native Name: 平井 もも
- Nicknames: Moguri, Momoring, Dance Machine
- Birthday: Nov 09, 1996 (28 years old)
- Blood type: A
- Height/Weight: 162 cm (5’4") / 48 kg (105.8 lbs)
- Gender: Female
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Debut: Oct 20, 2015
- Position: Main Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper
- MBTI: INFP (The Mediator)
- Birthplace: Kyōtanabe, Kyoto, Japan
-
Nationality:
Japanese
- Profession: Singer, Dancer, Rapper
- Languages: Japanese, Korean
- Group: TWICE
Momo (birth name: Hirai Momo, Japanese: 平井もも, Korean: 모모), born on November 9, 1996, in Kyōtanabe, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, is a Japanese singer, dancer, and rapper based in South Korea. She is a member of the K-pop girl group TWICE under JYP Entertainment, where she serves as the main dancer, sub-vocalist, and sub-rapper. In addition to her activities with TWICE, Momo is also a member of the Japanese sub-unit MiSaMo, alongside Mina and Sana, which officially debuted in Japan in 2023.
Early Life
Momo was born in Kyōtanabe, Kyoto, into a family with her parents and her older sister, Hirai Hana (born in 1994). She began learning dance at the age of three together with her sister, which laid the foundation for her performance career. Before moving to South Korea, Momo appeared in the music video of singer Lexy in 2008 and participated in the talent competition Superstar K in 2011.
Career
Momo began training in South Korea after being discovered by JYP Entertainment through a dance video in 2012. She became a trainee and underwent years of rigorous training in dance, vocals, and stage performance.
In 2015, Momo took part in Sixteen, a survival program produced by JYP Entertainment and Mnet. Park Jin-young, founder and executive producer of JYP Entertainment, decided to add her to TWICE’s debut lineup before their official debut, highlighting her outstanding performance skills.
Momo debuted with TWICE on October 20, 2015, with the mini-album The Story Begins and the title track “Like Ooh-Ahh.” Within five months, the music video surpassed 50 million views, ranking among the most-watched debut MVs by a K-pop girl group at the time. As TWICE’s main dancer, Momo is responsible for dance breaks and many center parts in choreography-heavy performances.
From 2016 to 2022, Momo and TWICE released hit songs in both Korea and Japan such as “Cheer Up,” “TT,” “What Is Love?” and “Fancy.” These tracks consistently topped the Gaon and Oricon charts, and TWICE became the first K-pop girl group to hold dome tours in Japan. Momo gained particular popularity in the Japanese market thanks to her fluency in the language and her active participation in media promotions.
On July 26, 2023, Momo debuted with the sub-unit MiSaMo (Mina, Sana, Momo) with the EP Masterpiece. Their showcases in Osaka and Yokohama attracted around 40,000 attendees. In 2024–2025, MiSaMo embarked on a dome tour in Japan, performing at venues such as Belluna Dome, Kyocera Dome, and Tokyo Dome.
Beyond music, Momo became the global ambassador for fashion brand Miu Miu in April 2024 and the Asia regional ambassador for Onitsuka Tiger in October 2022. She frequently attends fashion events, including Miu Miu’s runway shows in South Korea and Japan. As of August 2025, Momo’s Instagram followers surpassed 15.2 million, making her the most-followed Japanese celebrity on the platform.
Strengths
Momo began learning dance at the age of three at Step Out Dance Studio in Kyoto, Japan. By the time she debuted with TWICE in 2015, she had undergone approximately 15–16 years of continuous training. This background enables her to maintain precision, power, and exceptional rhythm control in performances such as “Dance The Night Away” and “What Is Love?”.
Her voice has a steady, low register, making it suitable for harmonies and support lines. In stages like “Feel Special” in 2019, her vocals helped balance the musical climax with an energetic tempo, creating a well-structured performance.
Momo is known for her practical and self-reliant personality. She values comfort and functionality in fashion while still maintaining a distinct personal style. In her everyday appearances and interviews, she is often seen in simple, approachable yet polished outfits.
She has a healthy, hourglass figure with a slim waist and fuller hips. She often chooses fitted clothing, crop tops, or bodycon dresses to subtly highlight her curves.
Momo’s fashion style strikes a balance between modern flair and refined sensuality. At Paris Fashion Week 2025, she appeared in a shoulder-baring crop top showing her toned abs, paired with minimalist trousers, creating an impression that was both sporty and elegant.
Challenges
During the Sixteen survival show in 2015, Momo was eliminated in the 10th round. In the final episode, JYP Entertainment decided to add her back into TWICE’s official debut lineup. This decision sparked significant controversy, with some viewers questioning the fairness of the competition. The company explained that the choice was based on her dance abilities and the effort she displayed throughout the program.
In June 2020, TWICE’s encore stage for “MORE & MORE” on a live music program drew negative reactions from audiences and online communities. Many comments criticized the vocal stability of Momo and some other members, pointing out off-key singing. Clips isolating Momo’s vocals circulated online, leading to increased criticism of her singing skills.
In January 2020, Korean media reported that Momo was dating Heechul, a member of Super Junior born in 1983, 13 years her senior. The news quickly became a hot topic due to their age gap and high profiles. Momo later wrote a handwritten letter to fans to explain and reassure them, but still faced a wave of negative comments from anti-fans. In July 2023, media outlets reported that the couple had broken up, reportedly due to busy schedules.
During performances, Momo has experienced several wardrobe malfunctions. One notable incident occurred during a “Moonlight Sunrise” stage when her top’s zipper came undone mid-performance. Although she quickly handled the situation and continued performing, the clip went viral and sparked online discussions.
Additionally, Momo’s stage presence has been a topic of debate on K-pop forums. Some viewers feel she focuses heavily on technique but conveys less emotion, leading to a perceived lack of connection with the audience. This has been a point of contention between fans and casual observers of the group.
Fun Facts
- Momo is obsessed with Japanese BBQ—she claims she could eat it every day without getting bored.
- Her nickname “Dance Machine” comes from starting dance lessons at age three—she’s been “grooving since the cradle.”
- She adores her dog Boo, who frequently appears on her social media.
- Momo is a self-proclaimed mukbang enthusiast and loves filming food vlogs at home.
- She insists on eating with traditional Japanese chopsticks, even during hectic schedules.
- Momo can fall asleep anywhere—practice rooms, buses, backstage, you name it!
- She once went viral for confidently redoing a dance move after a stage slip, turning mishaps into memorable moments.
- Collecting plushies and tiny animal figurines is her quirky hobby.
- She’s always first to try new TikTok dance trends, earning the playful title “trend-catcher idol.”
Photo Gallery
