Momo
모모 · 히라이 모모 (Hirai Momo, 平井もも)
Hirai Momo (平井もも)
September 11, 1996 Japanese 167 cm (official) / 163 cm (real) 48.5 kg Type A Scorpio
Momo is the main dancer of TWICE, the nine-member South Korean-Japanese girl group under JYP Entertainment celebrated as one of K-pop's most successful acts of the past decade. Born Hirai Momo on November 9, 1996, in Kyotanabe, Kyoto, Japan, she was scouted after JYP Entertainment saw a dance video she had posted online with her older sister, Hana. Although she was eliminated partway through the 2015 survival show SIXTEEN, producer J.Y. Park brought her back specifically for her exceptional dance skills, and she went on to debut with TWICE that October in "The Story Begins." Since then, Momo has become known across the K-pop industry for her sharp, powerful choreography and stage presence, contributing to hits such as "Likey," "Feel Special," and "Strategy." In 2023, she expanded her career beyond the main group by debuting in MISAMO, TWICE's Japanese subunit alongside fellow members Mina and Sana, releasing the mini album "Masterpiece" and later the EP "Haute Couture." Off stage, Momo is affectionately nicknamed the group's "Peach" and "Jokbal Queen" for her love of food, and fans often highlight her close bond with her sister Hana, herself an accomplished dancer with the team Osaka Ojo Gang. As TWICE marks ten years together with the This Is For World Tour and the anniversary album Ten: The Story Goes On, Momo remains one of the group's defining performers, admired worldwide for her dance skill, work ethic, and warm personality both on stage and in variety appearances.
Story
Biography
Who Is Momo?
Momo is the main dancer of TWICE, the JYP Entertainment girl group known for its powerhouse choreography and chart-topping hits. Born Hirai Momo on November 9, 1996, in Kyotanabe, Kyoto, Japan, she’s one of the group’s three Japanese members alongside Sana and Mina.
Early Life and Trainee Years
Momo started dancing at age three, inspired by her older sister Hana. She was later scouted by JYP Entertainment after the company spotted a dance video the sisters posted online. The two traveled together to JYP’s 2011 Japan audition tour, but only Momo passed, moving to South Korea in 2012 to begin training as a trainee.
Debut and Rise with TWICE
Momo was actually eliminated partway through the 2015 survival show SIXTEEN, but producer J.Y. Park brought her back into the final lineup specifically because of her exceptional dance skills. TWICE debuted that October with The Story Begins, and Momo quickly became recognized as the group’s main dancer, anchoring iconic choreography in songs like “Likey,” “Feel Special,” and “Strategy.”
MISAMO and Beyond
In 2023, Momo expanded her career by debuting in MISAMO, TWICE’s Japanese-language subunit alongside members Mina and Sana. The trio released their debut mini album Masterpiece in July 2023, followed by the EP Haute Couture in November 2024, both supported by sold-out Japanese showcase tours.
Personality and Personal Life
Nicknamed “Peach” for the meaning of her name and “Jokbal Queen” for her love of the Korean dish, Momo is known for her warm, food-loving personality and close bond with her sister Hana, who won the Korean dance competition Street Woman Fighter with her team Osaka Ojo Gang. A decade into her idol career, Momo remains one of TWICE’s most technically respected performers.
Profile
Basic Information
| Stage Name | Momo |
| Full Birth Name | Hirai Momo (平井もも) |
| Date of Birth | November 9, 1996 |
| Birthplace | Kyotanabe, Kyoto, Japan |
| Hometown | Kyoto, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 167 cm (5'6") official / 163 cm (5'4") real |
| Weight | 48.5 kg (106 lbs) |
| Blood Type | A |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| MBTI | INFP-T |
| Education | Tanabe Elementary & Junior High School; GED equivalency |
| Agency | JYP Entertainment |
| Debut | October 20, 2015 (TWICE, "The Story Begins"); July 26, 2023 (MISAMO) |
| Languages | Japanese, Korean |
| Nicknames | Momoring, Peach, Jokbal Queen, Mom of TWICE |
| Hobbies | Eating, dance practice, nail art, watching movies and dramas |
| Favorite Color | Pink |
| Ideal Type | Someone who eats well and enjoys jokbal |
Membership
Groups & Positions
TWICE
JYP Entertainment
Main Dancer Sub Vocalist Sub Rapper
October 2015 – Present
The Lineup
Group Members — TWICE
Jihyo
Leader · Main Vocalist
Nayeon
Lead Vocalist · Lead Dancer · Center · Face of the Group
Jeongyeon
Lead Vocalist
Momo
Main Dancer · Sub Vocalist · Sub Rapper
This Idol
Sana
Sub Vocalist
Mina
Main Dancer · Sub Vocalist
Dahyun
Lead Rapper · Sub Vocalist
Chaeyoung
Lead Rapper · Sub Vocalist
Tzuyu
Lead Dancer · Sub Vocalist · Visual · Maknae
Journey
Career Timeline
2011
Auditioned for JYP Entertainment in Japan
Traveled with her older sister Hana to JYP's Japan audition tour in Osaka and Tokyo after being scouted through a dance video.
2012
Became a JYP Entertainment trainee
Passed JYP's audition on April 13, 2012 and moved to South Korea to begin training, while her sister did not pass.
2015
Competed on SIXTEEN and debuted with TWICE
Was initially eliminated in episode 6 of SIXTEEN but was brought back by J.Y. Park for her dance skills, debuting with TWICE on October 20, 2015.
2019
Featured on dance and variety shows
Showcased her dance skills on programs such as Hit the Stage and appeared on King of Masked Singer.
2023
MISAMO subunit announced and debuted
JYP Entertainment announced the Japanese subunit MISAMO with fellow members Mina and Sana; the trio debuted on July 26, 2023 with the mini album "Masterpiece."
2024
MISAMO released "Haute Couture"
Returned with MISAMO's second EP, "Haute Couture," released on November 6, 2024, following a sold-out Japanese showcase tour.
2025
Sister's dance team wins Street Woman Fighter 3
Momo's older sister Hana and her team, Osaka Ojo Gang, won the third season of the Korean dance competition show Street Woman Fighter.
Music
Discography
💜
The Story Begins
EP
2015
💜
Page Two
EP
2016
💜
Twicecoaster: Lane 1
EP
2016
💜
Twicetagram
Studio Album
2017
💜
Merry & Happy
EP (Repackage)
2017
💜
Summer Nights
EP
2018
💜
Yes or Yes / The Year of "Yes"
EP
2018
💜
Fancy You
EP
2019
💜
Feel Special
EP
2019
💜
Eyes Wide Open
Studio Album
2020
💜
More & More
EP
2020
💜
Taste of Love
EP
2021
💜
Formula of Love: O+T=<3
Studio Album
2021
💜
Between 1&2
EP
2022
💜
Ready to Be
EP
2023
💜
With You-th
EP
2024
💜
Strategy
EP
2024
💜
This Is For
Studio Album
2025
💜
Ten: The Story Goes On
Special Album
2025
🎧
Signal
Digital Single
2017
🎧
The Feels
Digital Single (English)
2021
🎧
Moonlight Sunrise
Digital Single
2023
🎧
Marshmallow (MISAMO)
Digital Single
2023
🎧
Do Not Touch (MISAMO)
Digital Single
2023
Recognition
Awards & Achievements
Best New Female Artist (with TWICE)
Melon Music Awards 2015
2015
Best Dance Performance – Female Group (with TWICE)
Mnet Asian Music Awards 2020
2020
Disk Bonsang, Twicetagram (with TWICE)
Golden Disc Awards 2018
2018
Bonsang, This Is For (with TWICE)
Golden Disc Awards 2026
2026
Did You Know?
Trivia & Fun Facts ✨
★
Born Hirai Momo in Kyotanabe, Kyoto, Japan, on November 9, 1996.
★
Has an older sister, Hana, born in 1994, who is a member of the Japanese dance team Osaka Ojo Gang.
★
Started dancing at around age three, inspired by her older sister.
★
Was scouted by JYP Entertainment after the company saw a dance video she posted online.
★
Auditioned alongside her sister at JYP's 2011 Japan audition tour, but only Momo passed.
★
Officially passed JYP's audition on April 13, 2012 and moved to South Korea to train.
★
Was eliminated in episode 6 of SIXTEEN but was brought back by producer J.Y. Park specifically for her dance abilities.
★
Her name, Momo, means "peach" in Japanese, which inspired her nickname "Peach."
★
Chose 64 as her favorite number because it was the number on her father's football jersey.
★
Family owns three dogs, all female, named Petco, Pudding, and Lucky.
★
Is considered TWICE's main dancer and is known for her powerful, precise choreography.
★
Nicknamed "Momoring" or "Momorin" by fans and members.
★
Also known by the playful nickname "Jokbal Queen" for her love of the Korean dish jokbal.
★
Appeared on dance-focused variety shows including Hit the Stage.
★
Also appeared on the singing competition show King of Masked Singer.
★
Debuted in the Japanese-language subunit MISAMO alongside members Mina and Sana in July 2023.
★
MISAMO's debut mini album, "Masterpiece," was supported by a sold-out Japanese showcase tour.
★
MISAMO released their second EP, "Haute Couture," in November 2024.
★
Enjoys eating and often talks about food-related topics on variety shows, even while dieting for comebacks.
★
Enjoys nail art as a personal hobby.
★
Her representative color within TWICE is pink.
★
Passed her Japanese high school equivalency through a GED-style exam while training in Korea.
★
Owns a Norwich Terrier dog named Boo.
★
Considered one of the most technically skilled dancers across the entire K-pop industry.
★
Continues to balance TWICE group promotions with MISAMO subunit activities.
The Fandom
Fan Club & Fan Name 💜
Official Fan Name
ONCE
ONCE is the official fandom name of TWICE. It was revealed by the members themselves through an Instagram post, explained with the idea that 'once you love us, we will pay you back twice.' The name plays on the group's own name, TWICE, capturing the reciprocal bond between the girls and their fans.
Official Fan Color
Apricot & Neon Magenta
TWICE's official fandom colors combine a soft, warm Apricot with a bold Neon Magenta, symbolizing the sweet yet dynamic energy that defines both the group and ONCE.
Official Light Stick
Candybong ∞ (Infinity)
The third generation of TWICE's official light stick, the Candybong Infinity keeps the classic lollipop-shaped silhouette while adding upgraded Bluetooth sync features so ONCE can light up in perfect unison during concerts, following the original Candy Bong (2017) and Candy Bong Z (2019).
Fan Community Platform
Weverse
TWICE's main platform for connecting directly with ONCE through posts, live broadcasts, and exclusive membership content.
Stay Connected
Social Media
Photos
Gallery 📷
