Chou Tzu-yu (Tzuyu) was born on June 14, 1999, in Tainan, Taiwan. She grew up in Tainan’s East District, spending her childhood in that city. Her family lived modestly in Tainan; her parents once ran flower stalls in a local night market to support the household. Tzuyu is the youngest of two children; she has one brother who is about seven years older than herself.
In Taiwan, Tzuyu attended local schools in Tainan. Her alma mater was Fuxing Junior High School in Tainan. Because her career training took place partly abroad, her family arranged for her to take Taiwan’s junior-high-school equivalency exam in 2016. Upon passing that exam, she obtained a Taiwan middle-school diploma, formally completing her compulsory education.
| Fact Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chou Tzu-yu |
| Stage Name | Tzuyu |
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1999 |
| Age (2026) | 27 years old |
| Birthplace | Tainan, Taiwan |
| Nationality | Taiwanese |
| Profession | Singer, Dancer, Model |
| Group | TWICE (JYP Entertainment) |
| Position in TWICE | Maknae (youngest), Lead Dancer, Vocalist |
| Debut Year | 2015 (with TWICE) |
| Solo Debut | 2024 (EP: abouTZU) |
| Education | Fuxing Junior High School (Taiwan diploma via equivalency exam) |
| Net Worth Status | Tzuyu Net Worth in 2026 is not publicly disclosed or officially verified |
| Main Income Sources | Music sales, world tours, endorsements, brand deals, solo releases |
| Notable Achievement | Part of TWICE’s Billboard 200 No.1 album (With YOU-th, 2024) |
| Global Recognition | Known as “Light of Taiwan” for international influence |
| Brand Endorsements | Pond’s, Visée, Zooc, Crocs, Coach |
| Solo Highlights | “Run Away” reached No.1 on Billboard Taiwan Songs chart |
| International Presence | Performed globally across 27+ countries with TWICE tours |
| Social Influence | One of the most-followed Taiwanese celebrities on Instagram |
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Career Overview in the K-pop Industry
Chou Tzu-yu (Tzuyu) is a Taiwanese-born singer and dancer who has built her career in South Korea. In 2015 she was selected as one of nine members of the girl group Twice under JYP Entertainment.
Tzuyu serves as Twice’s youngest member (the maknae), contributing lead and backing vocals as well as dance performances. She debuted with the group in October 2015, and since then her professional focus has remained on music: she performs in Twice’s recordings and concerts and, more recently, has launched solo projects.
Debut with TWICE and Rise to Global Fame
Tzuyu’s K-pop career began when Twice launched their first album, The Story Begins, on October 20, 2015. The album’s title track, “Like OOH-AHH,” was released the same day along with a music video.
That evening, Twice made their live debut performing “Like OOH-AHH” on a national music broadcast. The debut single proved highly successful: it became the first K-pop debut song to reach over 100 million views on YouTube.
Following their debut, Twice quickly became one of K-pop’s most popular acts. Early hit singles like “Cheer Up,” “Fancy,” and “Feel Special” each dominated Korean music charts and drew international attention.
By 2020, Twice’s albums were entering the U.S. market: their release More & More placed on the Billboard 200 album chart, and they appeared on Billboard’s Artist 100. The group also expanded their presence overseas, performing on American television programs (such as The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and TODAY) and embarking on world tours.
By mid-2024, the Twice’s fifth global tour had drawn roughly 1.5 million fans across 27 countries, underscoring the group’s international reach and Tzuyu’s role in its success.
Tzuyu’s Role and Contributions in TWICE’s Success
Within Twice, Tzuyu contributed primarily as a performer. Her strong dance skills and vocal ability made her a key member of the group’s stage line-up. In addition to singing and dancing, she represented the group in media: for example, she served as a presenter (host) on several South Korean music shows, showcasing Twice in broadcast appearances.
Tzuyu also began to expand into creative roles. In her 2024 solo EP abouTZU, she wrote the lyrics for the final track “Fly,” demonstrating her emerging involvement in songwriting. These activities (hosting duties and songwriting) highlight her growing contributions beyond performing, and reflect her multi-faceted role in the group’s career.
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Major Songs, Performances, and Career Highlights
Tzuyu’s discography includes both group and solo work. With Twice, she helped record all of the group’s major releases. As a solo artist, she first released cover renditions of Western pop songs for JYP’s “Melody Project” initiative – including Taylor Swift’s “ME!” and Ava Max’s “Christmas Without You.” These solo covers were made available online and helped establish her individual presence.
Her first official solo release came in 2024. On September 6, 2024, Tzuyu released her debut extended play abouTZU, a six-track mini-album. The lead single, “Run Away,” was written by Park Jin-young (the founder of JYP Entertainment) and composed with contributions from international producers. “Run Away” was supported by a music video and gained significant attention: it became Tzuyu’s first solo single to top a chart, reaching number one on Billboard’s Taiwan Songs chart.
The EP also featured collaborations with other artists (for example, rapper pH-1 on the track “Lazy Baby,” and Peniel of BTOB on “Heartbreak in Heaven”). In this release, Tzuyu showcased a more mature pop style compared to her Twice songs, signaling her artistic range.
In September 2025, Tzuyu issued another solo single, “Blink,” a duet recorded with American singer Corbyn Besson. Along with the release, she put out a music video for “Blink.” This international collaboration further marked her growth as a solo artist. Beyond recordings, Tzuyu has continued to perform on stage. As part of Twice, she has participated in major tours and concerts worldwide.
For example, the group’s 2023 tour included multiple sold-out arena and stadium shows (including performances in North America at venues like Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas). These high-profile concerts and festival appearances (alongside her solo promotions) have been notable career highlights, contributing to Tzuyu’s visibility and performance resume.
Awards, Achievements, and Global Recognition
Tzuyu’s career is marked by various achievements both as a soloist and as part of Twice. On the group side, Twice has earned numerous music awards and distinctions. Notably, they have been recognized on international charts; for example, their mini-album With YOU-th (2024) debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200, a first for any female K-pop group.
The group was also the first K-pop girl group to hold headlining stadium shows in North America and earned the Breakthrough Award at Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony in 2023. These milestones reflect Twice’s record-breaking album sales and global popularity, of which Tzuyu is a part.
In her solo career, Tzuyu has also earned recognition. Her 2024 EP abouTZU sold strongly; it sold well enough in South Korea to be certified platinum by the Korea Music Content Association (indicating over 250,000 copies sold). At the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, her duet “Blink” was nominated for Favorite K-pop Collaboration, marking her entry into international award circuits as a soloist.
Individually, Tzuyu has achieved record-setting popularity. For instance, media in her home country gave her the nickname “Light of Taiwan,” reflecting her status as one of Taiwan’s most famous cultural exports. Though not a formal award, this title underscores her global influence.
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Brand Influence, Endorsements, and Public Image
Beyond music, Tzuyu has become a prominent commercial model and ambassador. She has appeared in advertisements for several major brands. Early in her career she was featured alone in TV commercials (for example, for the Korean telecom company LG U+) and print ads (for brands like Crocs in Korea).
In October 2021 she was the cover model for L’Officiel Malaysia, modeling Coach’s Fall/Winter 2021 collection. In 2022, she was named the “muse” of the Korean clothing brand Zooc and the Japanese cosmetics brand Visée. Later, in 2023 she was appointed a global ambassador for skincare brand Pond’s, and in 2025 she became a brand ambassador for Pond’s in the Philippines.
These endorsements and modeling roles highlight her broad appeal in fashion and beauty sectors. Tzuyu’s public image emphasizes her stage presence and style. She is widely noted for her visual appeal, which has been commented on by media in Asia.
An example of her influence beyond singing is her 2025 appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: after Tzuyu modeled a particular item on the runway, that item reportedly sold out, illustrating her impact on fashion consumers.
In social media, she has also built a strong following, at one point surpassing other Taiwanese celebrities in Instagram followers. Overall, Tzuyu’s endorsements and public persona have reinforced her status as a leading figure in K-pop and an influential style icon.
Current Activities, Projects, and Career Growth
In recent years, Tzuyu has continued to expand both her group and solo career. As part of Twice, she has participated in all their major releases and tours. For example, in 2021 the group released its first English-language single, “The Feels,” which became a top-10 hit in multiple countries and earned a U.S. gold certification.
In 2023–24, Twice released mini-albums (Ready to Be, With YOU-th) that debuted high on global charts (including a #1 on the Billboard 200), and they conducted large-scale world tours with numerous sold-out shows. Through all these group activities, Tzuyu has remained an active performer and contributor.
Concurrently, Tzuyu has been building her solo career. Her solo debut abouTZU (2024) marked the start of this phase, showcasing a new musical style and securing strong sales. In 2025 she continued with the release of “Blink.” These solo projects, along with continued appearances in media and endorsements, demonstrate steady career growth.
As of 2026, Tzuyu’s position remains that of a leading idol in the K-pop industry. She remains a core member of Twice – a group that continues to release new music and perform worldwide – while also pursuing individual opportunities. By balancing group activities with her solo endeavors, Tzuyu has broadened her career from a K-pop group member into a multifaceted recording artist and public figure.
Tzuyu Net Worth
As of 2026, Tzuyu’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed, and no figure has been officially verified by major financial authorities. Her income is primarily derived from her activities as a K-pop artist and a member of the group TWICE, including the group’s music releases (albums and digital sales/streams), live concert tours and performances, as well as commercial endorsements and sponsorship deals.
FAQs
1. What is Tzuyu best known for?
Tzuyu is best known as a member of the K-pop girl group TWICE under JYP Entertainment. She gained global recognition for her performances, visuals, and role as the group’s youngest member.
2. When did Tzuyu debut in the K-pop industry?
Tzuyu officially debuted in October 2015 as part of TWICE. The group’s first release, The Story Begins, marked the start of her professional music career.
3. Where is Tzuyu from?
Tzuyu was born in Tainan, Taiwan, and spent her early life there. She later moved to South Korea to pursue training and a career in the K-pop industry.
4. What is Tzuyu’s role in TWICE?
Tzuyu serves as a vocalist and lead dancer in TWICE. She is also known as the maknae, meaning the youngest member of the group.
5. Has Tzuyu started a solo career?
Yes, Tzuyu began her solo career in 2024 with the release of her EP abouTZU. This project showcased her individual musical style outside of TWICE.
6. What are Tzuyu’s main sources of income?
Tzuyu earns income from group activities with TWICE, including album sales and concerts. She also generates revenue through endorsements, brand partnerships, and solo projects.
