Chuu

South Korean singer (born 1999) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kim Ji-woo (Korean: 김지우; pronounced [kim d͡ʑiu], born October 20, 1999), known professionally as Chuu (), is a South Korean singer and actress. She is a former member of the South Korean girl group Loona and its sub-unit, yyxy.

Born
Kim Ji-woo

(1999-10-20) October 20, 1999 (age 26)
Cheongju, South Korea
Occupations
  • Singer
  • actress
Quick facts Born, Alma mater ...
Chuu
A young Asian woman with long brown hair and a fringe wearing a blue dress grinning widely with her fingers and thumbs on each of her cheeks as if forming a heart.
Chuu in 2025
Born
Kim Ji-woo

(1999-10-20) October 20, 1999 (age 26)
Cheongju, South Korea
Alma materHanlim Multi Art School
Occupations
  • Singer
  • actress
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Years active2017–present
Labels
Formerly of
Korean name
Hangul
김지우
RRGim Jiu
MRKim Chiu
IPAkim d͡ʑiu
Stage name
Hangul
RRChu
MRCh'u
Signature
Close

Early life

Kim Ji-woo was born on October 20, 1999, in Cheongju, South Korea. She is the eldest of three children and has two younger brothers. For her audition, she sang "Halo" by Beyoncé.[2] Her stage name "Chuu" is derived from saying her given name quickly.[3] She graduated from Cheongju's Saet-byul Elementary School [ko] and San-nam Middle School [ko].[4][5]

Career

2017–2020: Debut with Loona and solo activities

On December 14, 2017, Chuu was revealed as the tenth member of the Korean idol girl group Loona. As part of the group's pre-debut release strategy, on December 28, she released her self-titled single album with "Heart Attack" as its title track.[6] Chuu reached number 8 on the Gaon Album Chart.[7] She was introduced as part of Loona's third sub-unit Loona yyxy. The sub-unit includes members Yves, Gowon and HyeJu,[8] and their EP, Beauty & the Beat, was released on May 30, 2018,[9] and reached number 4 on the Gaon Album Chart.[10] She officially debuted with the entire group on August 20 with the EP [+ +],[11] which peaked at number 2 on the Gaon Album Chart.[12]

On May 10, 2019, Chuu made her acting debut and starred in the web drama Dating Class as Han Eun-sol.[13][14] In July to September, she co-hosted the second season of the variety show Insane Quiz Show with MJ of Astro and Il-hoon of BtoB. The show brings in two celebrity guests each episode and has them partake in various challenges with the hosts.[15][16]

In January 2020, Chuu appeared at MBC's 2020 Lunar New Year Idol Star Championships. However, MBC was inundated with criticism because it was discovered that a male staff pulled her hair.[17][18][19] In March 2020, Chuu competed in King of Mask Singer under the name "Spring Girl", a character who dressed in a spring outfit with flowers in her hair and a flat paper mask that covers her eyes and mouth. She was eliminated in the second of the two days of competition.[20] In December 2020, she co-starred in Running Girls, a Mnet show where five K-pop idols form a running team and try out different running courses in South Korea.[21]

2021–2022: Web series and Blockberry Creative departure

In 2021, Chuu started to host her own web series on YouTube called Chuu Can Do It where she spreads awareness about the need to protect the Earth through environmentally friendly practices.[3][22] Chuu also hosted Hauteur, a web series that was made in collaboration with Lotte Department Store to help promote their store among generation Z.[23] In March 2021, Chuu was a regular panelist in the Channel A show Steel Troops where she comments on teams from Korea's armed forces competing against each other.[24] She appeared as a model for a television commercial of Dong-a Otsuka's Pocari Sweat.[25] She also appeared in a television commercial of Samsung Galaxy Store in May 2021,[26] South Korean chicken brand "Chicken Maru",[27] mobile RTS game "Warpath",[28] and BC Card.[29] She participated in the reality documentary show Law of the Jungle for the episodes titled "Spring Special in Jeju".[30] At the end of 2021, Chuu filed an application for a provisional injunction against her agency, Blockberry Creative, to suspend the exclusive contract. It was also reported that in April 2022, she had founded her own company, with herself as the CEO.[needs update?][31][32]

Chuu in June 2022.

On June 27, 2022, Chuu released the single "Lullaby" with B.I as a collaboration with Dingo Music.[33] On August 11, it was announced that Chuu would release "One and Half", a remake of the 1994 track by Two Two, on September 4.[34] On October 16, Chuu released a remake of the 1999 Park Hye-kyung song "Confession" as the theme song of the 2022 film Similar.[35] On November 25, Blockberry Creative announced on the official fancafe that Chuu had been expelled from Loona, citing "reports of abuse of power, such as Chuu's abusive language towards our staff."[36] Chuu was then caught up in rumors of power abuse, transfer, and bullying within her company. Blockberry Creative refused to reveal evidence concerning the rumors of power abuse to the public,[37] facing criticism and skepticism from fans, with some industry professionals who had previously worked with Chuu questioning the allegations made against her.[38] On December 5, Chuu released "Dear My Winter" with South Korean R&B singer George as part of Lotte Shopping's "Songs for You" series.[39]

2023–present: Solo debut with Howl

On February 23, 2023, Chuu released "Let's Love" with Kim Yo-han, which is part of Project Restless.[40] In April 2023, Chuu signed an exclusive contract with a new entertainment company, ATRP.[1] On September 18, ATRP announced that Chuu would be making her debut as a solo artist on October 18, with her first extended play Howl and the lead single of the same name.[41]

Chuu during the "Strawberry Rush" fan-con in Tacoma in July 2024

On February 13, 2024, Chuu released a digital single "Chocolate", with an English-language version of the song being released the next day.[42] On May 22, ATRP confirmed Chuu was filming a music video in Australia for her second album, to be released in June.[43] On May 29, it was officially announced that Chuu would be releasing her second extended play Strawberry Rush on June 25.[44] The music video for the lead single of the same name was released together with the album.[45] On August 2, it was announced that Chuu would be returning to acting in the fantasy romance drama My Girlfriend Is the Man!, based on webtoon of the same name.[46]

On March 28, 2025, ATRP announced that Chuu's third extended play Only Cry in the Rain would be released on April 21.[47] On December 15, it was announced that Chuu would release her first studio album XO, My Cyberlove on January 7, 2026, with the lead single of the same name.[48][49]

Philanthropy

On December 28, 2022, Chuu announced through her YouTube channel that all proceeds from the merchandise sold at the Jiwoo store were donated to the Korea Music Power Plant to improve the welfare of musicians.[50]

Personal life

In February 2018, Chuu graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School alongside her Loona groupmate Kim Lip.[51]

In February 2021, in the wake of a wave of bullying allegations against various stars in the K-pop industry, Chuu was falsely accused of bullying when she was in school.[52] The accuser apologized for the false claims and Blockberry Creative announced that they would be taking legal action against them.[53]

Discography

Studio albums

More information Title, Details ...
List of studio albums, showing selected details, chart positions, and sales figures
Title Details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[54]
XO, My Cyberlove 8
Close

Extended plays

More information Title, Details ...
List of extended plays, showing selected details, chart positions, and sales figures
Title Details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[54]
Howl
  • Released: October 18, 2023
  • Label: ATRP, KT Genie
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
Track listing
  1. "Howl"
  2. "Underwater"
  3. "My Palace"
  4. "Aliens"
  5. "Hitchhiker"
3
Strawberry Rush
  • Released: June 25, 2024
  • Label: ATRP, KT Genie
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
Track listing
  1. "Strawberry Rush"
  2. "Honeybee"
  3. "Daydreamer"
  4. "Lucid Dream"
  5. "Chocolate"
  6. "Chocolate" (English version)
12
Only Cry in the Rain
  • Released: April 21, 2025
  • Label: ATRP, KT Genie
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
Track listing
  1. "Only Cry in the Rain"
  2. "Back in Town"
  3. "Kiss a Kitty"
  4. "Je T'aime"
  5. "No More"
15
Close

Singles

As lead artist

More information Title, Year ...
List of singles as lead artist, showing year released, chart positions, and name of the album
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
[59]
"Heart Attack"[A] 2017 Chuu
"Lullaby" (자장가)
(with B.I)
2022 [B] Non-album singles
"One and a Half" (일과 이분의 일) 87
"Howl" 2023 [C] Howl
"Chocolate"[D] 2024 [E] Strawberry Rush
"Strawberry Rush" [F]
"Only Cry in the Rain" 2025 [G] Only Cry in the Rain
"XO, My Cyberlove" 2026 [H] XO, My Cyberlove
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.
Close
More information Title, Year ...
List of singles as featured artist, showing year released, chart positions, and name of the album
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
Down.

[67]
"BBB"
HUS featuring Chuu
2025 152 Non-album single
Close

Promotional singles

More information Title, Year ...
List of promotional singles, showing year released and name of the album
Title Year Album
"World Is One 2021"[68]
(with Kim Yo-han, Eric Bellinger)
2021 Non-album singles
"Starlight"[69]
(with Lee Hyun, Lee Gi-kwang, Joohoney, Hyeongjun, Jung Yeon-joo)
"Dear My Winter"
(with George)
2022
"Let's Love" (썸밍아웃)
(with Kim Yo-han)
2023 Project Restless
"Our Nights Are More Beautiful Than Your Days"
(우리의 밤은 당신의 낮보다 아름답다)
Non-album single
"I Like You" (좋아 좋아) [THE SEASONS Vol II. 10] ᐸAKMU's Long day Long nightᐳ ReːWake x CHUU
"A Beautiful Farewell" (아름다운) I am Re:Born #1
Close

Soundtrack appearances

More information Title, Year ...
Title Year Peak chart
positions
Album
KOR
[70]
US
World

[71]
"We Wanna Be Adults"[I] (어른이 되고 싶어) 2015 Princess Pring OST
"Spring Flower" (봄꽃)[72] 2020 [J]5 Memorials OST
"Hello" (좋아서 그래)[74]
(with Lee Hyeop)
2021 [K]25 Fling at Convenience Store OST
"Loving U" (좋아서 좋아해)[77] [L] Revolutionary Sisters OST
"Brunch" (브런치)[80] 2022 [M] Daily JoJo OST
"Confession" (고백) [N] Ditto OST
"Fox Rain" (여우비) 2024 174 The Moon During the Day Webtoon OST
"Loveholic" 2025 [O] Just For Meeting You OST
"Star"[86] [P] My Girlfriend Is the Man! OST
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.
Close

Compilation appearances

More information Title, Year ...
List of soundtrack appearances, showing year released, and name of the album
Title Year Album
"Beautiful Landscape" (아름다운 강산)
(with Kim Mi-sun)
2022 DNA Singer – Fantastic Family Round 7
"Arari" (아라리)
(as Gaeul)
Life Reset Re-Debut Show – A Star Is Born (Episode 3)
"Back in Time" (시간을 거슬러)
(as Gaeul)
Close

Other charted songs

More information Title, Year ...
List of songs as lead artist, showing year released, chart positions, and name of the album
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
Down.

[89]
"Underwater" 2023 98 Howl
"My Palace" 128
"Aliens" 129
"Hitchhiker" 137
"Honeybee" 2024 99 Strawberry Rush
"Daydreamer" 105
"Lucid Dream" 108
"Back in Town" 2025 127 Only Cry in the Rain
"Kiss a Kitty" 136
"Je T'aime" 135
"No More" 141
"Canary" 2026 94 XO, My Cyberlove
"Cocktail Dress" 88
"Limoncello" 106
"Teeny Tiny Heart" 91
"Love Potion" 108
"Heart Tea Bag" 109
"Hide & Seek" 100
"Loving You!"
(첫눈이 오면 그때 거기서 만나)
99
Close

Videography

Music videos

More information Title, Year ...
Title Year Director(s) Ref.
"World Is One" 2021 Kim In-tae (AFF Studio), Im Woo-sung (AFF Studio), Luke Im [90][91]
"One and a Half" 2022 Lee Yoo-young, Lee Jae-hyeon
(SNP Film)
[92][93]
"Underwater" 2023 Yoo Sungkyun
(Sunny Visual)
[94][95]
"Howl" [96][95]
"Hitchhiker" [97][95]
"Strawberry Rush" 2024 Sky
(Sunny Visual)
[98]
"Honeybee" Sunny Visual [99][100]
"Pink Cloud" Annie Chung [101][102]
"Only Cry in the Rain" 2025 Sunny Visual [103][104]
"Back in Town" [105][104]
"XO, My Cyberlove" 2026 [106][107]
"Canary" Unknown [108]
Close

Filmography

Television series

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Ref.
2025 My Girlfriend Is the Man! Kang Min-joo [109][110]
Close

Web series

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Ref.
2019 Dating Class Han Eun-sol [13][14]
Close

Television shows

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2020 Running Girls Cast member With Hani, Sunmi, YooA and Chungha [21]
King of Mask Singer Contestant As Spring Girl (Episode 247–248) [20]
2021 Steel Troops Panelist Season 1 & 3 [24][111]
Law of the JungleSpring Special in Jeju Cast member Episode 446–448 [30]
Family Register Mate Co-host [112]
Wild Idol Panelist [113]
2022 Mystery Duet [114]
Stage Up Host [115]
The Dreamers with Ha Seok-jin, Jang Dong-seon and Kim Yun-hee [116]
2022–2023 Mr. Trot Master Season 2 [117]
2025 When Our Kids Fall in Love Co-host [118]
Close

Web shows

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2019 Insane Quiz Show Season 2 Co-host with MJ and Illhoon [15][16]
2020–present Chuu Can Do It Host Produced by DIA TV [119]
2022 Terrace On with Leeteuk and Lee Won-il [120]
If you like it, it will ring! with Jinyoung, Lee Eun-ji and Hong Seok-cheon [121]
2023 Star of Star Girls Cast member with Song Yuqi and Billlie's Tsuki [122]
Close

Concerts and tours

Howl in USA

More information Date, City ...
Date City Country Venue Ref.
December 3, 2023 Los Angeles United States The Orpheum Theatre [123]
December 5, 2023 Oakland Paramount Theatre
December 7, 2023 Denver Fillmore Auditorium
December 11, 2023 Washington, D.C. MGM National Harbor
December 13, 2023 New York Kings Theatre
December 15, 2023 Atlanta Coca-Cola Roxy
December 17, 2023 Dallas Music Hall at Fair Park
Close

Strawberry Rush in Americas

More information Date, City ...
Date City Country Venue Ref.
July 17, 2024 Los Angeles United States The Orpheum Theatre [124]
July 19, 2024 San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts
July 21, 2024 Tacoma Pantages Theater
July 24, 2024 Phoenix The Van Buren
July 26, 2024 Dallas House of Blues
July 28, 2024 New Orleans The Fillmore
July 31, 2024 Detroit The Fillmore
August 3, 2024 Indianapolis Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
August 5, 2024 New York The Town Hall
August 7, 2024 Santiago Chile Teatro Cupula
August 10, 2024 São Paulo Brazil Studio Stage
August 13, 2024 Mexico City Mexico Foro Puebla
Close

Awards and nominations

More information Award ceremony, Year ...
Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Ref.
APAN Music Awards 2020 Idol Champ Entertainer – Female Chuu Won [125]
Blue Dragon Series Awards 2023 Best New Female Entertainer Love Alarm Clap! Clap! Clap! Nominated [126]
Brand of the Year Awards 2021 Entertainer Idol of the Year (Female) Chuu Nominated [127]
Universal Superstar Awards 2024 Universal Style Wannabe Won [128]
Close

See also

Notes

  1. credited to Loona, but the track is a solo by Chuu
  2. "Lullaby" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 81 and 103 on the component Download chart and BGM chart, respectively.[60][61]
  3. "Howl" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 30 on the component Download chart.[62]
  4. "Chocolate (English Ver.)" was released on February 14, 2024.
  5. "Chocolate" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 27 on the component Download chart.[63]
  6. "Strawberry Rush" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 23 on the component Download chart.[64]
  7. "Only Cry in the Rain" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 27 on the component Download chart.[65]
  8. "XO, My Cyberlove" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 12 on the component Download chart.[66]
  9. Credited as Kim Ji-woo.
  10. "Spring Flower" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart, but peaked at number 114 on component BGM chart.[73]
  11. "Hello" did not enter Gaon Digital Chart, but peaked at position 112 and 179 on components Download chart and BGM chart, respectively.[75][76]
  12. "Loving U" did not enter Gaon Digital Chart, but peaked at position 108 and 163 on components BGM chart and Download chart, respectively.[78][79]
  13. "Brunch" did not enter Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at position 143 on component Download chart.[81]
  14. "Confession" did not enter Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at position 43 and 49 on components Download chart and BGM chart, respectively.[82][83]
  15. "Loveholic" did not enter Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at position 43 and 42 on components Download chart and BGM chart, respectively.[84][85]
  16. "Loveholic" did not enter Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at position 62 and 19 on components Download chart and BGM chart, respectively.[87][88]

References

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI