もも

Early Life

Momo Hirai, known mononymously as Momo, was born in Kyōtanabe, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. She began her journey into the world of dance at the tender age of three, inspired by her older sister, Hana. Momo's early exposure to the entertainment industry came in 2008 when she appeared in a music video for Lexy. Her talent was further showcased in 2011 on the talent show Superstar K. In 2012, Momo and her sister caught the attention of JYP Entertainment through an online video, leading to an audition where only Momo was selected. This pivotal moment prompted her to move to South Korea in April 2012 to pursue her dreams.

Career

Momo's career took off when she participated in the reality television show Sixteen in 2015, which aimed to form the girl group Twice. Although she faced elimination, her exceptional performance led to her reinstatement, and she ultimately debuted with Twice in October 2015 with their EP "The Story Begins" and the hit single "Like Ooh-Ahh." Momo's artistry is characterized by her dynamic dance skills, earning her the nickname "Dance Machine" among fans. In 2023, she expanded her career by debuting in Japan with the subunit MiSaMo alongside bandmates Sana and Mina.

Legacy

Momo has made a significant impact in the K-pop industry, being recognized for her physical fitness and captivating dance moves. In 2018, she was voted the 20th most popular idol in South Korea, highlighting her influence as a non-Korean star. Her popularity has been credited with improving relations between South Korea and Japan. Momo also made headlines in 2023 by becoming the first Japanese person to reach 10 million followers on Instagram within just eight months of launching her account, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the music scene.