Meet Hirai Momo, the “Dancing Machine” of TWICE. While she is known globally for her world-class technique and stage presence, her story is one of the most dramatic in K-pop history.
1. The Survival Show Miracle
Momo’s journey almost ended before it began. During Sixteen, she was actually eliminated in Episode 6. However, J.Y. Park made the unprecedented decision to bring her back in the finale, citing that the group’s performance level simply wouldn’t be the same without her. To this day, she is the only “revived” member in JYP history, a testament to her being fundamentally indispensable.
2. The Technical Perfectionist
Momo isn’t just a good dancer; she is often ranked by professional choreographers as one of the top three dancers in the entire K-pop industry.
- The “Switch”: Behind the scenes, staff describe her as “Momo-rin”—someone who is incredibly shy, soft-spoken, and often teased for being “clumsy” or “spacing out.” But the moment the music starts, she “switches” into a sharp, charismatic performer with terrifying precision.
- Work Ethic: Insiders share that during her trainee days, she would practice until midnight, then stay alone until 3:00 or 4:00 AM just to perfect a single move.
3. The Fashion Icon & Brand Power
By 2026, Momo has become one of the most influential “CF Queens” (Commercial Film) and fashion muses in Asia.
- Miu Miu & Onitsuka Tiger: She is a global ambassador for Miu Miu, recently causing a stir at the March 2026 Paris Fashion Week. She is also the face of Onitsuka Tiger, often seen in their high-fashion “Urban Beats” campaigns.
- The “Momo Effect”: Products she wears or mentions—from specific snacks to $2,000 designer bags—routinely sell out within hours in Japan and Korea.
4. Recent Milestones (2025–2026)
- MISAMO: As part of TWICE’s first sub-unit with Mina and Sana, she recently released the full-length Japanese album PLAY in February 2026. Her solo track on the album, “Kitty,” showcased a playful, high-fashion side of her artistry that fans hadn’t seen before.
- “Move Like That”: On the current “THIS IS FOR” World Tour, Momo’s solo stage is a technical masterclass. Unlike other members who focus on vocals, her stage is a high-concept dance performance titled “Move Like That,” which has become a viral highlight of the 2026 tour.
5. Personal Quirks & Foodie Lore
- The Jokbal Queen: Her love for jokbal (pig’s trotters) is legendary. She once said that if she weren’t an idol, she would want to be a professional food taster.
- Language Barrier: Despite being Japanese, Momo often says she “forgets” how to speak Japanese because she has lived in Korea for so long, leading to hilarious “Konglish” moments that her members love to mimic.
- Barbie Aesthetic: She has a massive collection of pink items and dolls, contrasting her “cool and sharp” image on stage with a very “girly” personal aesthetic.
Momo is the physical heartbeat of TWICE’s choreography—the member who ensures that every time the group takes the stage, they look like the world-class performers they are.