Hirai Momo: The Untold Story of TWICE's Dancing Queen (2025 Profile)

Hirai Momo began her dancing journey at just three years old in Kyōtanabe, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, eventually becoming one of K-pop's most celebrated performers. Born on November 9, 1996, she trained alongside her elder sister Hana before catching the attention of JYP Entertainment. Notably, Momo's path to stardom wasn't straightforward—she was initially eliminated from the survival show "Sixteen" but was later brought back due to her exceptional dancing and rapping abilities.

Since her official debut with TWICE in October 2015 through their first extended play "The Story Begins" and the hit single "Like Ooh-Ahh," Momo has established herself as the group's dance powerhouse. In fact, fans often refer to her as the "Dance Machine" because of her impressive physical fitness and remarkable choreography skills. Her talent has contributed significantly to TWICE's rise as "The Nation's Girl Group". By 2023, Momo had reached a remarkable milestone, becoming the first Japanese person to amass 10 million Instagram followers, further cementing her status as a cross-cultural icon with an estimated net worth of $8-$10 million by 2025.

Early Life in Kyoto

The quiet city of Kyōtanabe in Kyoto Prefecture set the stage for what would become an extraordinary journey in dance and music. Born on November 9, 1996, Hirai Momo's passion for movement ignited remarkably early in life. While most toddlers were still mastering basic steps, Momo was already developing her rhythm and coordination through formal dance training.

Dancing with her sister Hana

The foundation of Momo's dance career was built alongside her older sister Hana, born in 1994. Both sisters trained at the Step Out Dance Studio in Kyoto, where they formed an inseparable dance duo. This sisterly bond proved instrumental in shaping Momo's early technical foundation and performance confidence.

Their partnership wasn't merely casual—they were formal members of the same dance team during their childhood. The chemistry between them remained powerful even after a decade apart. During a 2025 reunion on the popular dance competition show "Street Woman Fighter 3," Momo reflected on their connection: "I think it's been about 10 years since my sister and I last danced together... Every time our eyes met during rehearsal, it brought back memories. It's been 10 years, but our chemistry still feels solid".

Hana, who later became a member of Osaka Ojō Gang, has spoken warmly about her sister's supportive nature. "I asked my little sister Momo if she could dance with us, and she immediately said, 'Of course, I'll do it.' It was one of those moments when I felt truly lucky to be Momo's sister". This mutual admiration highlights the deep respect between the siblings that began in those early Kyoto dance studios.

First exposure to K-pop culture

Although born and raised in Japan, Momo's career trajectory pointed toward South Korea from an early age. Her first notable connection to K-pop came in 2008 when she appeared in a music video for South Korean artist Lexy. This opportunity offered a glimpse into the world she would later dominate.

Additionally, Momo participated in the popular South Korean talent show "Superstar K" in 2011, gaining valuable experience in the competitive performance environment. These early exposures planted the seeds for her future in the industry, allowing her to understand both the artistic and professional demands of K-pop.

Throughout these formative years, Momo continued honing her skills at home in Japan while steadily building connections to the South Korean entertainment world that would soon become her professional home.

Influence of Namie Amuro and Rain

Among Momo's earliest artistic inspirations was Japanese pop icon Namie Amuro. The influence was profound, as Momo has stated, "I wanted to be like her someday". Amuro's dynamic performances and trendsetting image provided a blueprint for the young dancer's aspirations.

Meanwhile, K-pop superstar Rain also played a pivotal role in drawing Momo toward Korean pop music. His powerful dance performances, technical precision, and international success demonstrated what was possible beyond Japan's borders. Momo has openly acknowledged this impact, explaining, "I always wanted to thrill people with my dance, and K-pop dance thrilled me".

The girl group 2NE1 also captured her attention, offering a female-centered model of the energy and style that would later influence her own performance approach. These diverse influences—spanning both J-pop and K-pop—helped Momo develop a unique dance identity that would later distinguish her within TWICE.

Through these early years in Kyoto, the foundation was laid for what would become one of K-pop's most celebrated dance careers—rooted in family support, diverse cultural influences, and an unwavering dedication to her craft from the earliest age.

Becoming a K-pop Trainee

Talent rarely goes unnoticed, especially when it's captured on video. For Hirai Momo, a dance performance uploaded to YouTube would become the turning point that changed the trajectory of her life forever.

Spotted by JYP Entertainment

In 2012, JYP Entertainment's talent scouts came across an online video featuring Momo and her older sister Hana performing a dance routine. The video showcased their exceptional dance skills, particularly Momo's natural talent and technical precision. JYP Entertainment, one of South Korea's most prestigious entertainment companies, immediately recognized her potential.

What caught the scouts' attention wasn't just Momo's technical ability but her distinctive performance quality. Even at a young age, her movements displayed both power and precision—qualities that would later become her signature as a performer. The discovery wasn't entirely surprising given Momo's previous appearances in the Korean entertainment industry, including her cameo in Lexy's music video in 2008 and her participation in the talent show "Superstar K" in 2011.

Auditioning with her sister

After spotting the sisters' video, JYP Entertainment invited both Momo and Hana to attend their 2011 JYP Japan Audition. The auditions were held in two Japanese cities—Osaka on November 19, 2011, and Tokyo on November 25, 2011. This opportunity represented a chance for both sisters to pursue their shared dream of becoming professional performers.

The sisters prepared together, drawing on years of joint training and their natural chemistry as dance partners. Nevertheless, the audition process was rigorous, designed to identify not just current talent but future potential in the demanding K-pop industry. The judges evaluated each contestant's dancing, singing, and overall star quality.

When the results were announced, the sisters received life-changing news—though not what they had hoped for. Momo had successfully passed the audition, whereas her sister Hana did not make the cut. This bittersweet outcome marked the first major divergence in their previously parallel artistic journeys.

Despite the disappointment, Hana supported her younger sister's opportunity. She continued pursuing her own dance career in Japan, ultimately becoming a professional dancer. Years later, their reunion performance on "Street Woman Fighter 3" would demonstrate that their bond remained unbroken despite their different paths.

Moving to South Korea at 15

Following her successful audition, Momo made the momentous decision to leave her hometown and family behind. In April 2012, at just 15 years old, she relocated to South Korea to begin her training under JYP Entertainment. This move required extraordinary courage from the teenager, who would now face the challenges of adapting to a new country, language, and culture while undertaking the notoriously demanding K-pop trainee schedule.

Fortunately, Momo wasn't entirely alone in this transition. She moved to South Korea alongside fellow Japanese trainee Sana, who had been discovered by JYP Entertainment while shopping with a friend. Together, they began their training on April 13, 2012, forming a friendship that would carry them through the challenges ahead.

The training period that followed would test Momo's determination and resilience. K-pop trainees typically endure grueling daily schedules combining dance practice, vocal training, language lessons, and physical conditioning. For Momo, whose primary strength was dancing, the vocal training presented particular challenges that she would work tirelessly to overcome.

This period of intense preparation would ultimately lead to her participation in the survival show "Sixteen" in 2015—the competition that would determine the members of JYP's new girl group, TWICE, and set the stage for Momo's rise to international stardom.

The Road to TWICE

In 2015, a survival reality show would forever change Hirai Momo's trajectory in the K-pop industry. Created by JYP Entertainment and co-produced by Mnet, the program "Sixteen" became the crucible through which the members of TWICE would be chosen.

Participation in Sixteen

The premise of "Sixteen" was straightforward yet intense—sixteen female trainees competing for seven spots in JYP's new girl group. The show ran from May 5 to July 7, 2015, spanning ten episodes. Throughout the competition, contestants were evaluated not merely on singing and dancing abilities but additionally on their charisma and personality.

The format divided participants into two groups: Majors and Minors. The Majors represented trainees on track to debut, receiving benefits like comfortable dormitories and daytime practice schedules. Conversely, the Minors lived in basic accommodations with overnight practice hours. This division created constant pressure as participants could move between groups based on their performance in missions.

For Momo, the competition showcased her exceptional dance skills. Fellow contestants recognized her talent, with many voting her as the best dancer among the participants. Moreover, her consistency throughout the early stages of the competition established her as a formidable contender.

Initial elimination and comeback

Despite her dancing prowess, Momo faced a heartbreaking setback in episode six. Following a team performance that judges considered strong, audience votes placed her team last, forcing an elimination. This elimination stunned viewers as it seemed disproportionate to her actual performance quality.

On the day of her elimination, Momo found herself contemplating difficult choices. "I thought, 'What should I do if I return to Japan?,' and I looked for other companies because I wanted to continue dancing," she later revealed. Instead of surrendering to disappointment, however, Momo returned to the practice room the very next day. "For now, I need to do everything that I can do. Even if I can't debut here, let me learn what I can learn and take what I can take," she recalled thinking.

This dedication did not go unnoticed. During the final episode, after the initial seven members had been announced, JYP's founder Park Jin-young shocked everyone by announcing that TWICE would actually be a nine-member group. He then named Tzuyu (who had ranked highly in audience votes) and Momo as the final additions.

Park explained his decision to bring Momo back, citing her exceptional performance abilities and noting that all the JYP trainers had advocated for her inclusion. He later admitted to Momo that he had deeply regretted her elimination.

Debut with 'Like Ooh-Ahh'

On October 20, 2015, TWICE officially debuted with their first extended play, "The Story Begins," and its lead single "Like Ooh-Ahh". The song, written and composed by Black Eyed Pilseung and Sam Lewis, was described as a "color pop" dance track blending elements of hip-hop, rock, and R&B.

The accompanying music video featured the members in a zombie-filled hospital setting, dancing through various locations as one zombie gradually transforms back into a human upon hearing his heartbeat. The choreography, created by Lia Kim of 1Million Dance Studio alongside JYP choreographer Yun Hee-so, highlighted Momo's dancing abilities.

Ironically, the song's initial reception mirrored Momo's own journey of setback followed by triumph. "When we came out with 'Like Ooh-Ahh,' it didn't do so well at first," Momo admitted in a later interview. The song debuted at number 22 on Gaon's Digital Chart but gradually climbed to reach number 10 three months after release—an unusual trajectory for a rookie group.

"Like Ooh-Ahh" eventually became a signature hit, reaching significant milestones. On November 11, 2016, it hit 100 million YouTube views, making TWICE the fourth K-pop girl group to achieve this milestone and the first debut music video to do so. By July 2024, it had surpassed 500 million views, firmly establishing TWICE as a dominant force in K-pop.

Momo’s Role in TWICE

Within TWICE's intricate framework, each member fulfills a specific role that complements the group's dynamic. For Hirai Momo, her position transcends mere title—it represents the culmination of years of dedicated training and natural talent.

Main dancer and sub-vocalist

From TWICE's inception, Momo secured the official position of main dancer alongside sub-vocalist duties. As a main dancer, she bears responsibility for executing the most challenging choreography sections and often serves as the group's dance center during key performances. Her technical precision stems from her extensive background in various dance styles, including hip-hop, contemporary, and urban choreography.

Despite her primary focus on dancing, Momo contributes vocally throughout TWICE's discography. Her distinctive vocal tone adds texture to the group's songs, typically handling shorter verses that showcase her unique timbre. Throughout the years, her vocal confidence has grown substantially, as evidenced by her increased line distribution in later releases.

Momo's unique dance ability lies in her exceptional body control and remarkable strength. Her fellow members frequently praise her ability to execute powerful moves with seemingly effortless precision. This physical prowess allows her to perform gravity-defying stunts and intricate footwork that few idols can match.

Signature performances and choreography

Throughout TWICE's career, certain performances have become synonymous with Momo's extraordinary talents. Her iconic solo dance break in "More & More" demonstrated her flexibility and power, becoming one of the most discussed elements of the 2020 comeback. Furthermore, her flawlessly executed floor work sequence during "Feel Special" promotions highlighted her technical superiority.

Beyond group choreographies, Momo's solo stages reveal the full breadth of her capabilities. Her performance of Taemin's "Goodbye" on Mnet's "Hit The Stage" earned widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and technical excellence. Likewise, her interpretation of Chris Brown's "Drunk Texting" showcased her versatility across different dance genres.

Choreographers who work with TWICE consistently praise Momo's ability to learn complex routines quickly and add her personal flair to prescribed movements. This adaptability allows her to excel regardless of concept or style.

Nickname: 'Dance Machine'

The moniker "Dance Machine" emerged organically through Momo's extraordinary physical capabilities and technical precision. This nickname gained popularity after fellow members repeatedly used it to describe her stamina and dance prowess during variety show appearances.

Underlying this nickname is Momo's legendary work ethic. Practice room stories about her dedication have become part of TWICE lore, with members recounting how she would often remain behind after scheduled rehearsals to perfect movements long after others had left.

Beyond technical ability, Momo's dancing carries emotional resonance that transforms choreography into artistry. Her expressions during performances reveal the joy she experiences through movement, creating an authentic connection with audiences that transcends mere technical execution.

Artistry and Dance Style

Few dancers in K-pop demonstrate the remarkable versatility that characterizes Hirai Momo's approach to movement. Behind her seemingly effortless performances lies a foundation of rigorous training and natural talent that has earned her recognition as one of the industry's premier dancers.

Dance influences and training

Momo's dance journey began at age three, training alongside her sister at Step Out Dance Studio in Kyoto. Her early influences reflect a blend of Japanese and Korean icons. She has openly cited J-pop star Namie Amuro as her role model, stating "I wanted to be like her someday". Simultaneously, K-pop performers shaped her technical approach, with Rain and 2NE1 holding particular significance. Momo has explained this cross-cultural influence by noting, "I always wanted to thrill people with my dance, and K-pop dance thrilled me".

Throughout her formative years, Momo developed expertise across multiple dance styles. Her technical foundation spans:

Street dance and traditional Korean forms
Hip-hop and urban dance
Contemporary, ballet, and jazz

This diverse training created the versatility that became her trademark once she debuted with TWICE.

What makes her style unique

The most distinctive aspects of Momo's dance style include her exceptional fluidity and precision. Her movements flow seamlessly between sharp, powerful sequences and graceful transitions. Consequently, she excels at conveying emotions through body language rather than relying solely on facial expressions.

Momo's technical excellence manifests in several ways. First, her body control allows for flawless execution of challenging choreography. Second, her musicality enables her to express musical beats through movement, though she occasionally rushes through sequences when excited. Third, her flexibility permits elegant execution of difficult moves.

Beyond technical proficiency, Momo brings a palpable joy to performances. Fellow TWICE member Dahyun witnessed this firsthand during their cover of Taemin's "Move," where Momo followed the original choreography precisely yet added her personal flair.

How she prepares for performances

Momo's preparation process reveals both extraordinary talent and disciplined work ethic. Notably, she can learn complex choreography with remarkable speed—in one instance mastering an entire performance piece in just two hours. Her dance teachers have expressed amazement at this ability, with one stating: "You're so amazing. Seriously".

Despite receiving such praise, Momo consistently demonstrates humility about her abilities. When complimented on her performance, she typically deflects attention, saying things like: "It's only because I did it with you. I'm not so confident by myself".

This combination of exceptional talent and humble approach has cemented her reputation as both TWICE's dance pillar and one of K-pop's most respected performers.

MiSaMo and Solo Projects

Beyond her achievements with TWICE, Hirai Momo's artistic journey expanded in 2023 when she joined a groundbreaking project alongside her fellow Japanese members.

Formation of MiSaMo in 2023

In early 2023, JYP Entertainment announced the formation of TWICE's first-ever sub-unit—MiSaMo. The name cleverly combines the first syllables of its members: Mina, Sana, and Momo. This Japanese trio initially collaborated on "Bouquet," released on January 25, 2023, for TV Asahi's television series "Liaison: Kodomo no Kokoro Shinryōjo". The positive reception to this song paved the way for a formal sub-unit debut.

On February 9, 2023, JYP Entertainment officially announced that the trio would debut as MiSaMo with an extended play. Throughout development, all three members contributed significantly to the sound and creative concept, demonstrating their artistic growth beyond TWICE's established framework.

Debut EP 'Masterpiece'

On July 26, 2023, MiSaMo released their debut extended play aptly titled "Masterpiece". The EP contained seven tracks, including the lead single "Do Not Touch" and pre-released single "Marshmallow". "Do Not Touch" was chosen as the title track after what the members described as "days of agonizing over whether or not it was the right choice".

Each member co-wrote lyrics for a track on the EP, with Hirai Momo specifically choosing "Funny Valentine" because she "could imagine a performance stage with the song". The jazz-influenced track "Behind The Curtain" was added later to serve as an opening song for their debut showcase.

To promote the EP, MiSaMo held their debut showcase, "MiSaMo Japan Showcase 'Masterpiece,'" across five days in Osaka and Yokohama. The event attracted an impressive 40,000 fans from more than 600,000 ticket applications.

Solo track 'Money in My Pocket'

In 2024, Hirai Momo further showcased her artistic identity through her solo track "Money in My Pocket." This song appeared on MiSaMo's second album "Haute Couture," released in October 2024. The track featured Momo not only as a vocalist but additionally as a lyricist, marking a significant step in her creative development.

"Money in My Pocket" was produced by arrangers Jon Hallgren and Lukas Hallgren, with Momo herself contributing to both composition and lyrics. The song received particular attention when she performed it live at the 2024 MiSaMo dome concert at Belluna dome.

Each MiSaMo member received a special solo track on this album—Mina had "Misty," while Sana performed "Mirage Sand Illusion". These individual showcases demonstrated how each artist continued to develop her unique voice while maintaining the cohesive group identity that had made TWICE successful.

Brand Endorsements and Media Work

As Momo's popularity soared throughout her career with TWICE, her influence expanded into fashion and media industries through several prestigious partnerships.

Wonjungyo and Onitsuka Tiger

In 2022, Momo's brand ambassador portfolio began growing substantially when she was appointed as the brand muse for Wonjungyo, a cosmetic brand supervised by Won Jung-yo, TWICE's own makeup artist. This partnership highlighted her growing influence in the beauty industry, creating a natural connection between her on-stage look and commercial endorsements.

Subsequently in October 2022, she became the brand ambassador for Japanese sports brand Onitsuka Tiger for the Asia Pacific region. This partnership aligned perfectly with her reputation as TWICE's "dancing machine," as the brand has historically focused on providing athletes with functional, comfortable footwear. Prior to the official announcement, Momo had already been wearing Onitsuka Tiger products, including promoting their Spring Summer 2021 collection in W Korea.

Modeling for Miu Miu and SmartNews

Perhaps her most prestigious fashion appointment came in June 2023 when Miu Miu selected Momo as their Japanese ambassador. Under Miuccia Prada's direction, this partnership recognized her exceptional dancing skills, immense popularity in Japan, and impressive Instagram following.

Her relationship with Miu Miu produced several noteworthy fashion moments. At the Fall-Winter 2024 show during Paris Fashion Week, she made waves wearing a modern, midriff-baring denim ensemble that displayed the brand's logo. The look showcased her trademark "11-line abs" that caught fans' attention.

Earlier in May 2023, Momo had modeled for SmartNews, appearing in promotions for the Japanese news app.

TV appearances and hosting gigs

Beyond brand work, Momo has built a diverse television portfolio. Her earliest appearance came as a contestant on Sixteen in 2015, the survival show that formed TWICE. In 2016, she showcased her dancing prowess on Mnet's Hit the Stage (episodes 1-4), demonstrating her abilities alongside other K-pop dance specialists.

Additionally, Momo appeared on Real Class – Elementary Kid Teachers in 2017 for a Lunar New Year special and co-hosted the Suwon K-pop Super Concert in 2016 alongside Super Junior members Kim Hee-chul and Zhou Mi, and fellow TWICE member Chaeyoung.

Popularity and Cultural Impact

Momo's influence stretches far beyond her performances, cementing her status as a cultural phenomenon whose impact resonates across national boundaries and digital platforms.

Instagram milestone: 10M followers

In 2023, Momo achieved a remarkable breakthrough by becoming the first Japanese person to reach 10 million Instagram followers, accomplishing this feat in just eight months after launching her account. This digital milestone highlighted her cross-cultural appeal and global fanbase. Her social media ascent continued unabated, as by August 24, 2024, she officially reached 15 million followers, firmly establishing herself as the most followed Japanese celebrity worldwide.

Among K-pop idols, this achievement placed her as the 13th female artist to surpass the 15-million-follower milestone. Notably, fellow TWICE member Sana holds the position of second most followed Japanese celebrity with 12.2 million followers, underscoring TWICE's extraordinary popularity in social media spheres.

Rankings in Gallup Korea polls

In 2018, Gallup Korea's prestigious annual music poll ranked Momo as the 20th most popular idol in South Korea. This position was particularly significant as she was the second highest-ranked Japanese individual in the entire poll, surpassed only by her TWICE bandmate Sana. Such recognition in Korean domestic polls demonstrates her acceptance within a market that historically had complex relationships with Japanese artists.

Furthermore, her popularity extended to specific demographic groups. A separate survey of Korean soldiers completing mandatory military service ranked her as the tenth most popular female K-pop idol, reflecting her appeal across diverse segments of Korean society.

Bridging Japan-Korea pop culture

Throughout her career, Momo has emerged as an important cultural ambassador between two nations with historically complicated relations. The Chosun Ilbo, one of South Korea's most influential newspapers, specifically credited her popularity with helping improve relations between South Korea and Japan.

Since her 2015 debut, she has consistently ranked among the most popular non-Korean K-pop stars, helping normalize Japanese presence in the Korean entertainment industry. Her journey from Kyoto to becoming a beloved figure in South Korea exemplifies how cultural exchange through music and performance can transcend political tensions between neighboring countries.

Her impact has been particularly meaningful given the fluctuating diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea, with her positive reception in both countries demonstrating how cultural figures can foster goodwill across national boundaries.