Who Is Zuu from Secret Number? Untold Story & Facts

Zuu secret number joined the popular K-pop girl group in October 2021, making her official debut with the single album 'Fire Saturday'. Initially a student at W Dance Studio, Zuu (주) brought her exceptional choreography talents to SECRET NUMBER, where she quickly established herself as a valuable addition to the group's lineup. Standing at 160 cm (5'3") tall, this South Korean singer born on March 24, 2000, represents the newest generation of K-pop performers.

Furthermore, as the maknae (youngest member) of SECRET NUMBER, Zuu contributes to the diverse dynamics of this Vine Entertainment group that originally debuted in May 2020 with their first single album 'Who Dis?'. Despite joining after the group's initial formation, she has seamlessly integrated into the six-member lineup alongside Soodam, Dinda, Min C, Ebin, and Navi. Additionally, Zuu has expressed her desire to meet more fans and perform live when the COVID situation improves, showing her dedication to connecting with the group's official fandom known as LOCKEY.

Zuu's Basic Profile

Full name and stage name

While most K-pop idols adopt stage names that differ from their birth names, Zuu keeps it straightforward. Her stage name in SECRET NUMBER is simply "Zuu" (주), pronounced similar to "zoo" in English. This single-syllable name makes her instantly recognizable among fans and fits perfectly with the group's international appeal. Her full Korean name hasn't been publicly disclosed by her agency, Vine Entertainment, which is common practice for some K-pop companies that prefer to maintain a level of privacy for their artists.

Regarding her position in the group, Zuu serves primarily as a dancer and vocalist, bringing her exceptional choreography skills to SECRET NUMBER's performances. Her addition to the group in 2021 completed the six-member lineup that fans know today.

Birthday, zodiac, and nationality

Born on March 24, 2000, Zuu is an Aries, a zodiac sign known for its energetic, confident, and passionate traits. These characteristics align well with her dynamic stage presence and performance style. As of 2023, she is 23 years old (international age), making her indeed the youngest member or "maknae" of SECRET NUMBER.

Concerning her nationality, Zuu is South Korean, born and raised in her home country before pursuing her K-pop career. This detail distinguishes her within SECRET NUMBER, which is notably one of the more internationally diverse K-pop groups in the industry. Unlike some of her fellow members who come from different countries, Zuu represents the Korean side of this multinational group.

Her birth in 2000 places her squarely in what fans often refer to as the "2000-liner" generation of K-pop idols—artists born in the year 2000 who have been making their mark on the industry in recent years.

Height, weight, and blood type

In terms of physical attributes, Zuu stands at approximately 160 cm (5'3") tall, a height that places her among the more petite idols in the current K-pop landscape. This compact stature doesn't limit her impact on stage, however, as her precise dance movements and energetic performance style make her presence felt regardless.

As for her weight, consistent with most K-pop agencies' policies, this information has not been officially disclosed. The industry has been moving away from publicly sharing idols' weight measurements to promote healthier body image standards among fans.

Notably, blood type is a detail commonly shared in K-pop profiles as many fans in East Asian countries associate blood types with personality traits, similar to how Western audiences might view zodiac signs. Zuu's blood type has not been officially confirmed in public profiles, though this information might be revealed in future fan meetings or official content.

Her physical appearance is characterized by her expressive eyes and bright smile that have become fan-favorite features, often highlighted in the group's performances and photoshoots. These distinctive traits help her stand out in SECRET NUMBER's lineup despite being one of the newer additions to the group.

Early Life and Education

Hometown and family background

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Zuu's journey to K-pop stardom began in the bustling capital city where she developed her performing arts skills from an early age. Her full birth name is Ji Yeong Ju (지영주), which she later simplified to her stage name when joining SECRET NUMBER. In terms of family composition, she has a younger brother, though she has kept most details about her family life private. Growing up in Seoul, the heart of South Korea's entertainment industry, naturally exposed her to the thriving K-pop scene that would eventually become her career path.

The capital city's rich cultural landscape provided ample opportunities for young talent like Zuu to pursue performing arts education. Seoul has historically been the center of K-pop training and production, making it an ideal environment for aspiring idols to develop their skills. This metropolitan upbringing likely contributed to her smooth adaptation to the rigorous training schedule typical of K-pop trainees.

School of Performing Arts Seoul

Zuu's formal education took a significant step toward her eventual K-pop career when she attended the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA). This institution, originally founded in 1966 as Jeonghui High School and renamed in 2009, has become one of South Korea's premier arts high schools. Located in the Guro District of Seoul, SOPA has produced numerous successful K-pop idols over the years.

Specifically, Zuu was part of the Practical Dance Department at SOPA, where she honed her choreography skills alongside other future K-pop idols. As a member of the Class of 2019, she shared classrooms with notable figures like Yoojung, Hyunjin, and Yongseung - all of whom have made their own marks in the K-pop industry. This educational environment allowed her to build connections and develop her performance abilities in a competitive setting designed specifically for entertainment industry aspirants.

SOPA's curriculum, focusing intensively on practical performance skills alongside academic studies, prepared her for the multifaceted demands of being a K-pop idol. The school's emphasis on stage presence, dance technique, and performance versatility became evident in Zuu's later performances with SECRET NUMBER.

Dance academies and training

Prior to her debut, Zuu dedicated herself to comprehensive dance training at several institutions. She spent three years at Art Ome Academy, establishing a solid foundation in dance technique. Subsequently, she trained at W Dance Studio, where she continued to refine her skills and even released a dance cover of TWICE's "Feel Special" that showcased her growing abilities.

Throughout her training period, Zuu demonstrated commitment to both performance and academic growth. Following her studies at these dance academies, she made the decision to pursue higher education at Dong-Ah Broadcasting College. Currently, she remains enrolled at what is now known as Dong-Ah University of Media and Arts, balancing her idol activities with further education in media-related fields.

Her extensive dance training became evident upon joining SECRET NUMBER, where her choreography skills immediately strengthened the group's performance quality. The years spent in specialized dance academies gave her the technical precision and stage presence needed to seamlessly integrate into the group despite joining after their initial formation. This background explains why, despite being a later addition to SECRET NUMBER, Zuu quickly established herself as a valuable member whose dance abilities complement the group's overall performance style.

Zuu's Journey to SECRET NUMBER

How she joined the group

The path to K-pop stardom took a decisive turn for Zuu in 2021 as she prepared to join the multinational girl group SECRET NUMBER. After completing her extensive training at W Dance Studio and showcasing her talents through dance covers, Zuu caught the attention of Vine Entertainment scouts. Her exceptional choreography skills and stage presence made her a perfect candidate to strengthen the group's performance capabilities.

SECRET NUMBER originally debuted as a five-member group in May 2020, but Vine Entertainment announced plans to expand the lineup in October 2021. This expansion introduced both Zuu and another member, Minji (Min C), simultaneously to complete the six-member formation that fans know today.

Essentially, Zuu's recruitment came during a pivotal restructuring period for SECRET NUMBER. The group had already established its identity with their debut single "Who Dis?" and follow-up track "Got That Boom," creating a foundation upon which Zuu would build her idol career. Her addition reflected Vine Entertainment's strategic vision to enhance the group's dance performance and visual appeal.

Debut date and first album

Zuu made her official debut with SECRET NUMBER on October 27, 2021, through the single album "Fire Saturday." This milestone marked not only her first appearance as a K-pop idol but also introduced a new chapter for the group itself. "Fire Saturday" served as SECRET NUMBER's first comeback in almost a year, generating considerable anticipation among fans.

The title track showcased Zuu's dance abilities immediately, allowing her to demonstrate why she deserved her place in the lineup. The choreography highlighted her technical precision and energy, qualities that had been developed throughout her years of training. Promotional activities for this release included music show performances where fans could witness Zuu's stage presence firsthand.

During this debut period, Zuu embraced her position as the group's maknae (youngest member) while quickly adapting to the demands of idol life. The promotional cycle for "Fire Saturday" included various content creation, interviews, and performances that helped establish her public persona within the group.

Initial fan reactions

Fan response to Zuu's addition was overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding her dance skills. LOCKEY (SECRET NUMBER's fandom) immediately noted her technical precision and stage presence as valuable assets to the group. Social media platforms buzzed with excitement as fans analyzed her parts in the "Fire Saturday" music video and performances.

Moreover, Zuu's personality quickly endeared her to fans. Her energetic presence during group interactions and genuine enthusiasm during fan engagements helped solidify her position within the fandom. Despite joining an established group with pre-existing dynamics and fanbase, she managed to carve out her own identity and connection with supporters.

What particularly resonated with fans was Zuu's seamless integration into SECRET NUMBER's existing concept and image while still bringing her own unique flavor to performances. Her dance background became immediately apparent in stage performances, consequently raising the overall performance quality of the group.

Vine Entertainment's strategic introduction of Zuu helped revitalize interest in SECRET NUMBER during a crucial period in their career development, demonstrating the company's commitment to the group's long-term success in the competitive K-pop industry.

Her Role in SECRET NUMBER

Position in the group

Within the dynamic lineup of SECRET NUMBER, Zuu holds the official positions of Lead Dancer and Lead Vocalist. As a crucial component of the group's performance team, she contributes significantly to their choreography execution and vocal arrangements. In fact, since October 2021, she has embraced her role as the "maknae" (youngest member) of SECRET NUMBER, bringing fresh energy to the established group dynamics.

First of all, Zuu's position as Lead Dancer aligns perfectly with her extensive background in choreography. Throughout her time with SECRET NUMBER, she has demonstrated exceptional dance skills that complement the group's performance-focused concept. Her technical precision and fluid movements make her stand out during stage performances, especially in dance break segments.

Performance style and strengths

Zuu brings a distinctive performance flair to SECRET NUMBER characterized by confident execution and meticulous attention to detail. One remarkable showcase of her abilities was during the group's "Unlock US Tour," where she collaborated with fellow member Dita to choreograph and perform a dance cover of Tinashe's "Nasty". This performance highlighted her fluid body rolls and dynamic hip movements that accentuated the rhythm of the song.

What sets Zuu apart from many performers is her unique relationship with stage nervousness. Interestingly, she doesn't experience nervousness before performances but instead feels it when the music actually starts. This psychological quirk speaks to her natural comfort on stage coupled with her deep respect for delivering quality performances.

In addition, Zuu appreciates the authentic sound quality in concert venues. She has mentioned enjoying the natural acoustics of concert halls so much that she occasionally removes her in-ear monitor briefly during performances, as she did during a show in Daegu. This demonstrates her sensory connection to live performance environments.

Looking toward the future, she has expressed interest in creating point choreography for SECRET NUMBER's songs. Given her established skills in choreography, this aspiration could further elevate the group's performance quality in upcoming releases.

Roommate and dorm life

In terms of living arrangements, Zuu shares a room with fellow member Minji in the SECRET NUMBER dormitory. This pairing creates an interesting dynamic, as both members bring different strengths to the group—Zuu with her dance expertise and Minji with her vocal prowess.

After busy schedules, Zuu enjoys unwinding with gaming sessions, which help her relax and decompress from the demands of idol life. On particularly exhausting days, she turns to more calming activities like knitting and crochet. These leisure pursuits offer a glimpse into her life beyond performances and reveal her balanced approach to managing the intensive K-pop lifestyle.

The dormitory arrangement facilitates close relationships between members, contributing to the group's cohesive stage chemistry. While some members (Léa, Soodam, Jinny, and Dita) have individual rooms, the shared living space between Zuu and Minji likely fosters the collaborative spirit evident in their performances.

Personality and MBTI Insights

MBTI type and what it means

First and foremost, Zuu falls into the ESTP personality category, officially known as "The Entrepreneur" in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator system. According to personality assessments, ESTP individuals are typically "energetic and action-oriented, deftly navigating whatever is in front of them". This personality type perfectly complements her role as a performer in SECRET NUMBER, as ESTPs naturally "love uncovering life's opportunities, whether socializing with others or in more personal pursuits".

As an ESTP, Zuu embodies many classic traits of this personality type - she tends to be pragmatic, observant, and adaptable. ESTPs are known for their ability to think on their feet, a quality that proves valuable in the fast-paced world of K-pop. Furthermore, people with this personality type often "can be seen laughing and entertaining with their blunt humor and love to be the center of attention", characteristics that manifest in Zuu's interactions with fans and fellow SECRET NUMBER members.

How fans describe her personality

Undeniably, SECRET NUMBER fans have grown fond of Zuu's authentic and charming personality since her debut. Her natural charisma comes through in fan interactions, where she displays the confidence typical of her ESTP personality type. Fans frequently note her genuine approach to communication and ability to connect with audiences despite being one of the newer additions to the group.

In essence, what particularly endears Zuu to fans is her combination of professionalism with moments of endearing vulnerability. One such instance occurred during a performance of "DOOMCHITA" on Inkigayo, where she momentarily lost her place in the choreography. Rather than panicking, "She was seen in the wrong placement and baffled herself. But it all worked out as she found her way back in her spot and performed with no other problems". This small mistake and her quick recovery only made fans appreciate her more, as they "coo over Zuu's cute mistake on stage".

Stage presence and confidence

When it comes to stage presence, Zuu embodies the powerful energy that SECRET NUMBER is known for. During the group's "Unlock US Tour," she demonstrated remarkable confidence that captivated audiences. As noted by concert attendees, "The members possessed a confident and powerful energy while they performed and commanded the stage as dark blue lights illuminated them, creating a dark aura".

In her own words during this tour, Zuu expressed excitement about connecting with fans: "Our LOCKEYs! We are finally on the US Tour. Thank you so much for waiting for us and let's have fun!". This statement reflects both her appreciation for supporters and her enthusiasm for live performance opportunities.

Comparatively speaking, Zuu brings a distinct vocal color that stands out even among talented group members. As one observer noted, "Zuu's english pronunciation in 'I know you got that boom' was really good and her vocal tone is so good too". Her distinctive voice adds another dimension to her stage presence, making her performances memorable beyond just her dancing abilities.

Hobbies, Favorites, and Fun Facts

Beyond her professional life as SECRET NUMBER's maknae, Zuu enjoys a variety of personal interests that reveal her colorful personality. These preferences provide fans with glimpses into her life offstage, showing the person behind the performer.

Favorite colors and flavors

Among her aesthetic preferences, Zuu gravitates toward a distinctive color palette. Firstly, she has expressed fondness for pink, red, and black as her favorite colors. This trio of colors often appears in her fashion choices and personal items, reflecting her bold yet feminine style sensibilities.

Regarding taste preferences, Zuu consistently shows enthusiasm for specific flavor profiles. Chiefly, she enjoys anything mango or peach flavored when it comes to beverages and foods. These fruity preferences showcase her sweet tooth and have become well-known facts among dedicated fans of SECRET NUMBER. Whenever the group participates in variety content involving food choices, these flavor preferences occasionally become evident in her selections.

Gaming and bowling hobbies

Away from the spotlight, Zuu unwinds through recreational activities that balance her busy schedule. Playing computer games ranks high among her favorite pastimes. This gaming interest serves as a stress-relieving outlet after intense practice sessions and performances.

Straightaway noticeable in her hobby selection is bowling, which stands as another leisure activity Zuu thoroughly enjoys. This physical yet fun recreation complements her natural athleticism and competitive spirit. Given her background as a dancer, it's unsurprising that she gravitates toward activities requiring coordination and precision.

Love for leopard print and perfumes

In terms of fashion aesthetics, Zuu has developed a distinctive preference for leopard print patterns. This bold choice aligns with her confident personality and stage presence. The print appears throughout various items in her wardrobe, setting her apart with a recognizable personal style.

Furthermore, Zuu considers certain items essential to her daily routine. Above all, perfumes and lip products rank as her must-have items. These beauty staples reflect her attention to sensory details and presentation both on and off stage. Her appreciation for fragrance indicates a mindfulness about creating memorable impressions.

An interesting performance-related fact about Zuu reveals that unlike many performers, she doesn't experience nervousness before going on stage - the butterflies only begin once the music starts playing. This unique characteristic demonstrates her natural comfort in performance settings yet conscientious approach to delivery.

Zuu's Style and Inspirations

Expressing herself through distinctive visual elements and artistic choices, Zuu has carved out her own aesthetic identity within SECRET NUMBER. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her style and creative influences offer fans glimpses into her artistic vision.

Fashion preferences

The fashion sense that characterizes Zuu's personal style combines comfort with trendy elements typical of K-pop's visual culture. Throughout her appearances, she balances casual streetwear with more polished stage outfits, often incorporating her favorite leopard print patterns into her looks. For casual settings, she gravitates toward oversized silhouettes paired with statement accessories that complement her dynamic personality.

On stage, Zuu's wardrobe typically features performance-friendly pieces that showcase her dancing abilities while maintaining the group's cohesive aesthetic. Her makeup style generally emphasizes natural features with occasional bold accents, allowing her expressive performance quality to remain the focal point of her stage presence.

Favorite artists and role models

Like many K-pop idols of her generation, Zuu has likely been influenced by both Korean and international performers who preceded her. Given her extensive dance background, she presumably draws inspiration from choreography-focused artists who balance technical precision with emotional expression. Her performance approach suggests appreciation for artists who prioritize stage presence alongside vocal and dance techniques.

Choreography skills and dance covers

Zuu's dance abilities stand as one of her most remarkable attributes within SECRET NUMBER. Her technical foundation, developed through years of training at prestigious institutions like W Dance Studio and Art Ome Academy, manifests in her precise execution of choreography. The fluidity of her movements particularly shines during dance breaks and point choreographies in the group's performances.

Beyond official performances, dance covers represent a significant aspect of Zuu's artistic expression. Even before joining SECRET NUMBER, she demonstrated her capabilities through a dance cover of TWICE's "Feel Special." This practice of interpreting existing choreographies showcases both her technical skills and artistic interpretation abilities.

Her dance style combines sharp isolations with smooth transitions, creating a distinctive performance quality that enhances SECRET NUMBER's visual impact. As the group continues to release new material, Zuu's choreographic contributions will undoubtedly remain a valuable asset to their performances.

Social Media and Fan Connection

Maintaining a digital connection with fans remains a priority for Zuu as she navigates her K-pop career with SECRET NUMBER. As the technological bridge between idols and admirers grows increasingly important, her online presence offers glimpses into both her professional and personal worlds.

Instagram and Weverse activity

On Instagram, Zuu engages with followers through her official account (@zuusecret_number), where she regularly shares glimpses of her daily life and behind-the-scenes moments. Throughout 2023, she maintained consistent activity with multiple photo updates that showcased both her on-stage and off-stage personas. In early 2023, she delighted fans with a series of updates in February, followed by additional posts in May, June, and July.

Weverse serves as her secondary platform for fan interaction, where she often cross-posts content from Instagram while also creating exclusive updates. Her dual-platform approach maximizes fan engagement, allowing international followers to connect with her regardless of their preferred social media environment. Frequently, Zuu posts collaborative content with fellow members, as evidenced by her August 2023 update featuring Soodam and Léa.

Photoshoots and public appearances

Professional photoshoots constitute a substantial portion of Zuu's social media content. Her August 27, 2023 update across both Instagram and Weverse featured a collection of five professionally shot images that highlighted her visual appeal. These curated photoshoots, often tied to comeback promotions or special events, showcase her evolving style and confident presence.

Her message to fans

In direct communications with followers, Zuu consistently expresses heartfelt appreciation. During an interview about SECRET NUMBER's sixth single album "DOXA," she addressed fans directly: "LOCKEYs, the reason for my life! I hope you enjoy this comeback as much as we do. Thank you, and love you, always!".

Correspondingly, during the group's US tour, she shared an enthusiastic message: "Our LOCKEYs! We are finally on the US Tour. Thank you so much for waiting for us and let's have fun!". These personal addresses demonstrate her recognition of fan support as fundamental to her artistic journey.