Kim Ji-woo (Korean:김지우;pronounced[kimd͡ʑiu], born October 20, 1999), known professionally asChuu (츄), is a South Korean singer and actress. She is a former member of the South Korean girl groupLoona and its sub-unit,yyxy.
On December 14, 2017, Chuu was revealed as the tenth member of theKorean idolgirl groupLoona. As part of the group's pre-debut release strategy, on December 28, she released herself-titled single album with "Heart Attack" as its title track.[6]Chuu reached number 8 on theGaon Album Chart.[7] She was introduced as part of Loona's third sub-unitLoona yyxy. The sub-unit includes membersYves, Gowon andHyeJu,[8] and theirEP,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 dramaDating Class as Han Eun-sol.[13][14] In July to September, she co-hosted the second season of the variety showInsane Quiz Show withMJ ofAstro andIl-hoon ofBtoB. 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 atMBC's2020 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 inKing 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 inRunning Girls, aMnet 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 calledChuu Can Do It where she spreads awareness about the need to protect the Earth through environmentally friendly practices.[3][22] Chuu also hostedHauteur, a web series that was made in collaboration withLotte Department Store to help promote their store amonggeneration Z.[23] In March 2021, Chuu was a regular panelist in theChannel A showSteel Troops where she comments on teams fromKorea's armed forces competing against each other.[24] She appeared as a model for atelevision commercial ofDong-a Otsuka'sPocari Sweat.[25] She also appeared in a television commercial ofSamsung Galaxy Store in May 2021,[26] South Korean chicken brand "Chicken Maru",[27] mobile RTS game "Warpath",[28] andBC Card.[29] She participated in the reality documentary showLaw 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" withB.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 byTwo Two, on September 4.[34] On October 16, Chuu released a remake of the 1999 Park Hye-kyung song "Confession" as thetheme song of the 2022 filmSimilar.[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 ofLotte Shopping's "Songs for You" series.[39]
On February 23, 2023, Chuu released "Let's Love" withKim 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 playHowl 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 playStrawberry 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 dramaMy Girlfriend Is the Man!, based on webtoon of the same name.[46]
On March 28, 2025, ATRP announced that Chuu's third extended playOnly Cry in the Rain would be released on April 21.[47] On December 15, it was announced that Chuu would release her first studio albumXO, My Cyberlove on January 7, 2026, with the lead single of the same name.[48][49]
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]
In February 2021, in the wake of a wave of bullying allegations against various stars in theK-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]
^credited to Loona, but the track is a solo by Chuu
^"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]
^"Howl" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 30 on the component Download chart.[62]
^"Chocolate (English Ver.)" was released on February 14, 2024.
^"Chocolate" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 27 on the component Download chart.[63]
^"Strawberry Rush" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 23 on the component Download chart.[64]
^"Only Cry in the Rain" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 27 on the component Download chart.[65]
^"XO, My Cyberlove" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 12 on the component Download chart.[66]
^abKim, Min-ji (April 7, 2023).츄, 신생 기획사 ATRP와 전속계약 체결 [공식] [Chuu signs an exclusive contract with the new agency ATRP [Official]].News 1 (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. RetrievedApril 7, 2023 – viaNaver.
^Lee, Chang-kyu (February 23, 2021)."도벽도 있었다" 이달의 소녀(LOONA) 츄 학폭 추가 폭로글 등장...김립도 가담? ["She was also a theft." Loona Chuu additional school violence revelation appeared. Kim Lip joined?].Top Star News.Archived from the original on February 23, 2021. RetrievedAugust 4, 2021.
^Kim, Su-hyoung (July 8, 2021).'이달의 소녀' 츄, 진짜 김재원이랑 잇몸까지 똑 닮았네! ('라디오스타') [Loona Chuu's gums looks exactly like Kim Jaewon's! (Radio Star)].Osen.Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. RetrievedAugust 4, 2021.
^Lee, Ha-na (December 23, 2017).이달의 소녀 츄, 러블리걸 출격..타이틀곡은 '하트 어택' [Loona's Chuu, Lovely girl. The title track is "Heart Attack."].Chosun (in Korean).Archived from the original on February 19, 2022. RetrievedJanuary 10, 2021.
^Jeon, Hyo-jin (April 7, 2018).이달의 소녀 세 번째 유닛 'yyxy', 티저 공개 [Loona's third unit, 'yyxy', teaser release.].Sports Donga (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. RetrievedApril 28, 2021.
^Ahn, Jin-yong (May 30, 2018).'빌보드가 주목한' 걸그룹 이달의 소녀, 30일 새 유닛 베일 벗는다 ["Billboard's Attention" girl group Loona, will take off her new unit's veil on the 30th.].Munhwa (in Korean).Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. RetrievedApril 28, 2021.
^Park, Se-yeon (August 20, 2018).이미 뜨거운 이달의 소녀...데뷔 D-1 단독콘서트 '성료' [Loona is already hot... Debut D-1 solo concert, "successful".].MK Star Today (in Korean).Archived from the original on October 13, 2022. RetrievedOctober 13, 2022.
^abJeong, Hee-yeon (May 2, 2019).웹드라마 '필수연애교양' 10일 첫 공개...강의로 연애 배웠어요 [Web drama 'Essential Love Culture' will be released for the first time on the 10th. I learned how to date in class.].Sports Donga (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 29, 2021. RetrievedApril 28, 2021.
^abJang, Woo-young (May 8, 2019).이달의 소녀 츄, 웹드라마 '필수연애교양' 여주인공 발탁..첫 연기 도전 [공식] [Loona Chuu has chosen as the heroine of the web drama "Essential Love Culture. First acting challenge [Official]].Chosun (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. RetrievedApril 28, 2021.
^abPark, Seo-yeon (November 25, 2020).'달리는 사이' 선미-하니-유아-청하-츄, 러닝 크루 확정..12월 9일 첫 방송(공식) ['Running Girls' Sunmi-Hani-Yooa-Chungha-Choo confirmed crew. First broadcast on December 9 (Official)].Herald Pop (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. RetrievedApril 28, 2021.
^abKim, Min-ju (April 13, 2021).'강철부대' 250kg 미션 기구 등장에 김희철X츄X김동현 경악 ["Steel Troops" Kim Hee-chul X Chuu X Kim Dong-hyun is shocked at the appearance of the 250kg mission.].The Seoul Economic Daily (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. RetrievedApril 28, 2021.
^Choi, Hee-jae (March 30, 2021).이달의소녀 츄, 포카리스웨트 모델 발탁...손예진·한지민 계보 잇는다 [공식입장] [Loona Chuu selected as a model for Pocari Sweat...Son Ye-jin and Han Ji-min's genealogy [Official position]].Xports News (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. RetrievedApril 28, 2021.
^abKim, Jun-seok (April 17, 2021).이달의 소녀 츄, '정글의 법칙' 첫 출연...정글 과즙美로 물들인다 [LOONA Chuu made her first appearance in 'Law of the Jungle'... She's dyed with jungle nectar.].Chosun (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. RetrievedApril 28, 2021.
^비아이·츄 듀엣곡 '자장가', 오늘(27일) 음원 발표 [B.I and Chuu's duet song, "Lullaby", released today (27th).].YTN (in Korean).Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. RetrievedJune 27, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Kim, Ye-na (August 12, 2022).이달소 츄, 투투 대표곡 '일과 이분의 일' 재해석...9월 4일 발표 [Lee Dalso Chuu, reinterpreting Tutu's representative song 'One and a half'... Announced on September 4th].Xports News (in Korean).Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. RetrievedAugust 12, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Jang, Woo-young (October 5, 2022).이달의 소녀 츄, 박혜경 대표곡 '고백' 리메이크...16일 공개 [Loona Chuu, Park Hye-kyung's representative song 'Confession' remake... open on the 16th] (in Korean). Osen.Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. RetrievedOctober 5, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Myung, Hee-seok (October 6, 2023).'솔로 데뷔' 츄, 다크한 비주얼로 변신...파격적 가사까지 ['Solo debut' Chu transforms into a dark visual... Even unconventional lyrics] (in Korean).Xports News.Archived from the original on October 10, 2023. RetrievedOctober 7, 2023 – viaNaver.
^Seon, Mi-gyeong (February 13, 2024).츄, 오늘(13일) 츄표 러브송 'Chocolate' 발매..밸런타인데이 선물 [Chuu releases love song 'Chocolate' today (13th)..Valentine's Day gift] (in Korean). Osen.Archived from the original on May 29, 2024. RetrievedMay 29, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Kim, Ji-won (May 22, 2024).츄, 6월 솔로 컴백 확정 "호주서 MV 촬영 중" [Chuu confirms solo comeback in June, "filming MV in Australia"] (in Korean).Ten Asia.Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. RetrievedMay 22, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Seon, Mi-gyeong (May 29, 2024).츄, 6월 25일 컴백 확정..'Strawberry Rush' 발매[공식] [Chuu's comeback confirmed on June 25th..'Strawberry Rush' to be released [Official]] (in Korean). Osen.Archived from the original on May 29, 2024. RetrievedMay 29, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Jang, Woo-young (June 25, 2024).히어로 소녀 츄의 질주, 꿈을 향해 'Strawberry Rush' [퇴근길 신곡] [Hero girl Chuu's run towards her dream, 'Strawberry Rush' [New song on the way home from work]] (in Korean). Osen.Archived from the original on June 25, 2024. RetrievedJune 30, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Kang, Ga-hee (August 2, 2024).'내 여자친구는 상남자' 윤산하X아린X유정후X츄, 대환장 로맨스 기대 UP ['My Girlfriend is a Real Man' Yoon San-ha X Arin X Yoo Jung-hoo X Chuu, Expectations for a Great Romance UP] (in Korean).Herald Pop.Archived from the original on August 3, 2024. RetrievedAugust 4, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Kim, Min-ji (March 28, 2025).츄, 4월 21일 '온리 크라이 인 더 레인' 발매...컴백 티저 공개 [Chuu, 'Only Cry in the Rain' to be released on April 21st... Comeback teaser revealed] (in Korean). News1.Archived from the original on March 28, 2025. RetrievedMarch 28, 2025 – viaNaver.
^An, Tae-hyun (December 24, 2025).츄, 첫 정규 트랙리스트 공개...타이틀곡은 '엑스오, 마이 사이버러브' [Chuu reveals first full-length album tracklist... Title track is 'XO, My Cyberlove'] (in Korean). News1.Archived from the original on December 26, 2025. RetrievedDecember 26, 2025 – viaNaver.
^Jung, Hye-won (December 28, 2022).이달소 제명' 츄, '지켜츄' 수익금 전액 기부 "성원에 힘입어 [Lee Dalso's exile' Chuu donated all proceeds from 'Keep Chuu' "Thanks to your support] (in Korean). SpoTV News.Archived from the original on December 28, 2022. RetrievedDecember 28, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Seo, Bo-hyoung (February 9, 2018).[포토]이달의소녀 츄-김립 '이 구역 귀요미들' [[Photo] LOONA's Chuu and Kim Lip, "Cuties in this District."].Herald Pop (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. RetrievedApril 28, 2021.
^Kim, Myeong-mi (September 15, 2021).MBCX월드비전 캠페인, 츄-김요한-에릭 벨린저 참여 "콘서트까지" [MBC X World Vision Campaign, Chuu-Kim Yo-han-Eric Bellinger participated in "Until Concert".] (in Korean). Newsen.Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. RetrievedOctober 14, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Ji, Min-kyeong (November 24, 2021)."이기광→주헌" '뮤지광컴퍼니', 고퀄리티 단체곡 'Starlight'로 대미 장식 ['Gikwang → Jooheon', "Musi-kwang Company" finished with high-quality group song "Starlight".] (in Korean). Osen.Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. RetrievedOctober 14, 2022 – viaNaver.
"Hello".Billboard. February 21–27, 2021.Archived from the original on March 27, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 23, 2021.
^Lee, Jeong-ho (July 29, 2020).이달의 소녀 츄 '출사표' 통해 데뷔 첫 OST 참여..오늘(29일) 공개 [LOONA's Chuu participated in the first OST of her debut through "Exit Ticket".. Released today (29th).] (in Korean).Star News.Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. RetrievedOctober 14, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Yoon, Seong-yeol (June 12, 2021).이달소 츄 '오케이 광자매' OST 가창..'좋아서 좋아해' 발매 [LOONA's Chuu sang "Okay, Kwang Sisters" OST.. I Like You" is released.] (in Korean).Star News.Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. RetrievedOctober 14, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Kim, Jeong-yeon (October 7, 2022).문페이스, '조조코믹스' 웹툰 OST '브런치' 발매 [Moonface releases 'Brunch', the webtoon OST of 'Jojo Comics'.].시선뉴스 (in Korean). SisunNews.Archived from the original on October 16, 2022. RetrievedOctober 14, 2022.
^abcHowl (EP) (photobook). Chuu. South Korea: ATRP, Genie Music. 2023. Credits.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^CHUU 츄 'Howl' MV (Music video). ATRP. October 18, 2023.Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. RetrievedOctober 18, 2023 – viaYouTube.
^abOnly Cry in the Rain (EP) (photobook). Chuu. South Korea: ATRP, Genie Music. 2025. Credits.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^CHUU 츄 'Canary' MV (Music video). ATRP. January 14, 2026.Archived from the original on January 14, 2026. RetrievedJanuary 14, 2026 – viaYouTube.
^Kim, Na-ra (July 10, 2025)."츄, 연기도 잘했어?"..데뷔작 '내 여자친구는 상남자'서 '핫걸' 대변신 ["Chu, did you act well too?".. Hot girl transformation in debut work 'My Girlfriend is a Manly Man'].Star News (in Korean) – viaNaver.
^Park, Hana (December 24, 2024).츄, '강철부대W' 24인 사로잡은 귀여움...전우회 환호 폭발 [Chuu's cuteness captivates 24 members of "Steel Troop W"... Veterans Association erupts in cheers].Fnmews (in Korean). RetrievedAugust 12, 2025.
^Kim, Hye-young (September 1, 2021).김정은 자매-허웅×허훈 형제-이지훈 남매... '호적 메이트' 초특급 출연진 공개 [Sister Kim Jong-un - Ung Heo × Brother Hoon Heo - Siblings Lee Ji-hoon... 'Family Register Mate' Super Special Cast Revealed].iMBC (in Korean).Archived from the original on September 1, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 1, 2021 – viaNaver.
^Jang, Jin-ri (October 6, 2021).[단독]이달의 소녀 츄, '야생돌' 출연...관찰자로 맹활약 [[Exclusive] Loona Chuu, appearing in 'Wild Idol'... Active as an observer].Spotify News (in Korean).Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. RetrievedOctober 6, 2021 – viaNaver.
^Lee, Jun-hyun (July 11, 2022).박경림X김형석X허경환X이달의 소녀 츄, '미스터리 듀엣' 특급 패널진 합류 [Park Kyung-rim X Kim Hyeong-seok X Heo Kyung-hwan X Loona Chuu, joins the 'Mystery Duet' special panel crew] (in Korean).Ten Asia.Archived from the original on July 11, 2022. RetrievedJuly 11, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Park, Dong-sun (October 4, 2022).청춘 츄어리딩콘' tvN D 스테이지 업, 금일 첫 공개...'20대 치어리더 올스타' 총 집결 [Youth Chew Reading Con' tvN D Stage Up, first released today... '20s Cheerleader All-Stars' Gather] (in Korean). EtNews.Archived from the original on October 13, 2022. RetrievedOctober 13, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Han, Hae-sun (October 20, 2022).하석진X츄 만났다..SF 토크쇼 EBS '공상가들' 출연[공식] [Ha Seok-jin X Chu met.. Appeared in SF talk show EBS 'Dreamers' [Official]] (in Korean). MT Star News.Archived from the original on October 20, 2022. RetrievedOctober 20, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Jang, Woo-young (November 8, 2022).강다니엘·이홍기·츄, '미스터트롯2' 심사위원 출격 [단독] [Kang Daniel, Lee Hongki, Chuu, 'Mr. Trot 2' judges sortie [exclusive]] (in Korean). Osen.Archived from the original on November 8, 2022. RetrievedNovember 8, 2022 – viaDaum.
^Park, Ah-reum (November 17, 2022).이특X츄X이원일, 쿠킹 뮤직토크쇼 '테라스온'으로 뭉친다[공식] [Leeteuk X Chu X Lee Wonil, come together as a cooking music talk show 'Terrace On' [Official]] (in Korean). Newsen.Archived from the original on November 17, 2022. RetrievedNovember 17, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Jang, Ah-reum (November 23, 2022).판타지 연애 게임 '좋아하면 울리는 짝!짝!짝!'...진영·홍석천·이은지·츄 4MC [Fantasy dating game 'If you like it, it will ring! Jinyoung, Hong Seokcheon, Lee Eunji, Chuu 4MC] (in Korean). News1.Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. RetrievedNovember 23, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Jang, Woo-young (September 11, 2023).[단독] '차세대 예능돌' 우기·츄·츠키, 우주 진출 목표...'별의별걸' 10월 공개 (종합) [[Exclusive] 'Next-generation entertainment idols' Yuqi, Chuu, and Tsuki aim to enter space... 'Star Girl' to be released in October (comprehensive)].The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean).Archived from the original on September 11, 2023. RetrievedOctober 7, 2023.
^Jeon, Yoon-hye (November 30, 2020).방탄소년단-강다니엘→김수현-서예지, '2020 APAN AWARDS' 인기상 수상 [BTS-Kang Daniel → Kim Soo-hyun-Seo Ye-ji won the "2020 APAN AWARDS" Popularity Award].Herald Pop (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. RetrievedApril 28, 2021.
^@kcforum (June 21, 2021).2021년을 빛낸. 올해의 <예능돌(여)> 후보를 소개합니다! [Shining in 2021. This year's <Entertainment Idol (Female)> Introducing the candidates!] (Tweet) (in Korean). RetrievedJanuary 2, 2022 – viaTwitter.
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