Who is Momo (Hirai Momo)?
Momo (Hirai Momo) was born on November 9, 1996, in Kyoto, Japan, and is currently one of the lead dancers of the K-pop group TWICE, enjoying international fame. Momo plays a vital role in TWICE's dynamic structure, particularly known for her extraordinary dance skills, stage charisma, and unique sense of rhythm. Her name, which means “peach” in Japanese, creates an interesting contrast with her sweet yet powerful stage persona.
Hirai Momo began dancing at the age of three and participated in various dance competitions alongside her older sister during her childhood. Being discovered by JYP Entertainment on YouTube marked a turning point in her career. In 2012, she moved to South Korea and began her trainee program at JYP. In 2015, she was unexpectedly selected for TWICE after competing on the SIXTEEN program, which caused a huge stir among fans. Momo's dance and performance skills were the most influential factors in her selection for the group.
The Member Who Practices the Most
Momo is known as the member of TWICE who practices the most and leaves the dance studio the latest. Group members have repeatedly said that she practices dance rehearsals until dawn; in fact, she often memorizes dance choreographies before the entire team has learned them.
Her Dance Style Is Not Mechanical, But Based on Muscle Memory
The most striking feature of Momo's dance style is that she moves based on muscle memory. Rather than memorizing steps one by one, she is known for internalizing the rhythm with her body. This makes her an impressive dancer not only technically but also emotionally.
Someone Who Can Be Funny Without Speaking
Although Momo speaks Korean more slowly than other TWICE members, she has become a comedic figure who energizes the show with her facial expressions and timing. Her facial expressions and reflexes without speaking, especially on shows like “Knowing Bros,” have won the admiration of viewers.
Performances That Make You Forget the Camera
Momo's dances on stage have caught the attention of not only fans but also professional dance instructors. Dance experts who have commented on her performances often describe her as “one of the rare idols who dances as if there were no cameras.”
Eyelid Aesthetics Debates
Momo's appearance in the years before she had double eyelids and the changes that followed became a frequent topic of discussion on Korean forums. However, these changes never overshadowed her stage presence; on the contrary, people commented that she “stands out for her talent, not her beauty.”
She Can Learn 3 Choreographies at the Same Time
TWICE's busy performance schedule sometimes requires them to learn choreography for different songs at the same time. Momo is able to memorize three different choreographies simultaneously, making her a coordinator of sorts for the group's dance routines.
A Reference Name for JYP's Team in Japan
JYP Entertainment highlights Momo's discipline as an example when recruiting trainees from Japan. In some internal documentaries, it is mentioned that new Japanese trainees are motivated by the phrase “work like Momo.”
Viral Power Born from “Eating Show” Videos
Videos of Momo eating, filmed by fans, have garnered millions of views, particularly on Japanese and Korean social media. When TWICE takes a break during performances, Momo quietly but enthusiastically eats, creating a “mukbang” effect among viewers. Her nickname “Foodie Momo” even originated from this fan content.
The Member Frequently Chosen for Camera Focus in Music Programs
During TWICE performances, the camera often focuses on Momo's face when she enters the stage. This is not just because of her dancing; she remains natural in front of the camera and has a high level of facial expression and body language coordination. This difference became even more pronounced during the “Fancy” and “Feel Special” periods.
The First TWICE Member to Design Her Own Choreography
Beyond official stage performances, Momo’s self-choreographed dances in special concert segments have received widespread acclaim. The solo dance transitions she created for “More & More” and “I Can’t Stop Me” were dubbed by fans as “one of the most original stage moments in TWICE history.”
Favorite Dance Style: Street Jazz
In an official statement, Momo revealed that her favorite dance style is “street jazz” and that she feels most comfortable in this style. Unlike modern pop choreography, she said that street jazz allows her to move freely and that reflecting this on stage makes her feel liberated.
Her Transition from Long Hair to Short Hair Became a Phenomenon
Momo's transition to a short hair style went viral on both Korean and Japanese forums. Even TWICE members admitted that this change completely transformed her image. The term “Short Hair Momo” became a trend among international fan communities.
Secret Messages She Wrote to Her Fans
It was noticed that Momo left secret messages for her fans in her social media posts using emoji and letter combinations. Some ONCE’s (TWICE fans) even created special Discord groups to decipher these combinations.
Loved for Her Genuine Reactions on Entertainment Shows
Momo's success on variety shows is based more on her genuine reactions than on memorized lines. Especially in behind-the-scenes productions like “TWICE TV,” her instinctive reactions feel natural and organic, not staged.
The Member Who Speaks the Least but Makes the Biggest Impact
In TWICE interviews, Momo is usually one of the least talkative members. However, the few sentences she utters leave a lasting impression on listeners because she mostly uses short but clear expressions. This trait has earned her the nickname “silent charisma” from Japanese fans.
The Story Behind the Nickname “Moguri”
Fans call Momo both “Momo” and “Moguri.” ‘Moguri’ is derived from the Japanese word “mogura,” which means mole, combined with “Momo.” This nickname symbolizes her quiet yet powerful personality, which is sometimes hidden like a mole underground.
Rejected Twice During Her Trainee Period
Before being accepted by JYP Entertainment, Momo was rejected twice by other companies. She was particularly rejected after her audition at SM Entertainment. However, after watching her dance video, JYP directly called her family in Japan, convinced them, and invited her to Korea.
Rejected in the Final Round in 2015, Then Reinstated at the Last Minute
When she was eliminated in the final of the SIXTEEN competition, both the audience and the judges were left in shock. However, JYP’s CEO Park Jin-young decided to break the competition rules and add her to the group. His reasoning was clear: “We need someone who can carry the group in terms of dance.” With this decision, Momo became the official ninth member of TWICE.
She Has an extraordinary sensitivity towards animals
Momo's love for animals is not limited to her interest in cats and dogs. A moment when she carried an injured pigeon she found on the street to the vet was photographed by a fan and went viral on social media.
The member she is closest to is Sana
Among the TWICE members, Sana is the person she feels most comfortable with because she can speak Japanese. They are often seen finishing each other's sentences and traveling together. Fans have given this duo the nickname “MisaMomo.”
Her Fashion Style Isn't as Disciplined as Her Dancing
As controlled and precise as Momo is on stage, she is just as relaxed and spontaneous in her everyday fashion choices. She has explained that she likes to wear baggy sweatshirts and comfortable pants in street fashion, saying, “I like that I don't look like myself on stage.”
Unrecognizable with Glasses
The thick-framed glasses Momo wears in her daily life make her unrecognizable. Some fans commented that when they saw her at the airport wearing glasses, they thought she was another JYP trainee.
One of the Few Members Who Cooks Her Own Meals
Despite her busy schedule, Momo prefers to cook Japanese food at home. While living in the TWICE dorm, she often prepared udon, curry, and onigiri to share with the other members.
Dances Without Deviating from Choreography During Concert Rehearsals
While some TWICE members have fun with playful or relaxed dance moves during concert rehearsals, Momo is known for dancing with the same seriousness as she does on stage, even during rehearsals. This trait is one of the main reasons she is considered the “dance captain” of the group.
Adjusts Foot Position According to Different Dance Shoes
Momo's choice of dance shoes is not ordinary. It has been observed that she positions her feet according to the height and flexibility of the soles of different shoes for each song. This is an extraordinary detail for someone who pays attention to foot health and dances at a professional level.
Being Alone Is Good for Her
As someone who lives in a large group, Momo has a strong need for alone time. Especially during periods of intense choreography, turning off the studio lights and dancing alone is one of her ways of finding her mental center.
She Never Loses Her Professionalism in Stage Accidents
Momo has continued dancing without stopping even when her shoes came off or she lost her balance during several stage performances. In particular, when she broke her heel during a live broadcast in 2019, she finished the song without even changing her facial expression, which was shared on social media as an example of “idol discipline.”
She Memorizes Choreography from a Mirror, Not Videos
While most TWICE members practice by watching dance videos, Momo prefers to learn choreography by directly transferring it to her body in front of a mirror. This method allows her to better control her body mechanics and approach dance with an internal memory.
Has a 10-Second Warm-Up Routine
Momo has an interesting habit: right before going on stage, she performs a 10-second micro-stretching and breathing control routine that she developed herself. In this short time, she puts herself in “stage mode” and prepares her body for dancing.
She Dominates the Stage with Eye Contact
Fans describe Momo's eye contact on stage as “hypnotic.” Especially during live performances, she dances while looking directly at the camera or the audience, making it feel as if she is communicating one-on-one with the audience.
Featured in Japanese Media as a K-pop Ambassador
Momo is often featured on Japanese television as an example of a “successful Japanese K-pop idol.” TWICE's popularity in Japan is largely fueled by the local media attention given to Momo, Sana, and Mina. Japanese magazines hold up her work ethic and global presence as an example for young talents.
Body Type Determines Dance Style
Momo's physique, particularly her high hip and knee flexibility, allows her to stand out in TWICE's fast-paced choreography. The “low-center” style of dancing, which emphasizes power from the ground, suits her very well.
Favorite Choreography: “Cry for Me”
Momo has revealed that her favorite choreography from TWICE songs is “Cry for Me.” The reason for this choice is that the choreography is both technically challenging and emotionally intense. Momo has mentioned that she felt “emotional expression is just as important as dance” in this choreography.
She Stops Talking When She Cries
TWICE fans have noticed that Momo cries silently during emotional moments. Expressing her feelings through silence and body language rather than words is a striking detail that highlights her character.
Face Mask Ritual Backstage
Momo says she never goes on stage without putting on a face mask before and after concerts. This is not just a skincare routine but also a mental transition process for her. While applying the mask, she listens to music and never talks to anyone.
The Member Who Smiles the Most Behind the Camera
TWICE TV, concert documentaries, and fan videos clearly show that Momo is one of the members who smiles the most behind the scenes and motivates the other members. Her energy has become an element that keeps the group's morale high even during difficult times.
Dance Training Began in Street Studios
Before starting professional training, Momo practiced street dance and hip-hop at local dance studios in Japan. While participating in competitions at these studios, she received the most feedback about her “stage energy.” Her background in direct stage practice, rather than traditional ballet or jazz training, sets her apart from other K-pop dancers.
The Most Imitated TWICE Member on TikTok
Momo's dance clips on TikTok, especially the choreography for “What is Love?” and “Feel Special,” went viral. Not only fans but also other K-pop idol trainees are posting practice videos referencing Momo's dance styles. This has made her an idol figure for the digital generation.
She Uses Light-Resistant Lenses Against Stage Lights
Momo's choice of stage glasses or lenses is not ordinary. Due to dry eyes and the intensity of stage lights, she uses special lenses that reduce glare. This not only protects her eye health but also helps her focus on stage.
Silent Resistance Against Vocal Criticism
Momo's vocal abilities, which are considered weaker than her dancing, have been the subject of criticism for years. However, she chose to remain silent on the matter and develop quietly over time. The clarity of her vocals in live performances after 2023 proved how seriously she took this process.
Edits Her Own Dance Videos
In some TWICE dance practice videos, Momo is seen getting involved in post-production after choreography. She is known to give notes on camera angles and even participate directly in the editing of some videos.
TWICE's Member with the Lowest Voice
Momo's speaking voice stands out as the lowest and most calm voice in the group. This characteristic is used to create an impressive atmosphere in interviews and dramatic sections such as song intros. It is particularly noticeable in songs such as “TT” and “Breakthrough.”
Learned Korean While Making Onigiri
During her Korean language learning process, Momo practiced the language every day while making onigiri in the TWICE dormitory kitchen. Writing down ingredient lists in Korean and memorizing them was a method she developed to improve both her cooking skills and her language proficiency.
Favorite Activity Outside of the Stage: Drawing
Most fans don't know this, but Momo is known to enjoy digital drawing in her free time. She especially likes to draw small cartoons with animal themes and sometimes adds them to her autograph cards at fan club events.
One of the Rare Idols Who Avoids Eye Contact in Interviews
Although Momo is very successful at making eye contact in front of the camera, she is reluctant to maintain prolonged eye contact with the person she is interviewing. This is a natural behavior that shows her shy nature and is seen by many fans as a reflection of her true character.
The Member Who Remembers the Most Nicknames at Fan Events
At fan meetings, there have been numerous instances where Momo recognized specific fans by their nicknames and addressed them by the same name even years later. This trait highlights the value she places on people and her strong face-memory connection.
Positioned Through Dance in Fashion Campaigns
Momo entered the fashion world not with a classic beauty or “it-girl” image, but with a movement-based concept. She was positioned as “the body representing the power of dance” in campaigns for sports brands. In a 2022 shoe advertisement, her slow-motion dance scene became the most-watched clip in the entire campaign.
Measuring Fan Reactions to Style Changes
While Momo's hair and makeup choices are often her own initiative, she is known to analyze social media reactions. It has been confirmed by TWICE's styling team that she considers fan feedback before making decisions about hair color changes.
Planning Ahead to Prevent Accidents in Choreography
When there are risky turns or low positions in group choreography, Momo performs a “collision simulation” before going on stage. Thanks to this preparation, almost all of the accidents that have occurred during TWICE performances have affected members other than her.
She prefers dynamic poses in photo shoots
While TWICE members generally work in fixed poses, Momo prefers poses that involve moving her body during photo shoots. With this preference, she manages to convey the flow of dance even in photographs. Some magazine shoots appear as if there is movement within a still frame, which is a result of this technique.
One of the Rare Idols Who Dances with Body Memory
What stands out about Hirai Momo's dance practice is that she directly incorporates rhythm into her body memory. Her ability to continue at the same tempo even when the music stops shows that she works not only with music but also with her body's sense of time. This trait is a key factor in keeping the group in sync, especially during synchronized choreography.
She Keeps Small Gifts from Fan Events
The small toys, bracelets, and letters she receives from fans are kept in a special box in Momo's personal room. In a brief scene on TWICE TV, it was revealed that even fan drawings from years ago are still preserved in this box.
Confidence on Stage, Vulnerability Behind the Camera
There is a clear difference between Momo's idol persona and her real personality. While she moves with endless confidence on stage, behind the camera in documentaries, she often approaches herself with doubt, saying “I wasn't good enough” after rehearsals. This duality makes her seem even more human to her fans.
The Member Who Best Coordinates TWICE's Body Language
Momo plays a critical role in the group's stage positioning, not only in terms of dance but also posture alignment. She is known for ensuring aesthetic harmony on stage by adjusting the shoulder alignment of other members according to the camera angle.
The Obsession of Listening to the Same Song Three Times Before Going on Stage
Before performances, Momo listens to the same song three times in a row backstage before going on stage. This ritual helps her mentally focus on the song. The group members describe this habit as “loading commands into her body.”
She Doesn't Like Long Nails, Preferring Short and Functional Ones
Momo prefers short, simple manicures to long nails. This is not just a personal preference, but a conscious decision to keep her hands free while dancing. Some dance moves that require wrist flexibility are easier to perform with this simple approach.
“Solo Dances” Are a Form of Psychological Release for Her
Hirai Momo always imbues her solo dances, which she performs independently of group performances, with a different meaning. She defines these performances not as mere technical displays, but as an expression of the emotions she has accumulated inside. The solo sections she performs at TWICE concerts, in particular, have become one of the rare windows into her inner world.
She Tells Stories Using Her Hands in Fan Signings
During fan signing events, Momo not only speaks but also uses her hands to tell a story. Japanese fans, in particular, note that she uses her hands like an anime character when describing an object, thereby visualizing the story.
Prioritizing Comfort in Stage Outfits
Despite the bold stage costumes prepared by her fashion team, Momo takes care to choose the pieces that make her feel most comfortable on stage. She prioritizes mobility over glamour, and is known to wear specially modified outfits for certain choreographies.
Her Dream Stage: Dance and Silence
In an interview, Momo was asked to describe her dream stage performance. Her answer was quite surprising: a dance where the music suddenly stops and only the sound of the body continues. This idea shows that she associates dance not only with music but also with silence.
The Member Most Easily Emotionalized During Group Jokes
During camera pranks or fun games among TWICE members, Momo is usually the one who gets upset or close to tears the easiest. Her fragility reminds viewers of the “strong on the outside, sensitive on the inside” idol theme.
The Person Who Started JYP's New Dance Training System
JYP Entertainment launched a new dance system called “dynamic level assessment” based on Momo's success story in trainee education. This system measures physical reaction speed instead of memorizing fixed choreography. Momo was the first person to test this system.
Her Dance Is Described as “Punchy”
The term “sharpness” is frequently used in K-pop dance, but Momo's movements are not just sharp; they have a ‘percussive’ effect. Especially in shoulder transitions and hand-to-shoulder connections, each movement feels like a musical note. For this reason, some dancers describe her style as “dancing like percussion.”
TWICE’s Visual Softening Point
For a nine-member group like TWICE to appear balanced on stage, “visual softening points” are necessary. Momo takes on this role in the stage flow. Especially during transitions, she uses short, clear movements that give the eyes a rest, thereby stabilizing both the rhythm and the stage layout.
The TWICE Member Who Can Attract Even Non-Dancers
Among K-pop fans, there is a fan base that says, “I don't watch dance, but I watch Momo.” This stems from the dramatic structure of her dance. The movements are not just technical; they contain a narrative. This draws the audience in without requiring any prior knowledge of dance.
Focused on Light and Rhythm, Not the Subject in Instagram Posts
One of Momo's most striking features on social media is that she rarely shares selfies; instead, she focuses on light, shadow play, or moments of movement. Abstract frames like dance traces in empty studios or reflections of her shoes take center stage.
A Recognized Name in the Global Dance Community
TWICE’s Momo has become a respected name not only within the K-pop scene but also in international dance communities. She is particularly celebrated in YouTube freestyle dance analysis videos for embodying the trio of “control, consistency, and clarity.” Professional choreographers use her stage presence as an example in technical dance classes.
Reaching New Audiences Through YouTube Fan Edits
Fan edit videos compiled from Momo's stage performances are one of the most popular types of content among dance viewers. These clips feature slow-motion turns, close-up facial expressions, and choreography replays, showcasing her attention to detail to a wider audience. Some videos have even been shared with comments saying that she has “made me love watching dance.”
Walking a Fine Line Between Discipline and Freedom
Momo is able to dance with both military discipline and a free spirit. While adhering to millimeter-precise synchronization in her choreography, she is able to present the same choreography on stage a few months later in a completely different way. This duality shows that she approaches dance as more than just a profession, but as a living language.
Her Dance Career Added a New Layer to K-Pop's Image
K-pop is often defined by the concept of “being an idol”; visual perfection, versatility, unattainability... However, Momo's presence in TWICE has added a new dimension to this perception: “being an idol with a dancer's identity.” With her, a new profile of expertise has emerged, going beyond the cliché of “the member who dances well.”
Momo's Presence on Stage Comes Before the Music
In many TWICE performances, the moment Momo enters the stage does not coincide with the start of the song; her walk, her positioning, even her first step change the atmosphere of the stage. The audience waits not for the music to start, but for Momo to begin dancing. This proves that physical presence on stage can be as effective as sound.
No Dance Leaves a Mark, Only Momo Does
Momo is once again one of the most talked about members of TWICE on social media after performances. The reason is not only her impressive moves, but also the genuine connection she establishes with the stage. Many fans say this about her dancing: “When Momo walks on stage, the floor belongs to her.”
The Spirit and Rhythm of TWICE
Hirai Momo is not only TWICE’s lead dancer but also the one who sets the group’s rhythm and spirit. When she’s on stage, the group appears more synchronized, energetic, and focused. When she’s not there, it’s not just one person missing—it’s a sense of wholeness and balance. Momo’s presence within TWICE is not just about talent; it’s about consistency and loyalty.