Tzuyu

Last updated • 4 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Korean pronunciation: [t͈sɯ.ɥi] ), is a Taiwanese singer based in South Korea. She is a member of the South Korean girl group Twice, formed by JYP Entertainment in 2015. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

Tzuyu released her debut extended play (EP), Aboutzu , on September 6, 2024. Its lead single, "Run Away", became her first number-one single on the Billboard Taiwan Songs chart.

Life and career

Early life and pre-debut activities

Tzuyu was born on June 14, 1999, in the East District of Tainan, Taiwan. [2] [4] [5] She started dancing from a young age and trained at a dance academy. [6]

In 2012, Tzuyu was discovered by talent scouts at the Muse Performing Arts Workshop in Tainan, and moved to South Korea in November of that year to begin training. [5] [7] In 2015, Tzuyu participated in the South Korean reality television show Sixteen , created by JYP Entertainment and co-produced by Mnet. [1] [8] As one of nine successful participants, she went on to join the newly formed girl group Twice. [1]

2015–present: Twice and solo debut

Tzuyu in 2015 151208. 2015 KBO goldeun geulreobeu sisangsig. 27.jpg
Tzuyu in 2015

In October 2015, Tzuyu officially debuted as a member of Twice with the release of their first extended play, The Story Begins . [9] Its lead single "Like Ooh-Ahh" was the first K-pop debut song to reach 100 million views on YouTube. [10] Since then, she has worked as a presenter on multiple South Korean music television shows. [6] As a soloist, Tzuyu released covers of "Me!" by Taylor Swift and "Christmas Without You" by Ava Max as part of the Melody Project series. [11] [12]

On August 2, 2024, JYP Entertainment announced that Tzuyu would be making her solo debut with the release of her debut extended play, Aboutzu , on September 6. [13]

Other ventures

Endorsements

Tzuyu has featured alone in various advertisements, including those for LG U+ [14] and Crocs Korea. [15] She covered the October 2021 issue of L'Officiel Malaysia [16] as a model for the Coach Fall/Winter 2021 collection. [17] In January 2022, Tzuyu was chosen as the new muse of South Korean clothing brand Zooc. [18] [19] In October 2022, she was announced as the muse of Visée, one of Japan's most popular cosmetics brands. [20] [21] In October 2023, she was appointed as the global ambassador for the Pond's Skin Institute's Brand Evolution Campaign. [22]

Philanthropy

On February 29, 2020, Tzuyu donated ₩ 50 million ( US$ 42,363.34) to the South Korean Community Chest, for helping prevent the spread of COVID-19. [23]

Public image and influence

Tzuyu in 2018 180717 yeolrineumaghoe teuwaiseu (18).jpg
Tzuyu in 2018

Public image

Tzuyu has received widespread attention for her beauty since her debut with Twice, [1] [6] [24] [25] and was nicknamed "Light of Taiwan" [A] by the Taiwanese media due to her popularity. [27] [28] [29] [30]

Influence

After the flag controversy in 2016, Tzuyu was credited with increasing Taiwanese votes by up to 1-2% in favor of President Tsai Ing-wen. [31] [32] According to Gallup Korea's annual music survey, Tzuyu was the third most popular idol among South Koreans in 2016. [33] She ranked ninth in the 2017 survey [34] and twelfth in 2018. [35] In 2019, Tzuyu was ranked as the second most popular female K-pop idol in a survey of soldiers completing mandatory military service in South Korea. [36] In 2023, Tzuyu surpassed Jay Chou and became the most followed Taiwanese celebrity on Instagram with over 10 million followers. [37]

Personal life

In 2016, she passed an exam at Tainan Municipal Fusing Junior High School to certify her middle school education. She attended high school at Hanlim Multi Art School in South Korea, and graduated in February 2019 along with bandmate Chaeyoung. [38] [39] [40] [41] [42]

In 2024, Tzuyu announced that she had completed a master's degree in applied psychology from Miguel de Cervantes European University in Spain. She explained that she pursued the degree online for over a year, as Twice's group activities had slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic. [43]

Flag controversy

In November 2015, Tzuyu appeared with bandmates Sana, Momo, and Mina on the Korean variety show My Little Television . She introduced herself as Taiwanese and held the flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) alongside that of South Korea. [44] Mainland Chinese internet users reacted angrily towards Tzuyu's actions due to the political rift between the two countries. [45] Soon after, Twice was barred from Chinese television [46] and Tzuyu was pulled out of her endorsement with Chinese communications company Huawei. [47] Meanwhile, her agency, JYP Entertainment, released a video showing Tzuyu reading an apology, which said in part:

There is only one China, the two sides of the strait are one, and I have always felt proud to be Chinese. I feel extremely apologetic to my company and to Internet friends on both sides of the strait for the hurt that I have caused, and I also feel very guilty. [48]

Tzuyu's apology sparked a furor among the Taiwanese public on election day. [49] [48] The incident gained international attention, as it was believed to have affected the 2016 Taiwanese general election. [48] [32] A survey found that Tzuyu's video apology affected the decision of about 1.34 million young voters. [50]

In response to criticism, JYP Entertainment announced that it would be adopting new procedures concerning its exports and overseas activities in order to protect employees from future controversies. This included the implementation of cultural sensitivity training for its artists and staff members. In an interview with The Korea Times , a JYP representative stated that the training would include issues pertaining to political conflicts between countries. [51]

Discography

Extended plays

Tzuyu
20240305 Chou Tzuyu Zhou Zi Yu 04.jpg
Tzuyu in 2024
Background information
Birth nameChou Tzu-yu
Born (1999-06-14) June 14, 1999 (age 25)
Tainan, Taiwan
OriginSouth Korea
Genres
OccupationSinger
Years active2015–present
Labels
Member of Twice
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese 周 子 瑜
Hanyu Pinyin Zhōu Zǐyú
Bopomofo ㄓㄡ ㄗˇ ㄩˊ
Wade–Giles Chou1 Tzŭ3-yü2
Hokkien POJ Chiu Chú-jû
List of extended plays, showing selected details, selected chart positions, and sales figures
TitleDetailsPeak chart positionsSalesCertifications
KOR
[52] 		JPN
[53] 		JPN
Comb
[54] 		US
[55] 		US
World
[56]
Aboutzu 334191

Singles

List of singles, showing year released, selected chart positions, and name of the album
TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
KOR
DL
[61] 		NZ
Hot
[62] 		SGP
Reg.
[63] 		TWN
[64] 		US
World
[65]
"Run Away"202422402916Aboutzu

Guest appearances

List of non-single guest appearances, showing year released, and name of the album
TitleYearAlbum
"Daring Woman" (당돌한 여자)
(with Jihyo, Nayeon and Chaeyoung)		2015 Two Yoo Project – Sugar Man Pt. 11

Songwriting credits

All song credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association's database unless stated otherwise. [66]

List of songs, showing year released, artist name, and name of the album
TitleYearArtistAlbumNotes
"21:29"2019 Twice Feel Special As lyricist
"Celebrate"2022 Celebrate
"Fly"2024Tzuyu Aboutzu

Videography

Music videos

List of music videos, showing year released, and name of the director(s)
TitleYearDirector(s)Ref.
"Run Away"2024Yang Soon-Shik (YSS Studio) [67] [68]

Filmography

Television shows

YearTitleRoleNoteRef.
2015 Sixteen ContestantA survival show designed to select the members of Twice [8]
2016 Inkigayo Special MCwith Nayeon, Minhyuk, and Kihyun [69]
2019 Battle Trip Castwith Chaeyoung and Dahyun, Ep. 141–142 [70]

Bibliography

Photobooks

TitleRelease datePublisherRef.
Yes, I am Tzuyu.April 28, 2020 JYP Entertainment [71] [72]

Notes

  1. ↑ (Chinese :台灣之光) The light of Taiwan is a term commonly used by Taiwanese news media to refer to internationally famous Taiwanese, people of Taiwanese descent, or Taiwanese products. It is also a term used by Taiwanese to be proud of their local culture. [26]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Moon, Kat (September 20, 2019). "Everything to Know About K-Pop Group Twice". Time . Archived from the original on September 21, 2019. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  2. 1 2 "18 fun facts about birthday girl Tzuyu". SBS . June 14, 2017. Archived from the original on June 17, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  3. ↑ Robidoux, Brandy (December 4, 2019). "Who Is Tzuyu? TWICE's Maknae Will Blow Your Mind With Her Talent". Elite Daily . Archived from the original on December 4, 2019. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  4. ↑ 周子瑜家境優渥 父母擁3間醫美診所. Apple Daily (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Archived from the original on July 21, 2019. Retrieved February 12, 2019.
  5. 1 2 Gloria Chan (January 16, 2016). "Who is the 16-year-old girl at the centre of a political storm ahead of Taiwan's presidential poll?". South China Morning Post . Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2019.
  6. 1 2 3 Lau, Jack (April 1, 2020). "Tzuyu of Twice: beautiful, youngest band member wants to be known for more than just her good looks". South China Morning Post . Archived from the original on April 3, 2020. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  7. ↑ [네이버 연예] 아이엠그라운드, 트와이스 소개 하기!. Naver (in Korean). Naver Corp. Archived from the original on January 2, 2020. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  8. 1 2 Won, Ho-jung (April 29, 2015). "'Sixteen' compete for spot in JYP's next girl group". The Korea Herald . Archived from the original on May 1, 2015. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  9. ↑ Kim, Yu-jin (October 20, 2015). "TWICE unveils debut album 'The Story Begins'". The Korea Herald . Archived from the original on December 7, 2019. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  10. ↑ Moon, Kat (October 9, 2019). "K-Pop Powerhouse TWICE Opens Up About How Their New Album Is More Personal Than Ever". Time. Archived from the original on October 9, 2019. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  11. ↑ Suacillo, Angela Patricia (July 6, 2021). "TWICE's Tzuyu says her cover of Taylor Swift's 'ME!' didn't originally feature Bang Chan". NME . Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  12. ↑ Bowenbank, Starr (December 22, 2022). "TWICE's Tzuyu Gets Into the Holiday Spirit With a Christmas Cover of Ava Max: Watch". Billboard . Archived from the original on February 6, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  13. ↑ Hwang, Hye-jin (August 5, 2024). 트와이스 막내 쯔위, 9월 6일 솔로 데뷔앨범 '어바웃 쯔' 발매 [TWICE's youngest member Tzuyu to release solo debut album 'aboutTZU' on September 6th] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024– via Naver.
  14. ↑ "LG 쯔위폰, 광고 중단"...쯔위, 청천백일기 논란 여파. Dispatch. January 15, 2016. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  15. ↑ "And our mystery K-pop Idol is... Global Superstar TZUYU of @TWICE!". Crocs Official (@Crocs). October 7, 2021. Archived from the original on February 2, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022– via TikTok.
  16. ↑ L'Officiel Malaysia (September 28, 2021). "Order Now: L'Officiel Malaysia Oct 2021 feat. TWICE's Tzuyu". L'Officiel Malaysia. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  17. ↑ L'Officiel Malaysia (October 1, 2021). "A sneak peek inside our October 2021 issue featuring TWICE's Tzuyu". L'Officiel Malaysia. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  18. ↑ 주크, 쯔위 2022년 뮤즈 발탁 'New쯔위nation'. 한국면세뉴스 (in Korean). January 27, 2022. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  19. ↑ Jo, Eun-hye. 주크, 트와이스 쯔위 뮤즈로 발탁. www.apparelnews.co.kr (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  20. ↑ "コーセー「ヴィセ」のブランドミューズにTwiceのツウィ＆The Rampage吉野北人が就任". October 6, 2022. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  21. ↑ "Twiceツウィ＆ランペ吉野北人、『ヴィセ』ミューズに就任 "囲み目メイク"で美の競演". Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  22. ↑ "Tzuyu Featured in Pond's Skin Institute's Brand Evolution Campaign". Branding In Asia. November 2023. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  23. ↑ Minji, Lee (February 29, 2020). 트와이스 쯔위, 코로나19 5천만원 기부 동참 "모두 건강하길"(공식) [Twice Tzuyu, Corona 19 donated 50 million won "May everyone be healthy" (official)]. Newsen. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  24. ↑ Jang, Minki (June 14, 2019). "4 things you didn't know about K-pop star Tzuyu of TWICE". South China Morning Post . Archived from the original on June 14, 2019. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  25. ↑ Chen, Christie (December 28, 2015). "Taiwanese teenage star on 100 most beautiful faces list". Focus Taiwan. Archived from the original on December 31, 2015. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  26. ↑ 龔雋幃 (2013). 「台灣之光」：一種布希亞式的示現 "The light of Taiwan": A Baudrillardian Manifestation (Thesis). Archived from the original on February 27, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  27. ↑ Lin, Mengrong (April 18, 2023). 周子瑜紅到日本！超甜外貌勇奪「6排行榜第1」網狂讚：台灣之光 [Tzuyu is popular in Japan! The super-sweet appearance won the "No. 1 in the 6 rankings" net praise: the light of Taiwan]. Entertainment Center. Archived from the original on April 20, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  28. ↑ 三立新聞網 (June 20, 2017). 周子瑜是台灣之光 陳沂：可悲！台灣別再沾光了 | 娛樂星聞 | 三立新聞網 SETN.COM [Tzuyu is the light of Taiwan Chen Yi: Sad! "Taiwan don't get dirty anymore"]. www.setn.com (in Chinese). Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  29. ↑ TVBS (July 23, 2021). 「台灣之光」周子瑜到底美在哪？擠下Lisa奪「最美女偶像」冠軍，整形醫生曝致勝１關鍵|女人我最大 [Where is the beauty of "Taiwan Light" Tzuyu? Squeeze out Lisa to win the "Most Beautiful Idol" championship, and the plastic surgeon reveals the key to winning]. TVBS News . Archived from the original on November 2, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  30. ↑ NOWnews今日新聞 (April 2, 2023). 他們是台灣之光！「這5位」都去韓國發展 躍身國際巨星 | 娛樂 [They are the light of Taiwan! "These 5 people" all went to Korea to develop and become international superstars]. NOWnews今日新聞 (in Chinese). Archived from the original on April 3, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  31. ↑ Yoon, Chang-soo (June 1, 2023). [데스크 시각] 쯔위의 손짓이 바꾼 '하나의 중국'/윤창수 국제부장 [[Desk View] 'One China' changed by Tzuyu's hand gestures/Director of International Affairs Changsoo Yoon]. Seoul Shinmun (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 27, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2023. An article in a Korean newspaper analyzed that a small gesture by Tzuyu, then 16 years old, increased President Tsai's vote by 1-2 %.
  32. 1 2 "Taiwan election: How a penitent pop star may have helped Tsai win". BBC. January 18, 2016. Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  33. ↑ 한국갤럽 Gallup Report 2016/12/20n (PDF). Gallup Korea (in Korean). Gallup Korea Co. Ltd. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 3, 2017. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  34. ↑ Peterson, Jacques (December 20, 2017). "IU dominated Gallup Korea's yearly music poll". SBS . Archived from the original on January 21, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  35. ↑ 2018년 올해를 빛낸 가수와 가요 – 최근 12년간 추이 포함. Gallup Korea (in Korean). November 30, 2018. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  36. ↑ "Sana de Twice es elegida la cantante más popular por los soldados de Corea del Sur". La República (in Spanish). November 10, 2019. Archived from the original on November 9, 2019. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
  37. ↑ 台灣第一人！子瑜IG追蹤破千萬 TWICE團員僅輸她. Yahoo News. March 7, 2023. Archived from the original on March 8, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  38. ↑ Ko, Dong-hwan (February 14, 2019). "K-pop girlband TWICE members Tzuyu and Chaeyoung celebrate high school graduation". South China Morning Post . Archived from the original on February 17, 2019. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  39. ↑ 周子瑜返台考試 陸網友也關心. China Times (in Chinese (Taiwan)). China Times Inc. March 21, 2016. Archived from the original on October 21, 2017. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  40. ↑ "Girl group TWICE's Tzuyu passes exam to qualify middle school education". Yonhap News Agency . Yonhap News Agency. Archived from the original on September 24, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  41. ↑ Yi, Sohui (April 13, 2016). JYP 측 "쯔위 한림예고 합격, 등교 시기 논의 중". News Way (in Korean). News Way Corp. Archived from the original on April 19, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  42. ↑ 트와이스 쯔위 채영, 졸업 꽃다발 안고 환한 미소 "활동 더 집중할 것". Naver (in Korean). Seoul Newspaper. Archived from the original on February 13, 2019. Retrieved February 12, 2019.
  43. ↑ Sukri, Hazeeq (December 16, 2024). "Twice's Tzuyu confirms she has a master's degree in applied psychology". Channel News Asia .
  44. ↑ Politi, Daniel (January 16, 2016). "Did a 16-Year-Old Pop Star Help Pro-Independence Party Win Taiwan's Election?". Slate. Archived from the original on February 7, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  45. ↑ "Taiwan's presidential candidates unite after apology by K-pop singer Chou Tzu-yu over flag scandal – Shanghaiist". Shanghaiist. January 16, 2016. Archived from the original on June 11, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  46. ↑ Jung, Chul-hwan (February 23, 2018). "3 Japanese Girls at the Top of K-Pop: The 1st of Their Kind". The Chosun Ilbo (English Edition). Archived from the original on December 28, 2019. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  47. ↑ "Taiwanese K-pop singer Chou Tzu-yu mired in flag row". The Straits Times. January 15, 2016. Archived from the original on February 7, 2016. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
  48. 1 2 3 Buckley, Chris; Ramy, Austin (January 17, 2016). "Singer's Apology for Waving Taiwan Flag Stirs Backlash of Its Own". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 17, 2019. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  49. ↑ Li Xueying (January 16, 2016). "Video of K-pop singer Chou Tzu-yu apologising for waving flag angers Taiwanese on polling day". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
  50. ↑ Minnie Chan (January 17, 2016). "Teen pop star Chou Tzu-yu's apology for waving Taiwan flag swayed young voters for DPP". South China Morning Post . Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  51. ↑ Kim, Jae-heun (January 18, 2016). "JYP Entertainment to overhaul hallyu strategy". The Korea Times . The Korea Times. Archived from the original on January 21, 2016. Retrieved January 28, 2016.
  52. ↑ Peak chart positions on the Circle Album Chart:
  53. ↑ "Aboutzu (2024)" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  54. ↑ "TZUYU on Oricon Combined Albums Chart" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on September 19, 2024. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
  55. ↑ @billboardcharts (September 16, 2024). "Debuts on this week's #Billboard200..." (Tweet). Retrieved September 17, 2024– via Twitter.
  56. ↑ "World Albums: Week of September 21, 2024". Billboard . Archived from the original on September 17, 2024. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  57. ↑ Cumulative sales of Aboutzu:
  58. ↑ Cumulative sales of Aboutzu:
  59. ↑ Caulfied, Keith (September 19, 2024). "David Gilmour Scores First No. 1 on Billboard's Top Album Sales Chart With 'Luck and Strange'". Billboard . Archived from the original on September 19, 2024. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  60. ↑ "South Korean album certifications" (in Korean). Korea Music Content Association (KMCA). Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  61. ↑ Peak chart positions for singles on the Circle Download Chart:
  62. ↑ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. September 16, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  63. ↑ "RIAS Top Charts Week 37 (6 - Sep 12, 2024)". RIAS. RIAS. Archived from the original on September 17, 2024. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  64. ↑ "Taiwan Songs: Week of September 21, 2024". Billboard . Archived from the original on September 17, 2024. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  65. ↑ "World Digital Song Sales: Week of September 21, 2024". Billboard . Archived from the original on September 17, 2024. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  66. ↑ "Songs Registered Under CHOU TZU-YU (10029082)". Korea Music Copyright Association (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 26, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  67. ↑ TZUYU "Run Away" M/V (Music video). JYP Entertainment. September 6, 2024. Archived from the original on September 6, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024– via YouTube.
  68. ↑ Tzuyu (2024). Aboutzu (booklet). JYP Entertainment.
  69. ↑ Yeo, Chang-yong (June 5, 2016). SBS '인기가요', 트와이스·몬스타엑스 스페셜 MC 발탁. Segye Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 5, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023– via Naver.
  70. ↑ "Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu's healing tour to Ganghwado Island Part.1[Battle Trip/2019.05.26]". KBS WORLD TV. May 26, 2019. Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
  71. ↑ 完全是仙女級美貌！TWICE周子瑜推出個人寫真書《Yes, I am Tzuyu.》，滿滿男友視角照片讓人戀愛. May 7, 2020. Archived from the original on November 28, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  72. ↑ "Yes, I am Tzuyu: 1ST PHOTOBOOK (Blue ver.)". Tower Records Online. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.