How CHUU Found Her Distinct Voice and Style
Photo: ATRP
If you’ve been following K-Pop over the past few years, chances are you’ve come across CHUU. Whether through her viral smiles, funny memes, her time in LOONA, or her solo releases that feel like warm hugs in song form. She’s got that rare mix of charm, talent, and resilience that keeps fans rooting for her no matter what. From her early days singing Beyoncé at auditions to launching her successful solo career, CHUU’s journey has been anything but boring.
Before the Solo SpotlighT
Kim Jiwoo, who most people know as CHUU, was born on October 20, 1999, in Cheongju, South Korea. She’s the oldest of three kids and has been into music from a young age. One of her first big moments came when she auditioned for Blockberry Creative singing Beyoncé’s “Halo.” Her stage name “CHUU” comes from a quick way of saying her name, but also sounds like the noise of a kiss, which just fits her vibe perfectly.
CHUU became the tenth member of LOONA in late 2017, and fans were instantly drawn to her. She made her solo debut within the group with the single “Heart Attack,” and it was a hit thanks to its bright sound and her emotional vocals. A few months later, she joined the LOONA sub-unit yyxy and was part of their EP Beauty & the Beat, which did really well on the charts. By August 2018, she was officially promoting with all 12 members of LOONA, and together they put out songs that gained a lot of attention both in Korea and internationally.
But by 2022, things got rocky. After a public contract issue, CHUU was removed from LOONA, which caught fans by surprise. It didn’t take her long to bounce back, though. In 2023, she signed with ATRP and kicked off her solo career with the mini album Howl, showing the world a new side of her as an artist.
Finding Her Sound
As a soloist, CHUU has leaned into a mix of synth-pop, soft ballads, and feel-good pop that really suits her voice. Her songs often sound light and dreamy, but there’s always some emotion woven in that makes them feel personal and real.
Her first solo project, Howl, was a solid start. The title track starts off soft and emotional, then builds into a more upbeat chorus with synths that give it a modern feel. Fans liked her vocals and the vibe overall. Tracks like “Underwater” and “Aliens” showed she was already carving out her own musical identity, playful but polished.
In 2024, she dropped Strawberry Rush, which felt totally in line with her image. The title track is upbeat, cute, and perfect for summer, full of light synths and catchy melodies. It didn’t shake up the genre, but it really played to her strengths, and fans loved it.
Then, in 2025, CHUU slowed things down with Only Cry In The Rain, which leaned into more emotional and reflective territory. The title track had a soft, hazy sound and a nostalgic mood, with vocals that felt comforting and sincere. Fans really liked this shift and praised her ability to make simple melodies feel deep. A standout B-side from the album, “Back in town,” brought a fun, breezy energy with a bit of a funky edge.
What Makes CHUU, CHUU
There’s a reason people say her music feels “CHUU-coded.” It’s fun, sweet, and energetic, but it also has heart. Even when the songs aren’t reinventing the wheel, her voice and personality bring something extra. She has a way of making music that feels cozy and uplifting at the same time. Outside of singing, CHUU’s made a name for herself in variety shows and web dramas like Dating Class. Her cheerful and genuine personality makes her super likable on screen.
At this point, CHUU’s an artist in her own right, shaping her own path with honesty and heart. Whether she’s releasing breezy pop tracks or showing off her softer side, there’s a consistency to her work that feels real. CHUU’s story is still unfolding, but if her recent releases are any sign, she’s just getting warmed up.
Check Out These Tracks
“Kiss a kitty”
“Aliens”
“Je t’aime”
“Lucid Dream”
“Honeybee”