Happy Birthday Chuu: From debuting as LOONA member to going solo with Howl; a walkthrough young idol-actress' resilient journey

It's Chuu's birthday! From her vibrant debut with LOONA to her official solo debut with Howl, this young idol-actress has showcased resilience and talent, captivating hearts along the way!

Published on Oct 20, 2024  |  12:52 AM IST |  10.7K
Chuu; Image Courtesy: Chuu's Instagram
Chuu; Image Courtesy: Chuu's Instagram

perfect moment to reflect on her remarkable journey as a talented idol-actress. From her debut as a member of the girl group LOONA to her flourishing solo career, Chuu's path has been one of resilience, creativity, and growth.

Early life and debut with LOONA

Born in Cheongju, South Korea, in 1999, Chuu was raised in a loving family as the eldest of three siblings. Her passion for music and performance ignited early, leading her to audition for a major entertainment company where she showcased her vocal talent by singing Halo. Her stage name, Chuu, is a playful twist on her given name, reflecting her vibrant personality.


Chuu was revealed as the tenth member of LOONA on December 14, 2017, a girl group with a unique pre-debut strategy that generated significant buzz. On December 28, she released her self-titled single album featuring the infectious track Heart Attack, which debuted impressively on the charts. As part of LOONA's third sub-unit, LOONA yyxy, Chuu continued to shine with the EP Beauty & the Beat, which further solidified her position as a young star in the industry.

The group officially debuted as a whole on August 20, 2018, with their EP (+ +), marking a significant milestone in Chuu's career. 

Expanding horizons: Acting and variety show appearances

In addition to her musical pursuits, Chuu ventured into acting, making her debut in the web drama Dating Class in May 2019. Her role as Han Eun Sol was met with positive reception, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences beyond music.

Throughout 2019, she also co-hosted the variety show Insane Quiz Show, alongside fellow celebrities. The show featured entertaining challenges, and Chuu's charm and wit quickly made her a fan favorite.

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Despite facing challenges in the industry, including a controversial incident during a New Year’s event where a staff member mishandled her hair, Chuu remained resilient. She continued to show her talents in the singing competition show King of Mask Singer, where she captivated viewers with her unique persona, Spring Girl.

In December 2020, Chuu participated in the reality show Running Girls, which followed K-pop idols as they took on various running challenges. This further established her as a multi-faceted entertainer.

Chuu’s attempt to make a social impact

In 2021, Chuu used her platform for advocacy, launching her YouTube series Chuu Can Do It. Through this show, she raised awareness about environmental issues, promoting eco-friendly practices to her audience. This initiative reflected her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the entertainment sphere.


Additionally, she hosted the web series Hauteur, aimed at promoting fashion and lifestyle among Generation Z. Chuu’s engaging personality and insightful commentary made her an influential figure, resonating with younger audiences.

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Despite her growing success, 2021 brought challenges for Chuu as she faced difficulties with her agency. In December of that year, she filed for a provisional injunction against Blockberry Creative, citing issues with her exclusive contract. 

Rising despite adversity: Chuu’s solo journey

After leaving LOONA, Chuu embarked on a solo journey that showed her musical evolution. On June 27, 2022, she collaborated with B.I on the single Lullaby, marking a new chapter in her musical endeavors. This collaboration allowed her to experiment with her sound while maintaining her signature style.

In September 2022, she released a remake of the classic One and Half, followed by a heartfelt rendition of Confession for a film's theme song. Her ability to breathe new life into these tracks demonstrated her artistic growth and versatility.

Chuu’s resilience paid off in 2023 when she signed an exclusive contract with a new entertainment company, ATRP, paving the way for her official solo debut. On February 23, she released Let's Love, collaborating with Kim Yohan for another exciting new venture. This marked a significant step forward in her journey as an independent artist.

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Chuu’s solo debut with Howl

Finally, on October 18, 2023, Chuu officially made her solo debut when she released her first extended play, Howl, along with the lead single of the same name. This allowed her to show her fans her unique artistry and musical identity. With each track, Chuu demonstrated her growth as a singer and songwriter, embracing her individuality while captivating fans with her voice.


Looking ahead, Chuu continues to explore new horizons. In February 2024, she released a new digital single, Chocolate, followed by a second extended play, Strawberry Rush, showcasing her ongoing evolution as an artist.

Returning to acting

Chuu's journey is not limited to music; she is also making her mark in the acting world. In August 2024, she announced her return to acting in the fantasy romance drama My Girlfriend is a Real Man, based on a popular webtoon. 

As Chuu celebrates her birthday, her journey from LOONA to solo stardom serves as an inspiring testament to her talent, resilience, and determination. Through challenges and triumphs, she continues to captivate audiences with her artistry, leaving a lasting impression on the K-pop and K-drama landscape. Happy birthday, Chuu!

ALSO READ: Happy Birthday Huh Yunjin: Walking through K-pop idol's journey from Produce 48 to LE SSERAFIM debut, BTS' J-Hope collab and more

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About The Author

Saumya is a Journalism and Mass Communication graduate, with a knack for digital storytelling and over a

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