The rhythmic precision of Momo Hirai’s movements is legendary, a kinetic force that has defined a generation of K-pop choreography. Yet, the financial architecture supporting her career is perhaps even more impressive than her stage presence. Known globally simply as Momo, the Japanese powerhouse of the globally dominant girl group TWICE has translated her unparalleled dancing skills and undeniable star power into a staggering estimated net worth of $8 million. This is not merely the story of a dancer who found fame; it is the chronicle of a meticulously built global brand that defied elimination and conquered the lucrative Asian entertainment market.
Momo’s journey began far from the neon glow of Seoul, in Kyōtanabe, Kyoto Prefecture. Raised by a supportive family, her ambition was evident early on. She started dancing at the age of three, initially inspired by her older sister, and quickly developed a singular focus that bordered on obsession. The defining moment of her early career wasn't a dazzling audition, but a simple YouTube video. JYP Entertainment scouts, always scanning the digital horizon for talent, noticed a dance clip featuring Momo and her sister, leading to an invitation that would change her life. Though her sister did not make the cut, Momo moved to South Korea in 2012, sacrificing her teenage years for the notoriously grueling K-pop trainee system, a brutal financial and emotional investment that often yields no return.
Her true breakthrough, however, was fraught with drama and controversy. In 2015, Momo participated in the survival reality show Sixteen, designed to select the members of the new girl group TWICE. Shockingly, despite her evident talent, she was eliminated mid-series. The narrative appeared closed until JYP founder Park Jin-young, in a highly controversial and unprecedented move, brought her back in the final episode, citing her exceptional performance skills as absolutely indispensable to the group’s final lineup. This decision cemented her place in TWICE, and the group’s subsequent debut with “Like Ooh-Ahh” launched them into the stratosphere, validating the high-stakes gamble on her talent.
Momo's $8 million valuation is fundamentally fueled by TWICE’s colossal success, which includes millions of album sales and sold-out world tours generating tens of millions in revenue across Asia and the West. While the bulk of her income stems from group activities, her individual earnings are significantly bolstered by lucrative endorsement deals, particularly those targeting the Japanese market, where she is a massive draw as a beloved native daughter. While specific contract details remain closely guarded, industry analysts estimate that her solo and sub-unit endorsements, ranging from cosmetics to mobile games, command fees often exceeding $500,000 per campaign. A notable partnership was with the Japanese beauty brand Kose, capitalizing on her flawless image and immense cross-border appeal.
Beyond traditional endorsements, Momo has subtly followed the established path of high-earning idols by venturing into tangible assets. She has reportedly engaged in real estate investments in South Korea, securing her future with stable, appreciating assets rather than chasing the risky startup ventures sometimes favored by Western celebrities. The life of a K-pop millionaire is one of curated luxury, necessary for maintaining her brand image. Having moved past the high-end dormitories common in early career stages, Momo is reported to own a sleek, modern apartment in the affluent Gangnam district, a common purchase for established idols seeking privacy and proximity to entertainment hubs. Her spending habits lean toward high-end fashion—she is frequently seen sporting Chanel and Dior—and her collection of luxury watches is often scrutinized by fans and fashion blogs alike. Despite the glamour, she maintains a quiet commitment to animal welfare, often donating to shelters, reflecting her well-known love for her pet dog, Boo.
In the realm of K-pop gossip, few stories generated more buzz than Momo’s past relationship with Super Junior’s Kim Heechul. Their highly publicized, though brief, romance was a seismic event, confirming the long-held fan rumor that idols from different top-tier groups sometimes date. While the relationship ended, the persistent rumor among fans is that the intense pressure from both fan bases and media scrutiny was the primary factor, rather than any personal falling out, underscoring the unique pressures faced by K-pop’s elite.
Controversies have largely skirted Momo, a testament to her professional focus; her biggest “scandal” remains her controversial re-entry into the Sixteen lineup, a dispute that ultimately faded as her talent proved the decision correct. Looking ahead, Momo is poised for even greater financial success. As TWICE members begin exploring more extensive solo projects, her unparalleled dance skill and global recognition position her perfectly for lucrative global collaborations and solo music ventures. With her brand power still peaking, industry projections suggest her net worth is set to climb well past the $10 million mark within the next two years, solidifying her status not just as a K-pop icon, but as a formidable global entertainment entrepreneur whose wealth is built on the foundation of flawless execution.
