Momo Hirai, known globally by the mononym Momo, is more than just the main dancer of the K-pop juggernaut TWICE; she is a testament to the financial power of relentless dedication and controversial second chances. While her rhythmic precision on stage is legendary, the meticulous financial architecture supporting her career is arguably even more impressive. Hailing from Kyoto, Japan, Momo has translated her singular focus into a staggering estimated net worth of $8 million, cementing her status as one of the most bankable Japanese stars operating in the fiercely competitive South Korean entertainment sphere.
Momo’s journey began far from the blinding lights of Seoul, in Kyōtanabe, Kyoto Prefecture. Her ambition was evident early; she started dancing at the age of three, inspired initially by her older sister, developing a discipline that would define her career. The pivotal moment that launched her trajectory wasn't a traditional audition, but a simple YouTube video. JYP Entertainment scouts, recognizing the raw talent displayed in a dance clip featuring Momo and her sister, extended an invitation to audition. In 2012, Momo made the profound sacrifice of moving to South Korea, trading her teenage years for the grueling, high-stakes environment of the K-pop trainee system.
Her true breakthrough, however, was fraught with the kind of drama that defines reality television. In 2015, she participated in the survival reality show Sixteen, designed to form the final lineup of TWICE. Shockingly, she was eliminated mid-series. Yet, in a highly controversial and unprecedented move, JYP founder Park Jin-young reinstated her in the final episode, arguing that her exceptional performance skills were indispensable to the group’s success. This decision, though initially disputed, proved prophetic. TWICE’s subsequent debut with “Like Ooh-Ahh” launched them into the stratosphere, validating the $8 million valuation Momo now commands.
Momo's fortune is primarily fueled by TWICE’s colossal success, which includes millions of album sales and sold-out world tours that generate tens of millions in revenue. Crucially, her individual earnings are significantly bolstered by lucrative endorsement deals, particularly those targeting the massive and highly profitable Japanese market where she is an immense draw. While the specific contract details remain closely guarded, industry analysts estimate that her solo and sub-unit endorsements, spanning from cosmetics to mobile games, often command fees exceeding $500,000 per campaign. A notable partnership was with the Japanese beauty brand Kose, capitalizing on her flawless image and cross-cultural appeal.
Beyond the guaranteed income stream of entertainment and branding, Momo has subtly followed the common path of high-earning idols by venturing into tangible assets. She has reportedly made strategic real estate investments in South Korea, securing her future with property rather than the volatility of risky startups. The life of a K-pop millionaire affords curated luxury; having moved past the high-end dormitory life of her early career, Momo is reported to own a sleek, modern apartment in the affluent Gangnam district—a standard purchase for established idols seeking privacy and proximity to entertainment hubs. Her personal spending habits lean toward high-end fashion, frequently sporting brands like Chanel and Dior, and she maintains a quiet commitment to animal welfare, often donating to shelters, reflecting her well-known affection for her pet dog, Boo.
While controversies have largely skirted her professional life—the biggest being the brief media frenzy surrounding her past relationship with Super Junior’s Kim Heechul—Momo’s focus remains laser-sharp. Looking ahead, she is perfectly positioned for even greater financial success. As TWICE members begin to explore more extensive solo projects, her unparalleled global brand power and dance skill will make her a prime candidate for lucrative global collaborations and solo music ventures. With her current trajectory, industry projections suggest her net worth is poised 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 initial controversial re-entry was merely the prelude to a financial triumph.
