You’ve probably seen her face on a massive billboard in Seoul or maybe on a global luxury beauty campaign. Honestly, it’s hard to escape the "Tzuyu effect" if you follow K-pop at all. But for someone who has been in the spotlight since she was a literal child, people are always asking the same thing: how old is Tzuyu anyway?
It feels like she’s been around forever because, well, she has. She debuted when most of us were still trying to figure out how to pass high school algebra.
The Current Age of Chou Tzuyu
Let’s get the hard numbers out of the way first. Tzuyu was born on June 14, 1999. Since we are currently in early 2026, that makes her 26 years old.
If you’re a Gemini, you share a zodiac sign with the "visual of visuals." It’s kinda wild to think that she’s already a decade into her career. Most people at 26 are just starting to find their feet in a "real" job, but Tzuyu has already conquered the Tokyo Dome and the Billboard 200 multiple times.
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Quick Breakdown of Her Age Milestones:
- Born: June 14, 1999, in Tainan, Taiwan.
- Moved to Korea: 2012 (She was only 13 years old).
- SIXTEEN Survival Show: 2015 (She was 15 turning 16).
- TWICE Debut: October 20, 2015 (She was 16).
- Solo Debut (abouTZU): September 6, 2024 (She was 25).
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With Her Age
The reason people constantly search for how old is Tzuyu isn't just about curiosity. It’s about the "Maknae" (youngest member) factor. In TWICE, Tzuyu has always been the baby of the group. Even though she’s the tallest—clocking in at around 170cm—her older "unnies" like Nayeon and Jihyo still treat her like a kid.
But something shifted recently. In 2024, she finally stepped out from the group shadow with her solo debut abouTZU. If you haven't seen the music video for "Run Away," you should. It was a massive departure from the bubbly, "cheer up" vibes of early TWICE. It showed a 25-year-old woman who was confident and, frankly, a bit more mature than the girl we saw waving a flag on variety shows back in 2015.
The "Youngest Member" Struggle
Being 16 in the public eye is brutal. I remember the 2015 flag controversy that basically turned into a geopolitical incident. She was 16. Imagine being a teenager and having to film a public apology video that gets analyzed by world leaders. That's heavy.
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She spent her late teens and early twenties under a microscope. While other girls her age were going to prom or worrying about college apps, she was practicing "TT" choreography for 12 hours a day. She did actually graduate from Hanlim Multi Art School in 2019 (with Chaeyoung), which was a big deal for her.
Education and Growth
Interestingly, she didn't just stop at high school. Reports from late 2024 and 2025 indicated she was pursuing further studies online. She actually earned a master's degree in applied psychology from Miguel de Cervantes European University. That’s not exactly the "stereotypical idol" move. It shows she’s thinking about a life that exists outside of just being "pretty on stage."
What Most People Get Wrong About Tzuyu
People often think she’s just a "visual." You know the type—the member who is there to look good while others do the heavy lifting. That might have been the narrative in 2016, but at 26, Tzuyu has developed a much deeper vocal tone.
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- The Height Myth: People think she’s still growing. She’s not. She settled at about 170cm-172cm years ago, but because the other members are on the shorter side, she looks like a giant.
- The "Shy" Label: For years, people said she was too quiet. Honestly, she was just learning a whole new language (Korean) while being famous. Now, in her mid-twenties, her variety show appearances are way more relaxed. She’s actually pretty savage when she wants to be.
Looking Ahead: Tzuyu in Her Late Twenties
Now that she’s 26, what’s next? The "seven-year itch" for K-pop groups is long gone—TWICE renewed their contracts in 2022 and they are still going strong in 2026. However, the focus has clearly shifted toward individual branding.
We’re seeing Tzuyu take on more high-fashion roles. She’s been the face of Pond’s Skin Institute and has done some massive work with brands like Zooc and Visée. As she moves deeper into her 20s, expect more acting or perhaps a second solo mini-album.
Actionable Insights for Fans (ONCE)
If you’re trying to keep up with Tzuyu’s journey as she navigates her mid-twenties, here is what you should actually do:
- Watch the "Melody Projects": If you want to see how her voice evolved from age 16 to 26, go back and watch her Taylor Swift "Me!" cover vs. her solo album tracks. The difference in confidence is night and day.
- Follow Her Solo IG: She’s much more active on her personal Instagram than the group account these days. It’s where you get the real "off-duty" 26-year-old vibes.
- Look at the Songwriting Credits: She started writing lyrics around 2019 ("21:29"). On her solo album, she worked on the track "Fly." Keeping an eye on her credits is the best way to see her growth as an artist, not just a performer.
Tzuyu isn't that 16-year-old girl from SIXTEEN anymore. She's a veteran of the industry who has handled more pressure than most people face in a lifetime. At 26, she’s basically just getting started on her own terms.
Next Steps to Stay Updated:
Check the official JYP Entertainment schedule for TWICE's 2026 world tour dates, as solo stages for the members are expected to be a core part of the new setlist. You can also monitor the Hanteo charts for the latest "abouTZU" vinyl reprints, which have become collector's items since her solo debut.