From Osaka to Seoul: Tsuki's Early Journey

Born in Osaka, Japan in 2002, Tsuki's journey to K-pop stardom began with a childhood fascination for Korean entertainment. Her earliest inspiration came from watching Girls' Generation perform in Japan, particularly their hit song 'Genie,' which left an indelible impression on her elementary school self.

Growing up in Japan

In her hometown of Yodogawa-ku, Osaka Prefecture, Tsuki spent her early years developing her artistic talents. Unlike many future idols, she wasn't particularly popular in school, later revealing that she never received any love confessions during her student days. This period of her life, though seemingly ordinary, was quietly shaping her determination to pursue a career in entertainment.

First steps into entertainment

Her path to stardom began taking shape through various opportunities:

Moving to Korea as a teenager

In 2016, during her second year of middle school, Tsuki made the life-changing decision to move to South Korea. She joined SM Entertainment as a trainee at just 15 years old (international age). However, her journey wasn't without challenges. After two years of training, she faced mental health difficulties that led to her temporary return to Japan in 2018.

This setback didn't deter her spirit. After regaining her strength, she participated in JYP's 15th Open Audition project, making it to the final 32 contestants. Her persistence finally paid off when she joined Mystic Story in 2019, marking a new chapter in her journey. That same year, alongside future groupmate Siyoon, she represented MYSTIC in the Popteen Cover Girl War competition.

Throughout these transitions, Tsuki demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting to new environments while pursuing her dreams. Her experience mirrors the challenging path many international idols face, balancing cultural adjustment with rigorous training schedules.

The Path Through Multiple Entertainment Companies

Tsuki's path through the entertainment industry showcases her determination and resilience across multiple companies. Her professional journey began at SM Entertainment, where she trained alongside future K-pop stars and adopted the stage name "Ravi". During this period, she trained with aespa's Ningning, though she later revealed it was a challenging time in her journey.

SM Entertainment training period

The two-year stint at SM Entertainment proved to be both formative and challenging for Tsuki. While the experience provided valuable training, she ultimately faced mental health challenges that led to her departure in 2018. This period, though difficult, helped shape her understanding of the industry and her own capabilities as a performer.

MAGICOUR experience in Japan

After returning to Japan, Tsuki embarked on a brief but significant chapter in her career. Under the stage name "TARU," she debuted as a member of the Japanese girl group MAGICOUR, a sub-unit of 7+ME LINK. Her time with the group was notably short, as she graduated from MAGICOUR on December 15, 2020, just weeks after their debut with the single "MAGIC".

Key highlights of this period include:

Joining Mystic Story

A new chapter began when Tsuki joined Mystic Story, marking a decisive turn in her career. She was first revealed as a Mystic trainee alongside Siyoon at the Mystic Listen Stage on October 15, 2019. Her striking visuals immediately caught attention, and by February 2020, she was officially announced as a member of Mystic Rookies.

The transition to Mystic Story proved to be the right move for Tsuki. Despite the challenges of the pandemic affecting her activities between Japan and Korea, she remained focused on her training in Korea. Her dedication paid off when she was confirmed as the second member of Billlie on September 30, 2021, marking the beginning of her successful debut journey with the group.

Debut and Initial Impact with Billlie

On November 10, 2021, Mystic Story unveiled their first girl group Billlie, marking a significant milestone in Tsuki's career journey. The group's debut came with their first mini-album "the Billage of perception: chapter one," featuring the title track "RING X RING".

Group debut preparation

After being officially confirmed as Billlie's second member in September 2021, Tsuki underwent intensive preparation alongside her groupmates. Her previous experience as both a trainee and performer proved invaluable during this period. The group, initially known as Mystic Rookies, transformed into Billlie through careful preparation and strategic planning.

First performances and reception

The group's debut made a notable impact on the K-pop scene, with impressive initial achievements:

Finding her role within the group

Tsuki quickly established herself as a vital member of Billlie, taking on the role of main dancer and sub-vocalist. Her responsibilities extended beyond performance, as she became the group's bright dance teacher and Japanese teacher. Her clean and precise dance moves earned her recognition, while her vocal abilities showed particular strength in Japanese songs.

As the group found its footing, Tsuki's performance skills continued to evolve. Her dance moves were consistently praised for their precision and beauty, while her vocal capabilities demonstrated the high standards expected from a Mystic Story artist. This combination of talents helped her create a unique position within the group, contributing significantly to Billlie's distinctive performance style.

The debut period proved particularly meaningful for Tsuki, who had spent approximately five years training across different companies before finally debuting with Billlie. Despite the initial challenges of adapting to Korean culture, which she had faced since arriving at age 14, she successfully integrated these experiences into her performance style.

Breaking Through: Viral Moments and Recognition

The turning point in Tsuki's career came during Billlie's promotion of "GingaMingaYo" on Simply K-pop's 'CON-TOUR' segment. What started as a routine performance would soon transform into a defining moment in K-pop viral history.

Famous 'GingaMingaYo' fancam

On February 25, Tsuki's individual fancam initially garnered 57,000 views on YouTube. Within hours, the video exploded in popularity, reaching an astounding 809,000 views. Her performance stood out for its distinctive blend of J-pop and K-pop performance styles, featuring dynamic facial expressions that changed precisely with each beat.

Social media impact

The fancam's popularity transcended platforms, spreading rapidly across Twitter, TikTok, and other social media channels. Her expressive performance style sparked discussions across the K-pop community, with many praising her ability to seamlessly switch between different expressions while maintaining precise dance movements.

Notable fan reactions included:

"Tsuki has been a viral queen since day 1"

"From skills to facial expressions to stage presence to technicality, Tsuki is absolutely one of the best dancers in 4th generation"

International fan response

The international K-pop community embraced Tsuki's unique performance style, though reactions were diverse. While many celebrated her as "the main dancer of the generation", others suggested her expressions were reminiscent of J-pop idol techniques. This distinctive approach to performance helped establish Tsuki as a standout performer in the fourth generation of K-pop idols.

The viral moment led to increased opportunities, including her appointment as an MC for MBC's music program Show Champion and hosting her own OBC radio show titled 'Tsuki ENT.VIEW'. These achievements demonstrated how a single memorable performance could catalyze broader career opportunities in the competitive K-pop industry.

Evolution as a Performer

Since her debut with Billlie, Tsuki has emerged as one of K-pop's most distinctive performers, known for her ability to combine technical precision with extraordinary expressiveness. Her evolution as an artist showcases a unique blend of Japanese and Korean performance styles, creating a signature approach that sets her apart in the industry.

Development of dance style

Tsuki's dance prowess has earned her recognition as Billlie's main dancer, with her performances characterized by sharp movements and precise execution. Her versatility became evident during the 2022 ISAC Dance Sports competition, where she demonstrated professional-level skills that surprised even seasoned observers.

Key elements of her dance style include:

Vocal progression

While dancing remains her strongest suit, Tsuki has shown steady growth in her vocal abilities. Her distinctive voice, often compared to TWICE's Sana, adds a unique color to Billlie's sound. Though some observers note that singing isn't her primary strength, her vocal delivery consistently enhances the group's performances with its characteristic charm.

Stage presence growth

Tsuki's stage presence has become legendary within the fourth generation of K-pop idols. Her ability to switch between multiple expressions while maintaining dance precision has drawn praise from both fans and industry professionals. Her performances are marked by what critics describe as "charismatic" delivery, combining both overt and subtle elements to create compelling stages.

Her evolution as a performer is perhaps best exemplified by her appearance on South Korean television, where she demonstrated the ability to create new facial expressions every second while dancing - a feat that left both hosts and audience members astounded. This remarkable control over her expressions, combined with her technical dance skills, has established her as one of the most watchable performers in current K-pop, with her fancams regularly garnering millions of views.

The development of her performance style reflects a careful balance between technical precision and natural expressiveness. Industry observers note that her stage presence isn't merely about facial expressions - it's about creating a complete performance package that engages audiences through multiple elements. This holistic approach to performance has helped establish Tsuki as a standout artist in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Beyond the Stage: Tsuki's Multi-Faceted Career

Expanding beyond her role as a performer, Tsuki has ventured into various entertainment sectors, establishing herself as a multi-talented artist. Her versatility has opened doors to numerous opportunities across different media platforms.

MC role on Show Champion

In early 2023, Tsuki embarked on a significant career milestone when she was selected as one of the new MCs for MBC's prestigious music program Show Champion. Alongside Moon Sua and WOOAH's Nana, she captivated audiences with her hosting skills from February to November 2023. The production team praised her contribution, noting that her presence helped the show "shine even brighter" during her nine-month tenure.

Fashion and modeling activities

Before her K-pop debut, Tsuki established herself in the Japanese fashion industry. Under the stage name 'TARU', she served as an exclusive model for the renowned teen-fashion magazine PopTeen. Her modeling career reached another milestone when she debuted with MAGICOUR, releasing the single "Magic" in 2020. This experience helped shape her understanding of both the Japanese and Korean entertainment industries.

Content creation and variety shows

Tsuki's charm and personality have made her a sought-after figure in variety entertainment. Her recent appearances include:

In a significant move to connect with fans directly, Tsuki launched her personal YouTube channel 'Tsuki Tsuki Chaka Chaka'. Additionally, she began hosting 'Tsuki ENT.VIEW,' a Japanese K-pop information radio show available in both Korea and Japan. These platforms have allowed her to showcase her natural entertainment abilities while maintaining her connection with fans across borders.

Her success in these various fields demonstrates not only her versatility but also her ability to connect with audiences across different media formats. The production team of Show Champion particularly noted her "hard work" and "impressive" hosting abilities, highlighting her growth from a performer to a well-rounded entertainment figure.