Recently, TC Candler has been gradually announcing nominees for its annual “Top 100 Most Beautiful Faces” list for 2026, a global ranking that always attracts significant public interest. Among the latest names revealed, the appearance of Tzuyu – the youngest member of TWICE quickly drew attention. Notably, TC Candler also released statistics showing that the idol has now received a total of 12 nominations, a rare achievement even among internationally recognized stars.
Tzuyu (Chinese name: Chou Tzuyu) was born on June 14, 1999, in Tainan, Taiwan. She is the youngest member and visual of TWICE under JYP Entertainment. She first gained widespread public attention after competing on the 2015 survival reality show Sixteen, which selected the lineup for TWICE. From her earliest appearances, Tzuyu quickly stood out thanks to her tall stature of around 170 cm and her refined, harmonious facial features.
Soon after debuting, Tzuyu became one of the most prominent beauty icons of K-pop’s third generation. Her visuals attracted not only Asian media but also global attention, leading to frequent appearances in international beauty rankings. Her name has long been associated with TC Candler’s “Top 100 Most Beautiful Faces” list. From 2015 to 2025, the idol appeared on the ranking for 11 consecutive years. In 2019, she even claimed the No.1 spot, officially earning the title of “Most Beautiful Face in the World.” By 2025, she continued to demonstrate strong popularity by ranking 20th.
Throughout her career, several viral moments have highlighted Tzuyu’s beauty. One of the most widely shared images was her dramatic “hair flip” during the archery event at the Idol Star Athletics Championships in 2016. The brief moment quickly spread across social media and reinforced her reputation as a “visual among visuals,” a nickname often used by fellow idols. Her striking appearance has helped maintain strong public recognition even during periods when her individual activities were relatively limited.
However, Tzuyu’s career has also faced major controversies early on. In 2015, when she was just 16 years old, the idol became involved in a sensitive political controversy during a Korean variety program appearance. The incident sparked a massive backlash in mainland China, leading to the cancellation of multiple endorsement deals. TWICE also faced difficulties appearing on Chinese television channels afterward. A public apology video in which Tzuyu bowed deeply shocked international audiences and became one of the most controversial moments in K-pop history. For many years after, she was effectively “banned” from major Chinese broadcast platforms, limiting the group’s activities in the market.
Beyond the media controversy, Tzuyu has also faced criticism regarding her performance skills. Within the group lineup, the 1999-born idol is not typically considered the strongest in vocals or dance. Compared with key members such as Jihyo and Nayeon, who serve as the group’s main vocalists, or Momo, widely known for her dance ability, Tzuyu has sometimes been viewed as less technically prominent. Over the years, critics have occasionally labeled her a “visual-only idol,” questioning her performance growth during her decade-long career.
In September 2024, Tzuyu officially debuted as a solo artist with the mini album abouTZU, featuring the title track Run Away. The release showcased polished visuals and styling but was still considered somewhat safe musically, and it did not achieve major digital chart breakthroughs in Korea or across Asia. As a result, some observers continued to debate her individual star power outside of TWICE’s group success.
In recent years, as TWICE gradually shifted toward a more mature image, Tzuyu has also evolved her personal style, embracing a more feminine and sophisticated concept. In October 2025, she appeared alongside fellow members Momo, Nayeon, and Jihyo at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. While the live performance sparked some debate, Tzuyu still became a standout figure thanks to her striking figure and bold stage presence. Images from the event quickly spread across social media, further solidifying her reputation as one of K-pop’s most recognized beauty icons.
After many years of working abroad due to past controversies, November 2025 marked a meaningful milestone for Tzuyu when TWICE held a concert in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It was one of the rare occasions in nearly a decade that the idol could officially perform in her hometown. To celebrate her return, the city illuminated several buildings in blue – a color closely associated with Tzuyu. For the idol, the concert represented more than just a performance; it symbolized the closing of a long and turbulent chapter in her career, after years of facing restrictions while being unable to freely promote in her own homeland.
Sources: K14