Joo Kyulkyung (Zhou Jieqiong) is a Chinese singer, dancer, and actress, best known as a former member of I.O.I and PRISTIN. After gaining popularity through “Produce 101,” she debuted with I.O.I in 2016 and later joined PRISTIN under Pledis Entertainment. Following PRISTIN’s disbandment, she pursued solo activities in China, establishing herself in music, acting, and variety shows.
Biography
- Stage Name: Jieqiong/Kyulkyung
- Birth Name: Zhou Jieqiong
- Korean Name: Joo Kyul-kyung
- Date of Birth: December 16, 1998 (Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China)
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Height: 166.5 cm
- Weight: 52 kg
- Blood Type: O
- Year of Debut: 2016 (with I.O.I)/2017 (with PRISTIN)
- Instagram: @zhou_jieqiong1216
- Weibo: 周洁琼JIE
Early Life
Joo Kyulkyung was born in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China. She also has a younger brother and a younger sister. She moved to Shanghai at age 10 to study pipa at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. She also won awards in vocal competitions at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
She was street-cast by Pledis Entertainment in 2010 and initially trained in Korea only during school breaks. In 2013, she moved to Korea full-time to pursue a singing career.
Joo Kyulkyung trained for over five years, starting around the same time as SEVENTEEN’s S.Coups. Before participating in “Produce 101” and debut with I.O.I, she appeared as “PINKY” in SEVENTEEN TV alongside Im Na-young and featured in SEVENTEEN’s “Mansae” MV. She also made a cameo as a backup dancer in Orange Caramel’s “My Copycat.”
Joo Kyulkyung’s Career
Kyulkyung gained popularity through her participation in “Produce 101 Season 1,” where she finished in 6th rank and debuted as a member of I.O.I in 2016. She was known for her bright personality, strong variety show presence, and impressive vocal and dance skills.
During her time in I.O.I, Kyulkyung quickly became a fan favorite, not only for her performance abilities but also for her vibrant and playful nature. She was widely recognized as part of the “Beagle Sisters” trio alongside Choi Yoo-jung and Jeon So-mi, known for their humorous and energetic personalities on variety shows. With I.O.I, she participated in multiple successful promotions, including hit songs like “Very Very Very” and “Whatta Man,” where she showcased her strong vocal skills, especially with a standout high note in “Whatta Man.”
Throughout the group’s activities, she also represented I.O.I in various overseas events, such as KCON Paris and KCON LA. Additionally, she gained more recognition through appearances on popular programs like “SNL Korea” and “Battle Trip”. However, as I.O.I was a temporary project group, they officially disbanded in early 2017 after their farewell concert, “Time Slip – I.O.I.”
Following I.O.I’s disbandment, Kyulkyung re-debuted as a member of PRISTIN under Pledis Entertainment in 2017. Unlike in I.O.I, where she was primarily known by her nickname “Pinky,” she began using her real name, Zhou Jieqiong, in PRISTIN’s promotions. The group debuted with a fresh and youthful concept, releasing songs like “WEE WOO” and “WE LIKE.”
However, despite their promising start, PRISTIN faced long hiatuses and a lack of consistent promotions, leading to their disbandment in 2019. After PRISTIN’s dissolution, Kyulkyung remained under Pledis Entertainment as a solo artist and began shifting her career focus toward China.
From 2018 onwards, Kyulkyung gradually established herself in the Chinese entertainment industry. One of her breakthrough moments came when she joined “Idol Producer” (China’s version of “Produce 101”) as a dance mentor. Her experience as a former survival show contestant, combined with her refined skills and professional insights, made her a well-respected figure among trainees and viewers. This role significantly boosted her popularity in China, opening new doors for her career in both music and entertainment. She also became a regular face on variety shows such as “Crazy Wardrobe”, further solidifying her presence in the Chinese market.
Beyond variety shows, Kyulkyung has expanded her career into acting, taking on leading and supporting roles in Chinese dramas: “Miss Truth” (2020), “Legend of Fei” (2020), “To Be With You” (2021) and “Be My Princess” (2021).
She starred in “Miss Truth,” a historical mystery drama that aired in 2020, marking her debut as a lead actress. The drama was well received and later introduced to Korean audiences through multiple streaming platforms. In addition to acting, she has continued to engage in music-related projects, such as performing on music competition shows like “Stage Boom” and participating in television performances, showcasing both her instrumental and vocal talents.
Her journey from a South Korean idol to a rising entertainer in China highlights her versatility and adaptability in the industry. Despite the challenges of transitioning from a K-pop artist to a solo performer in a new market, she has successfully maintained her relevance and continues to grow as a multifaceted entertainer.
Controversies
Kyulkyung has faced controversy due to her political stance and social media activity supporting the Chinese government.
In 2019, during the Hong Kong protests against the extradition bill, she posted on Weibo stating, “China cannot be diminished even a little,” expressing her support for the Chinese government. That same year, she shared another post on her microblog regarding the Hong Kong democracy movement, saying, “I support the Hong Kong police. What a shame for Hong Kong.”
In 2020, when BTS received the Van Fleet Award, Chinese netizens began glorifying the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army for its role in the Korean War. Kyulkyung joined this sentiment by posting content on her microblog that aligned with these views.
The following year, on March 25, she publicly supported Xinjiang cotton, a topic heavily linked to international human rights concerns. Later, on July 1, she posted a message celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party.
Her pro-China stance has led to speculation that a full-group reunion of I.O.I is unlikely. Many argue that, just as other Chinese idols have been criticized for similar political actions, Kyulkyung should not be an exception.
Dating Rumors
On March 3, 2025, Chinese media outlets reported that Kyulkyung and Former CUBE Trainee, Oscar were rumored to be in a relationship.
The paparazzi footage captured the two dressed in coordinating outfits as they entered the same apartment complex late at night. Kyulkyung, sporting a red cap, was spotted checking her phone while engaging in a casual conversation with Oscar.
After the footage surfaced, both quickly dismissed the dating rumors. Kyulkyung took to her personal account, posting, “Just woke up?” Meanwhile, Oscar clarified that they were “just friends” and had simply “watched the Oscars together.” Additionally, the agency of Joo Kyulkyung also directly refuted the rumors, saying that it’s fake in a recently Weibo post.
Facts about Joo Kyulkyung
- Ranked No.1 in visuals by participants on “Produce 101” and received a special solo video, which turned out to be a CARMEX lip balm CF.
- Has a noticeable scar on her left leg from surgery due to a bone lump worsened by dance practice.
- Athletic and flexible, winning first place in a running challenge and excelling in archery at China’s “Idol Star Athletics Championship.”
- Motto: Never give up.
- Ultimate life goal: Travel the world.
- Favorite girl groups: SNSD, f(x), After School; role model: Nana.
- Initially a huge Krystal fan, later admired Sunmi.
- Looks particularly stunning in photoshoots due to distinct features and fair skin. She has flawless skin and follows a strict skincare routine.
- Known for her eccentric fashion, often wearing bright colors and stripes. Hates gray socks.
- Her mom runs a boutique in Shanghai and puts up huge posters of her in it and posts her pictures on SNS.
- She really loves cherries – both eating them and collecting cherry-themed items like clothing and accessories. If it’s cherry-related, she buys it without hesitation. Her Chinese fandom name is “Cherry Pie.”
