Ruka

Ruka

Kawai Ruka (河井瑠花)
  • Korean Name:Kawai Ruka (河井瑠花)
  • Nickname:Ruka
  • Birthday:March 20, 2002
  • Nationality:Japanese
  • Zodiac Sign:Pisces
  • Height:N/A
  • Weight:N/A
  • MBTI Type:ISTJ & ISFP
  • Blood Type:O
  • Occupation:Main Dancer, Rapper
  • Years Active:2017-2018,2023-present
  • Agency:YG Entertainment
  • SNS:@rukakawai (Inactive)

Biography

RUKA (루카), born Kawai Ruka (河井瑠花) on March 20, 2002, in Japan, is the main dancer and lead rapper of BABYMONSTER under YG Entertainment.
She is known for her sharp dance technique, powerful stage control, and charismatic performance style.

Early Life & Background

  • Born and raised in Japan
  • Trained in dance from a young age
  • Former member of a Japanese dance group before joining YG
  • Moved to South Korea to pursue K-pop training
  • Fluent in Japanese, proficient in Korean
  • Ruka’s early exposure to professional dance environments helped her develop strong fundamentals and stage confidence.
babymonster ruka abssinger-microphone-abs-denim.

The Path to BABYMONSTER

Ruka joined YG Entertainment as a trainee and became one of the longest-trained members of BABYMONSTER, undergoing approximately 6 years of training.

Throughout YG’s pre-debut evaluation content, Ruka stood out as:

  • The most performance-ready trainee
  • A reliable leader figure during practices
  • A dancer with precise control and natural groove

Unique Fact: Ruka is often referred to by fans as the group’s “performance captain” due to her discipline and experience.

Career Milestones & Achievements

Pre-Debut Era (2018–2023)

  • Revealed through YG’s BABYMONSTER pre-debut project
  • Praised by YG producers for professionalism and consistency
  • Built a solid international fanbase before debut

Official Debut & Breakthrough (2023–2024)

BABYMONSTER officially debuted on November 27, 2023, with “Batter Up.”

Global Activities & Current Status (2024–2025)

  • Participated in releases: Sheesh, Forever, Like That
  • Took part in BABYMONSTER’s first world tour “Hello Monsters”
  • Frequently highlighted in dance breaks and performance stages

babymonster ruka

Personal Life & Personality

  • Personality: Confident, energetic, outspoken, playful
  • Known among members as reliable and motivating
  • Interests: Dancing, fitness, stage directing
  • Languages: Japanese (native), Korean (fluent)
  • Despite her strong image on stage, Ruka is often described as friendly and humorous off-stage.

Controversies & Challenges

Long Trainee Period

Ruka endured one of the longest trainee periods in the group, facing uncertainty and pressure.

How She Overcame It: She focused on consistency and leadership, earning trust from trainers and fans alike.

babymonster ruka thumbnail

Discography & Filmography

BABYMONSTER Discography

📀 Singles & Digital Releases

YearTitleTypeNotes
2023DREAMPre-debut Digital SinglePre-release song, introduced members
2023BATTER UPDigital SingleOfficial debut song
2024Stuck In The MiddleDigital SingleBallad-focused, vocal showcase
2024SHEESHDigital SingleHip-hop concept, strong performance focus

💿 EP / Mini Album

YearAlbumTypeTitle Tracks
2024BABYMONS7ERMini AlbumSHEESH, Stuck In The Middle, BATTER UP (ver.)

Variety & Media Appearances

📺 Reality & Variety Shows

YearProgramPlatform / ChannelNotes
2023Last EvaluationYouTube (YG Entertainment)Pre-debut survival-style series introducing all members
2023BABYMONSTER – Behind the ScenesYouTubeTraining, recording sessions, and debut preparations
2024BABYMONSTER DocumentaryYouTubeFollows the group’s journey after debut
2024Weekly IdolMBC every1First major Korean variety show appearance
2024Idol RadioMBC RadioTalk show highlighting members’ personalities

Fun Facts

  1. Along with Asa, Ruka is one of the first Japanese female idols to debut under YG Entertainment.
  2. One of the dance instructors, LEEJUNG, praised Ruka for her dance experience and understanding. The former CEO of YG Entertainment was so impressed by her skills that he never felt the need to advise her on dancing.
  3. She sang DJ Khaled’s “Top Off” featuring JAY Z, Future, and Beyoncé during her audition.
  4. Ruka's favorite food is Mala soup.
  5. If Ruka wasn't an idol, she'd be a clothing fashion designer.
  6. Ruka is credited as a songwriter of their song "Love In My Heart".
  7. She appeared in the “Happy Halloween!” MV by Ueda Atsumi.