Cao Lu (Chinese: 曹璐; born August 30, 1987) is a Chinese singer, actress, and television personality. She was a member of the South Korean girl group Fiestar until her group's disbandment in 2018 and regrouped in August 22, 2024.
Early life
Cao Lu was born in Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China on August 30, 1987. She is an ethnic Miao. Cao Lu studied at Chung-Ang University in South Korea.
Career
2004: Solo career
Lu made her solo debut in China under the name Lu Lu. She released her independent extended play "Cat(貓咪)" in 2004.
2012–2018: Debut with Fiestar, solo activities and group disbandment
Cao Lu made her debut as a member of South Korean girl group Fiestar under LOEN Entertainment label on August 31, 2012, with their first single "Vista".
In February 2016, Cao Lu was cast in MBC's Real Men for the female soldier edition. In the same month, she was confirmed to cast in We Got Married along with comedian Jo Se-ho as a couple, which she departed from in September 2016.
In 2017, Cao Lu collaborated with Yerin and Kisum on the single "Spring Again".
On May 15, 2018, Fave Entertainment announced that Fiestar would be disbanded due to the expiration of the other members' contracts on April 30, 2018. Cao Lu's contract expired a month later on May 31, and on June 1, it was confirmed that she left the company after deciding not to renew her contract.
2018–present: New agencies and Fiestar reunion
In September 2018, Lu signed with IOK Company.
In March 2021, EE-Media announced on Weibo that Cao Lu had joined its ranks. On August 22, 2024, Fiestar announced to make comeback to celebrate their 12th anniversary debut and Lu will restart group activities with Fiestar after 6 years.
Filmography
Television series
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | The Sound of Your Heart | Chinese Actress (Cameo) |
| 2017 | Missing Nine | Cai Ming |
Variety show
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Real Men Season 2 – Female Edition 4 | Cast member |
| King of Mask Singer | Contestant as "Don't Compel to Me, Korean Trip" (episode 87) | |
| We Got Married | Cast member (paired with Jo Se-ho) | |
| Uncontrollably Acting | Cast member | |
| Video Star | Main host | |
| 2017 | Strong Girls | Fixed Cast Member |
| Oppa Thinking | Intern (Episode 10–25) | |
| 2018 | Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend | Contestant (episode 357) |
| 2019 | Training Korean | Cast member, student |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | China Central Television's Chinese Music Top 10 | Newcomer Award | Cat | Won |
| 2017 | 2016 MBC Entertainment Awards | Female Excellence Award in a Variety Show | We Got Married | Nominated |
| Best Couple Award | Nominated | |||
| Popularity Award | Won |
