[OSENWORLD] Chaeyoung of TWICE officially steps into the spotlight as a solo artist today (Sept. 12) with the release of her first full-length album LIL FANTASY vol.1, fronted by the title track SHOOT (Firecracker). Following Nayeon, Jihyo, and Tzuyu, she is the fourth TWICE member to go solo, and she has made it clear that this project is a deeply personal one.
Reflecting on the timing of her debut, Chaeyoung said she feels both proud and fortunate. After taking on new challenges with fellow members in the K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack and as headliners at Lollapalooza Chicago, she explained that her first solo release “felt like a stroke of luck” and expressed gratitude to the fans whose support made each step even more meaningful.
At the heart of the album lies the concept of LIL FANTASY — a “small world” inside her that she compares to a treasure chest filled with her tastes, thoughts, and identity. By adding “vol.1” to the title, she signals that this journey won’t stop here but will continue to expand in the future. TWICE members embraced the project warmly, calling it a reflection of Chaeyoung’s authentic style and sharing in her pride.
The record spans 10 tracks, including collaborations with Japanese pop band Gliiico and artists SUMIN and Jibin of Y2K92. From playful songs like AVOCADO to more introspective numbers such as Shadow Play and My Guitar, the album is designed to show every facet of her creativity. Lonely Doll Waltz, included as a CD-only track, adds an exclusive and personal note to the tracklist. Chaeyoung not only wrote, composed, and arranged the songs but also sketched much of the visual identity herself, urging listeners to “look closely at the details hidden throughout.” She even shot sneak-peek clips for each track on her own to capture the emotions behind the music.
Choosing SHOOT (Firecracker) as the title track was a deliberate decision. Chaeyoung wanted a song that fans could dance to, while also delivering a message of ambition and celebration: “let’s set off fireworks together and enjoy this moment.” The accompanying performance blends jazz-inspired movements with a retro energy inspired by the disco of the 1980s and ’90s.
Working with Gliiico, she added, felt effortless and natural, more like working with family than a formal collaboration. That sense of comfort extended across the project, which features contributions from many of her close friends. “The process was smooth, and I think that’s why I’m so satisfied with the results,” she said with a smile.
Above all, Chaeyoung stressed the difference between group and solo work. As a solo artist, she explained, she has the freedom to present everything that makes up who she is, without compromise. After years of careful preparation, she now hopes listeners will hear the album with the same love and sincerity she poured into it.
To ONCE, TWICE’s global fandom, Chaeyoung offered a heartfelt message: “Thank you so much for waiting for my first solo album. LIL FANTASY vol.1 is precious to me, and I hope it will also mean something special for you — and I hope it inspires each of you to create your own fantasy world.”
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
