Chaeyoung’s ‘LIL FANTASY’: Firecrackers, Fairytales, and a Solo Debut
Get ready, ONCEs—Chaeyoung is no longer just TWICE’s edgy, tattoo-loving rapper. She’s now a soloist with a vision, a fantasy, and a whole lot of musical firepower. On September 12, she’s set to drop her debut full-length album, ‘LIL FANTASY vol.1’, and spoiler alert: it’s bursting with color, creativity, and collabs.
A Fairytale Teased Through Visionary Imagery
Chaeyoung kicked off the hype train with dreamy, cryptic concept teasers that look like something out of an alternative fairytale manga. Between September 3–5, fans were treated to photos showing her embarking on an abstract journey into her inner world, aptly named LIL FANTASY. The narrative reaches a climax in the final teaser image dropped on September 6 at midnight KST, where she crosses into a fantastical castle through a keyhole-shaped door.
The imagery serves more than just aesthetic purposes. It’s symbolic of Chaeyoung’s solo debut—stepping into a new world, unlocking her own musical identity, and inviting us into a dream-space that’s equal parts Tim Burton-core and vintage Seoul cool.
Sneak Peeks Into a Decade-In-The-Making Sound
The title track is a blazing anthem called ‘SHOOT (Firecracker)’, a literal sonic bang to mark Chaeyoung’s solo debut. JYP Entertainment also released a behind-the-scenes album-making video and a music video for one of the b-sides, ‘AVOCADO (feat. Gliiico)’—yes, that’s a real song—and it’s as quirky and fresh as the title suggests.
True to her reputation as TWICE’s artsy wildcard, Chaeyoung didn’t just sing and pose for photos. She’s credited on all 10 tracks of the album, hinting at a deeply personal project. With help from respected collaborators and industry producers, she’s crafted a record that mixes K-pop with indie, punk, and dreamy synth vibes.
What’s Inside ‘LIL FANTASY vol.1’? A Tracklist Deep Dive
The album features a stunning mix of genres and features:
- ‘SHOOT (Firecracker)’ – The explosive title track
- ‘AVOCADO (feat. Gliiico)’ – Offbeat, upbeat, and dangerously catchy
- ‘BAND-AID’ – Emotional healing through melodies
- ‘GIRL’ – Empowerment meets Chaeyoung’s lyrical realism
- ‘RIBBONS (feat. SUMIN, Jibin of Y2K92)’ – Add this alt-pop gem to your lo-fi playlist ASAP
- ‘DOWNPOUR (with Kai)’ – Ballad lovers, you’re fed
- ‘BF’ – Possibly the cutest acronym breakup anthem ever
- ‘그림자놀이’ – Translates to ‘Shadow Play,’ serving experimental drama
- ‘내 기타’ – “My Guitar” pairs stripped-back acoustics with poet vibes
- ‘Lonely doll waltz’ – A CD-only hidden track just for the fans (and yes, that title is fully peak Chaeyoung)
Whether she’s singing over twinkling keys, layered synths, or lo-fi fuzz, every song carries her DNA. The tone? Vulnerable, witty, confident—and very Chaeyoung.
Collaborators Bring That Sonic Spice
Chaeyoung may be going solo, but she’s not going it alone. She enlisted features like Gliiico, SUMIN, and Jibin from Y2K92, artists known in Korea’s indie and alt-R&B scenes. She also teams up with Kai—yes, probably that Kai from EXO—for the emotional track ‘Downpour.’
The dream team of producers behind the album reportedly includes both longtime JYP creatives and fresh names from the underground scene. The result? A blend that bends genre expectations while still vibing in the K-pop lane.
The Countdown: Album Release and Pre-Listening Party
LIL FANTASY vol.1 officially drops on September 12 at 1 PM KST. But the magic kicks off the night before. On September 11, Chaeyoung will hold a pre-listening event at Hannam House in Yongsan, Seoul. She’ll preview songs, soak in fan reactions, and basically kick off launch day with a dreamy celebration that fits the album’s whimsical spirit.
Why Chaeyoung’s Solo Feels Different
Chaeyoung’s solo debut doesn’t feel like a brand extension—it feels like a manifesto. Whether she’s rapping about relationships or dancing in castles, she’s proving that idols can be artists on their own terms. Her teasers already did half the storytelling, and now the music is set to finish the job.
This is not just another K-pop solo project. This is Chaeyoung pulling back the curtain on her kaleidoscopic brain—and inviting all of us in. Welcome to LIL FANTASY.
FAQs
When is Chaeyoung’s solo album coming out?
Chaeyoung’s debut album ‘LIL FANTASY vol.1’ will be released on September 12, 2024, at 1 PM KST.
What is the title track of Chaeyoung’s solo album?
The lead single is titled ‘SHOOT (Firecracker),’ an energetic track that introduces her solo sound.
Are there any collaborations on the album?
Yes, the album features collaborations with Gliiico, SUMIN, Jibin (of Y2K92), and Kai.
