Talks ‘LIL FANTASY Vol. 1’

Amid the ever-changing K-pop landscape, few groups have continued to rewrite their own history 10 years into their career quite like TWICE.

Beyond their towering popularity in Korea and Japan, one aspect that’s often overlooked is how firmly the nine-member act has planted its flag in the U.S. market. In 2023, TWICE became the first K-pop girl group to sell out both L.A.’s SoFi Stadium and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, and that same year they made history again by winning the Breakthrough Artist honor at the Billboard Women in Music Awards. The following year, their 13th mini-album With YOU-th debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — the group’s first chart-topper, and only the eighth time any K-pop act had ever topped the chart.

2025 has been another milestone year for TWICE’s U.S. presence. “Takedown,” a track from Netflix’s buzzy KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack featuring Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung, delivered the group’s highest-ever peak on the Billboard Hot 100. Their 14th mini-album’s title track, “Strategy (feat. Megan Thee Stallion),” also climbed to No. 51 on the chart, underscoring the full group’s staying power. And in August, TWICE cemented their world-class stature once more as a headliner at Lollapalooza Chicago. Kicking off July 19 at Inspire Arena in Incheon, their sixth world tour THIS IS FOR has been unfolding with unprecedented passion from fans around the globe.

Among TWICE’s nine members, Chaeyoung has always stood out for her dual role as main rapper and sub-vocalist. This September, following Nayeon (2022), Jihyo (2023) and Tzuyu (2024), she became the fourth member to embark on a solo career — and she did so with a full-length album packed with 10 tracks. ‘LIL FANTASY vol.1′ not only showcased her songwriting and composing across the entire record, but also solidified her stature as a true artist.

Within the team, Chaeyoung has long been known for her singular creative instinct. Her bold sense of style and love of illustration add an unmistakably artistic layer to her persona, making it no surprise that those who know her reacted to the title ‘LIL FANTASY vol.1′ by saying, “It couldn’t be more Chaeyoung.” True to its name, her first solo album expands her reach beyond the title of main rapper, revealing the nuance of a sensitive vocalist. She even immersed herself in the mixing sessions, fine-tuning every detail to let her voice shine at its brightest. “Think of each track as one of ten doors inside the castle of LIL FANTASY,” she explains — an apt metaphor for a record that invites listeners to open vividly colored rooms one by one. It sparks anticipation not only for the Chaeyoung of today but for the boundless possibilities she has yet to explore.

For women who start their journeys under the “idol” label in K-pop, a handful of stereotypes often linger like a shadow. Yet Chaeyoung has resisted them, grounding herself in memories that took root in childhood and continuing an honest dialogue with her inner self ever since her debut. “Who am I, and where do I feel most at ease?” she has asked herself, nurturing that conversation as carefully as watering a plant. The result is a body of work built from a steady, unwavering sense of self: ten tracks she wrote and sang herself, including the lead single. “I want to thank myself,” she says. “For protecting my taste, for standing firm and not wavering.” Her words resonate all the more because this project also aims to help others discover their own little fantasies. She hopes that, through albums like this, the paths available to artists within K-pop will continue to expand — and that she can be one of the people clearing the way.

Listening to ‘LIL FANTASY vol.1′ makes it clear: Chaeyoung is already forging that path, filling each song with her unmistakable voice and individuality. As this new chapter begins, she opens the doors of her small inner castle and gently invites us in, guiding us room by room through her story.

How did the other members support you as you prepared for your solo debut?

They cheered me on so much, telling me, “Go for everything you want!” [Laughs] All the members even came to music show tapings to celebrate and support me, which meant the world.

Before we dive into the album, what fills the “little world” inside Son Chaeyoung?

A lot of it stems from my childhood — our family home in the mountains, the warmth of my mom’s love, and the animations I loved growing up. Those memories form the core of my inner world, and each experience I have keeps adding new colors.

What does that world mean to you?

Some people might find it a little strange, but it’s where I feel most like myself. I don’t have to put on a front; I can just be at ease and do anything there. I think listening to this album will help people understand me better.

You filled your first solo project with 10 songs — a rare move. Why was it important to you?

I didn’t want my first solo album to pass by lightly. I spent about a year in production, but more than two years just figuring out what I wanted to say and how to express it. To capture everything that makes up Son Chaeyoung in one record, I really needed 10 tracks. [Laughs]

You wrote and composed every track. What inspired you through that process?

I explored myself a lot during this project — what I think, what I feel — and even my drawings fed into the music. Friends, who are a big part of me, also inspired me. From there, I picked the songs I loved most and curated the final 10 for the album.

Can you describe the album’s storyline, like a fairytale?

There’s a small, quiet girl with especially clear eyes — maybe a little quirky to others. On her way home, she gets lost and meets three adorable friends who guide her to a castle called LIL FANTASY. It’s a dreamlike place filled with everything she’s ever wished for, where she can express and realize it all.

What message did you most want to deliver through this album?

That everyone has a “little world” inside them. Just as I had a world like LIL FANTASY, I hope listeners feel they can nurture their individuality and bring it to light. I also wanted to present my own taste, even if it might seem odd or risky to some [Laughs], and say, “See? It’s fine.”

You collaborated on five songs — “AVOCADO (feat. Gliiico),” “BAND-AID,” “SHOOT (Firecracker),” “GIRL,” and “DOWNPOUR (with Gliiico)” — with rising Japanese band Gliiico, who even appear in the “AVOCADO” MV. How did that partnership start?

I discovered Gliiico’s music by chance and loved their songs right away. I kept exploring their work and eventually invited them to a TWICE concert. Since then, we’ve been making music together like we’re just having fun, and that bond naturally led to this album. Working in such a comfortable, almost family-like atmosphere helped create great results.

Were there any vocal or sonic experiments you’d like fans to focus on in LIL FANTASY vol.1?

For the first time, I got involved in the mixing sessions — it was fascinating, even shocking in a good way. I realized how a mix can completely change a song’s color. I fine-tuned every detail, aiming for a “glossy” sound that matched my own voice, which is more delicate and jewel-like than powerful. Listeners familiar with my rapping in TWICE might find this tone surprising, but I focused on how to make it sound most appealing.

The concept photos evoke “Alice in Wonderland.” You were deeply involved in the visuals, too.

Because the theme was “my little fantasy world,” I tried to reflect as much of the world from my sketches as possible. Drawing is a hobby that softens rigid thoughts, and it definitely feeds into my music. My drawings carry a lot of influence from director Tim Burton, whom I admire, so it felt right to weave that style into the concept photos. I also imagined each track as a different door in the ‘LIL FANTASY’ castle, each room filled with its own color, tying the visuals and music together.

What does this first solo album mean to you?

It feels like the day I first revealed the fantasy world that had only existed inside me to people in reality. It’s a chapter I’ll cherish forever. And I want to thank myself for holding onto my taste and standing firm — because of that, I could make this record.

You added “vol.1” to the title. Does that imply more stories ahead?

I think it’ll change with time, and I’m excited. [Laughs] I keep wondering, “Who will appear in vol. 2? What events will unfold?” I just released the first album, yet I already can’t wait to start working on the next.

Looking back as TWICE approaches its 10th anniversary on Oct. 20, how do you feel about the group’s achievements?

I’m just so grateful. And as time goes on, I find myself hungrier musically. We started as idols, but I feel our range is expanding. More people focus on the music itself, which makes me really happy.

When you were invited to join “Takedown” for KPop Demon Hunters, what was your first thought?

I loved that it was a new challenge. I’ve always been a huge animation fan, [Laughs] so when I heard about an animated film about K-pop, I couldn’t say no. Plus, I was intrigued by the chance to try a different style of music from what I usually do with TWICE.

This year marks both your first solo album and TWICE’s 10th anniversary. Reflecting on this milestone, what comes to mind?

I think, “We really worked hard.” Even 10 years after debut, I’m proud we’re still busy with full schedules. ONCE — our fans — feel more precious than ever. They’re the reason TWICE and I can keep standing on stage; they’re our driving force.

In an era where so many idols rise and fade, what’s the single most important reason TWICE has been able to keep their team so strong for all these years?

Teamwork. After 10 years together, we’re like family. The foundation has always been caring for and understanding one another, and I think our love for each other makes everything possible.

As a person, not just an artist, what are your hopes for the future — near or far?

I want to make music for a long, long time. Beyond that, I’d love to be someone who inspires friends chasing their dreams. I also hope there will be more diverse paths for artists within K-pop, and I want to be one of the people paving those new routes — even far into the future. [Laughs]