TWICE’s ChaeYoung Sweeps Poll With Solo Album “Lil Fantasy Vol. 1”

ChaeYoung’s solo era has officially begun, and fans can’t get enough. The TWICE member recently topped Kpopmap’s poll, “Which K-Pop Female Artist’s New Solo Release Is On Repeat For You?”, dominating with an astounding 97.9% of the votes.

The results weren’t just impressive—they were historic. Red Velvet’s Wendy (0.8%), idle’s Yuqi (0.7%), WJSN’s DaYoung (0.3%), and Nana (0.2%) each made the list, but ChaeYoung’s near-perfect score shows just how strongly her music has struck a chord. For ONCE, it’s a milestone, celebrating her growth and individuality as an artist.

A Solo Debut Years in the Making

“Lil Fantasy Vol. 1” released on September 12, 2025, is ChaeYoung’s long-awaited solo project. The album spans nine tracks and includes collaborations with Gliiico, SuMin, and JiBin of Y2K92.

ChaeYoung has described the album as a peek into her own “little world”. She wasn’t just the face of the project—she was deeply involved in its creation, from writing lyrics to shaping the sound. She spent years figuring out what kind of music she wanted to create and how to translate her personality into each track. For the first two years, she focused on developing her ideas before putting them into action, ensuring every song reflected her vision. The result is an album that balances playful imagination with raw vulnerability, offering fans a version of ChaeYoung they’ve been waiting years to meet.

The title track, ‘Shoot (Firecracker)‘ has quickly become the defining anthem of ChaeYoung’s solo career. Its upbeat jazz-disco rhythm paired with a message of celebration—“let’s set off firecrackers together and enjoy the party”—perfectly captures her bold, free-spirited energy.

The vibrant music video, inspired by “Alice in Wonderland”, adds a surreal layer that ties in with the whimsical “Lil Fantasy” concept. Fans have been drawn not only to the infectious energy of the track but also to the visuals, which showcase ChaeYoung’s playful and imaginative side.
Her dedication to crafting a personal, immersive album reflects her evolution not only as a member of TWICE but also as an independent artist. ONCE have long admired her creativity within the group, and now she has taken full control of her solo narrative.

Standout Tracks From “Lil Fantasy Vol. 1”

Beyond its lead single, the album is filled with songs that highlight ChaeYoung’s artistry and versatility:

‘Avocado’ (ft. Gliiico): A surreal, playful opener inspired by forbidden fruit, setting the fantasy tone for the album.

‘Girl’: A heartfelt guitar-driven ballad, reminding quiet girls that strength can come in subtle, thoughtful ways.

‘Ribbons’ (ft. SuMin & JiBin): A collaboration celebrating resilience and shared experiences as female artists.

‘Downpour’: A dreamy track influenced by Japan’s rainy season, capturing reflective, serene moments.

‘BF’ & ‘Shadow Puppet’: Two intimate songs exploring loneliness, the pressures of fame, and the desire for freedom.

‘My Guitar’: An acoustic ballad first performed during TWICE’s world tour, now closing the album with quiet intimacy.

Each track feels intentional, creating a cohesive journey that mirrors ChaeYoung’s duality—playful yet vulnerable, confident yet tender. Every song acts as a mini-story, giving listeners a closer look at her heart and imagination. Musically, the album blends neo-soul, dream pop, jazz, and R&B influences, showcasing her ability to experiment while maintaining a personal touch.

Why Fans Are Hooked

What makes “Lil Fantasy Vol. 1” resonate so deeply is its honesty. ChaeYoung has long been known as TWICE’s fearless rapper and lyricist, but this album peels back new layers. It feels like opening a diary—filled with whimsical storytelling, unguarded emotions, and an authenticity that only ChaeYoung could deliver.

From upbeat tracks like ‘Shoot (Firecracker)’ to reflective songs such as ‘Downpour’, the album explores a wide range of moods and sounds. Each arrangement, chord progression, and vocal nuance has been carefully crafted, allowing listeners to experience ChaeYoung’s creative vision in a way that feels both dynamic and immersive. Even subtle instrumental details, like guitar riffs and layered harmonies, add depth, giving the album a richness that invites repeated listening.

A New Chapter Begins

ChaeYoung’s sweeping victory in the Kpopmap poll is more than just a number—it signals the start of a new chapter. With “Lil Fantasy Vol. 1”, she has proven herself not only as a member of one of the world’s biggest girl groups but also as a soloist with her own unique vision.

As TWICE continues to thrive, ChaeYoung’s solo journey adds another dimension to her artistry. Her performances during the world tour, including live renditions of ‘My Guitar’ and other album tracks, have drawn enthusiastic responses, with fans praising her stage presence and emotive delivery. Judging by the overwhelming support, fans are ready to follow her into this new world.

For now, one thing is clear: ChaeYoung’s “Lil Fantasy Vol. 1” isn’t just an album—it’s an experience fans want to stay in, and one they’ll be hitting replay on for a long, long time.