{"id":80548,"date":"2025-09-23T08:15:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T08:15:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/80548\/"},"modified":"2025-09-23T08:15:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T08:15:11","slug":"talks-lil-fantasy-vol-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/80548\/","title":{"rendered":"Talks ‘LIL FANTASY Vol. 1’"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\tAmid the ever-changing K-pop landscape, few groups have continued to rewrite their own history 10 years into their career quite like TWICE<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n\tBeyond their towering popularity in Korea<\/a> and Japan, one aspect that\u2019s 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.\u2019s SoFi Stadium<\/a> and New Jersey\u2019s MetLife Stadium<\/a>, and that same year they made history again by winning the Breakthrough Artist<\/a> honor at the Billboard Women in Music Awards<\/a>. The following year, their 13th mini-album With YOU-th<\/a> debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200<\/a> \u2014 the group\u2019s first chart-topper, and only the eighth time any K-pop act had ever topped the chart.<\/p>\n

\n\t2025 has been another milestone year for TWICE\u2019s U.S. presence. \u201cTakedown,\u201d a track from Netflix\u2019s buzzy KPop Demon Hunters<\/a> soundtrack featuring Jeongyeon<\/a>, Jihyo<\/a> and Chaeyoung<\/a>, delivered the group\u2019s highest-ever peak on the Billboard Hot 100<\/a>. Their 14th mini-album\u2019s title track, \u201cStrategy (feat. Megan Thee Stallion<\/a>),\u201d also climbed to No. 51 on the chart, underscoring the full group\u2019s staying power. And in August, TWICE cemented their world-class stature once more as a headliner at Lollapalooza Chicago<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tExplore\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/p>\n

\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

See latest videos, charts and news<\/p>\n

\n\tAmong TWICE\u2019s nine members, Chaeyoung<\/a> has always stood out for her dual role as main rapper and sub-vocalist. This September, following Nayeon<\/a> (2022), Jihyo<\/a> (2023) and Tzuyu<\/a> (2024), she became the fourth member to embark on a solo career \u2014 and she did so with a full-length album packed with 10 tracks. \u2018LIL FANTASY vol.1\u2032 not only showcased her songwriting and composing across the entire record, but also solidified her stature as a true artist.<\/p>\n

\n\tWithin 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 \u2018LIL FANTASY vol.1\u2032 by saying, \u201cIt couldn\u2019t be more Chaeyoung.\u201d 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. \u201cThink of each track as one of ten doors inside the castle of LIL FANTASY,\u201d she explains \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

\n\tFor women who start their journeys under the \u201cidol\u201d 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. \u201cWho am I, and where do I feel most at ease?\u201d 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. \u201cI want to thank myself,\u201d she says. \u201cFor protecting my taste, for standing firm and not wavering.\u201d 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 \u2014 and that she can be one of the people clearing the way.<\/p>\n

\n\tListening to \u2018LIL FANTASY vol.1\u2032 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.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"CHAEYOUNG,<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tCHAEYOUNG<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBillboard Korea<\/p>\n

\n\tHow did the other members support you as you prepared for your solo debut?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tThey cheered me on so much, telling me, \u201cGo for everything you want!\u201d [Laughs] All the members even came to music show tapings to celebrate and support me, which meant the world.<\/p>\n

\n\tBefore we dive into the album, what fills the \u201clittle world\u201d inside Son Chaeyoung?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tA lot of it stems from my childhood \u2014 our family home in the mountains, the warmth of my mom\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\n\tWhat does that world mean to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tSome people might find it a little strange, but it\u2019s where I feel most like myself. I don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

\n\tYou filled your first solo project with 10 songs \u2014 a rare move. Why was it important to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tI didn\u2019t 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]<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"CHAEYOUNG,<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tCHAEYOUNG<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBillboard Korea<\/p>\n

\n\tYou wrote and composed every track. What inspired you through that process?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tI explored myself a lot during this project \u2014 what I think, what I feel \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

\n\tCan you describe the album\u2019s storyline, like a fairytale?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tThere\u2019s a small, quiet girl with especially clear eyes \u2014 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\u2019s a dreamlike place filled with everything she\u2019s ever wished for, where she can express and realize it all.<\/p>\n

\n\tWhat message did you most want to deliver through this album?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tThat everyone has a \u201clittle world\u201d 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, \u201cSee? It\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tYou collaborated on five songs \u2014 \u201cAVOCADO (feat. Gliiico),\u201d \u201cBAND-AID,\u201d \u201cSHOOT (Firecracker),\u201d \u201cGIRL,\u201d and \u201cDOWNPOUR (with Gliiico)\u201d \u2014 with rising Japanese band Gliiico, who even appear in the \u201cAVOCADO\u201d MV. How did that partnership start?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tI discovered Gliiico\u2019s 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\u2019ve been making music together like we\u2019re just having fun, and that bond naturally led to this album. Working in such a comfortable, almost family-like atmosphere helped create great results.<\/p>\n

\n\tWere there any vocal or sonic experiments you\u2019d like fans to focus on in LIL FANTASY vol.1?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tFor the first time, I got involved in the mixing sessions \u2014 it was fascinating, even shocking in a good way. I realized how a mix can completely change a song\u2019s color. I fine-tuned every detail, aiming for a \u201cglossy\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe concept photos evoke \u201cAlice in Wonderland.\u201d You were deeply involved in the visuals, too.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tBecause the theme was \u201cmy little fantasy world,\u201d 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 \u2018LIL FANTASY\u2019 castle, each room filled with its own color, tying the visuals and music together.<\/p>\n

\n\tWhat does this first solo album mean to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tIt feels like the day I first revealed the fantasy world that had only existed inside me to people in reality. It\u2019s a chapter I\u2019ll cherish forever. And I want to thank myself for holding onto my taste and standing firm \u2014 because of that, I could make this record.<\/p>\n

\n\tYou added \u201cvol.1\u201d to the title. Does that imply more stories ahead?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tI think it\u2019ll change with time, and I\u2019m excited. [Laughs] I keep wondering, \u201cWho will appear in vol. 2? What events will unfold?\u201d I just released the first album, yet I already can\u2019t wait to start working on the next.<\/p>\n

\n\tLooking back as TWICE approaches its 10th anniversary on Oct. 20, how do you feel about the group\u2019s achievements?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tI\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n

\n\tWhen you were invited to join \u201cTakedown\u201d for <\/strong>KPop Demon Hunters<\/strong>, what was your first thought?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tI loved that it was a new challenge. I\u2019ve always been a huge animation fan, [Laughs] so when I heard about an animated film about K-pop, I couldn\u2019t say no. Plus, I was intrigued by the chance to try a different style of music from what I usually do with TWICE.<\/p>\n

\n\tThis year marks both your first solo album and TWICE\u2019s 10th anniversary. Reflecting on this milestone, what comes to mind?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tI think, \u201cWe really worked hard.\u201d Even 10 years after debut, I\u2019m proud we\u2019re still busy with full schedules. ONCE \u2014 our fans \u2014 feel more precious than ever. They\u2019re the reason TWICE and I can keep standing on stage; they\u2019re our driving force.<\/p>\n

\n\tIn an era where so many idols rise and fade, what\u2019s the single most important reason TWICE has been able to keep their team so strong for all these years?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tTeamwork. After 10 years together, we\u2019re like family. The foundation has always been caring for and understanding one another, and I think our love for each other makes everything possible.<\/p>\n

\n\tAs a person, not just an artist, what are your hopes for the future \u2014 near or far?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tI want to make music for a long, long time. Beyond that, I\u2019d 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 \u2014 even far into the future. [Laughs]<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"CHAEYOUNG,<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tCHAEYOUNG<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBillboard Korea<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Amid the ever-changing K-pop landscape, few groups have continued to rewrite their own history 10 years into their…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":80549,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[264],"tags":[54066,18,117,4813,13676,19,17,6571,337,2624],"class_list":{"0":"post-80548","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-music","8":"tag-billboard-korea","9":"tag-eire","10":"tag-entertainment","11":"tag-genre-kpop","12":"tag-global","13":"tag-ie","14":"tag-ireland","15":"tag-korea","16":"tag-music","17":"tag-music-news"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80548","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=80548"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80548\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/80549"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=80548"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=80548"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=80548"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}