TWICE's Tzuyu 'Run Away' Solo Debut: The Story Behind Her Musical Journey

TWICE's Tzuyu made her highly anticipated solo debut on September 6, 2024, with the release of her first mini-album 'Aboutzu' and lead single 'Run Away'. Following fellow members Nayeon and Jihyo, Tzuyu becomes the third TWICE member to embark on a solo career. The Taiwanese singer, born Chou Tzu-yu in Tainan, has already demonstrated significant commercial appeal with her debut extended play.

Additionally, 'Aboutzu' showcases Tzuyu's artistic versatility through six diverse tracks, notably including collaborations with BTOB's Peniel on the all-English "Heartbreak in Heaven" and rapper pH-1 on "Lazy Baby". The EP has achieved remarkable commercial success, with pre-order sales reaching 467,500 copies worldwide. Furthermore, 'Aboutzu' debuted impressively at number 3 on South Korea's Circle Album Chart with 284,844 copies sold, while also securing the number 19 position on the Billboard 200 in the United States with 24,000 album-equivalent units.

The Road to Solo: How Tzuyu Prepared for 'Run Away'

The journey toward Tzuyu's solo debut began with a simple curiosity that gradually evolved into something more profound. Unlike the sudden announcement that surprised fans, her path to becoming a soloist was carefully considered over many months.

From TWICE to solo: Why now?

Tzuyu's decision to launch a solo career stemmed from personal curiosity rather than external pressure. "I always had a curiosity of what it would be like to work as a solo artist and create my own music and do my own stage performance, and that curiosity kind of developed into a certain level of passion for it," she explained through a translator. This internal motivation became the driving force behind her debut.

The timing proved perfect after TWICE concluded their fifth world tour, "Ready to Be," which spanned 27 cities and drew approximately 1.5 million attendees. During this tour, Tzuyu had opportunities to showcase her individual talents through solo stages, initially performing dance-oriented pieces before shifting to ballads at their Japanese encore shows. The positive audience reaction "gave me a lot of courage and energy to try more new things in the future," Tzuyu noted.

JYP's role in greenlighting the project

The process began when Tzuyu approached JYP Entertainment about pursuing solo work. "I had told JYP that I wanted to release my album and they thankfully agreed," she revealed. Unlike some companies with rigid solo debut schedules, JYP appears to follow a more organic approach. "We don't really have a system as to which one of us gets to do it next. But as with everything in TWICE, if one of us has the desire, and if we bring it up to the company first, then that's how it's decided. It's very fair," she explained.

J.Y. Park himself offered insight into why the company supported her solo endeavor: "As the youngest of the group, we believe she has now grown and matured into a competent artist to express her artistry on stage".

Balancing group activities and solo ambitions

Preparing for a solo debut amid TWICE's demanding schedule presented significant challenges. "When it was first decided [that I would go solo], I started to feel the nerves, wondering if I could do a good job," Tzuyu confessed. The pressure affected her sleep and raised concerns about managing both broadcasting appearances and interviews in Korean, given her native Taiwanese background.

Fortunately, her TWICE colleagues offered crucial support. "Jihyo-unnie and Nayeon-unnie were the first ones to offer me a helping hand," she shared, adding they told her "if there was anything they could help me with, if I ever felt stuck, they would be more than happy to help". This encouragement from experienced solo artists within the group proved invaluable as she navigated this new chapter.

Inside 'abouTZU': The Concept and Composition

The six-track EP 'abouTZU' serves as a musical portrait of Tzuyu, offering listeners a glimpse into her diverse artistic capabilities beyond her role in TWICE.

What the title 'abouTZU' means

The album title cleverly combines the English word "about" with the first three letters of Tzuyu's name, symbolizing that the EP reflects all aspects of herself. Moreover, the text "abouTZU" on the cover art can simultaneously be read as "chouTZU," representing her full name Chou Tzuyu. "This album is all about showing every side of myself that I haven't shown before," Tzuyu explained. "There's a sexier side, and also a playful and cheeky song as well as a sentimental ballad on the album, so that I can express all the different emotions within myself".

Tracklist overview and featured artists

'AbouTZU' contains six distinct tracks, beginning with the lead single "Run Away." The EP features two noteworthy collaborations: "Heartbreak in Heaven" with BTOB's Peniel and "Lazy Baby" featuring rapper pH-1. Subsequently, the tracklist continues with the solo songs "Losing Sleep" and "One Love" before concluding with the ballad "Fly". The collection spans multiple genres, from synth-pop and disco-pop to emotional ballads, highlighting Tzuyu's versatility as a performer.

The making of 'Run Away'

The lead single "Run Away" was written by JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young. Johnny Simpson, who has previously worked with international artists like Lauv and OneRepublic, led the composition team. "I fell in love with 'Run Away' from the first time I heard it," Tzuyu revealed. "The melody was catchy, and the synth bass sound was really captivating". The track features nostalgic piano melodies in the intro and a bold synth bass for the chorus, evoking sounds reminiscent of the late 2000s to mid-2010s.

Tzuyu's songwriting debut with 'Fly'

For the final track "Fly," Tzuyu took her first step into songwriting. "I am very attached to the song 'Fly'... because I wrote the lyrics myself," she shared. The heartfelt ballad draws inspiration from her personal journey: "I was most inspired by the experiences and emotions I've carried from childhood to where I am now". The song doubles as an earnest letter to fans, offering support to those who have supported her with lyrics like "If you can dream it, then you can be it / You got to follow the beat of your heart".

The Visual and Emotional Storytelling of 'Run Away'

In stark contrast to her previous image within TWICE, Tzuyu's "Run Away" music video presents a darker, more mature artistic vision that captivated audiences upon its September 2024 release.

Music video symbolism and duality

The visual narrative of "Run Away" revolves around a compelling duality in Tzuyu's character. Throughout the video, viewers witness two distinct sides of her persona—a loving, gentler side alongside a colder, more sinister version. This contrast is reinforced through deliberate lighting choices, with numerous scenes set in shadowy environments or at nightfall. The gothic-inspired aesthetics include grand staircases, cathedral-like structures, and dimly lit rooms that enhance the mysterious atmosphere.

Perhaps most intriguing is the red string motif, which Tzuyu wraps around a man's bandaged finger before eventually cutting it—an image reminiscent of mythological Fates determining mortal lifespans. This symbolism, paired with lyrics about "watching" her lover, creates an unsettling yet fascinating narrative tension.

Choreography and stage performance

The choreography showcases Tzuyu's technical prowess, particularly through clean, well-executed movements that highlight her body control. Dance sequences unfold in visually striking locations, including an underground basement and elegant staircases. Her movements display remarkable precision, especially in quick hand sequences that demonstrate her physical coordination.

Tzuyu's facial expressions and confidence

Initially, Tzuyu faced criticism for her "blank facial expressions" and "lackluster solo performances". Critics questioned her stage presence, with some claiming she "lacks stage presence and facial expressions". Nevertheless, she quickly responded to feedback, taking notes and visibly improving during subsequent performances. Indeed, Tzuyu acknowledged this focus area, stating, "I took care to focus on my facial expressions, especially playing up the intensity in my eyes".

Fan interpretations and theories

Fan theories about the narrative range from depicting obsessive love to more complex interpretations. Some viewers suggest the story portrays Tzuyu as an "obsessed, manipulative, narcissistic girl" unable to accept rejection. Others interpret the video as Tzuyu "running away" from guilt or potential consequences of her actions. The music video's intentionally dreamy atmosphere invites multiple readings, with the director noting that "everything depends on how you dream".

Reception and Impact of Tzuyu’s Solo Debut

Tzuyu's debut EP has made significant waves across the music industry, establishing her as a formidable solo artist beyond her TWICE identity.

Chart performance and sales

The commercial success of 'abouTZU' speaks volumes about Tzuyu's popularity as a soloist. With pre-order sales reaching an impressive 467,500 copies worldwide, the album demonstrated substantial market anticipation even before its release. Upon debut, it secured the number 3 position on South Korea's Circle Album Chart with 284,844 copies sold in its first week. Internationally, the EP made a strong showing by landing at number 19 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, moving 24,000 album-equivalent units. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Tzuyu's global reach outside the TWICE umbrella.

Critical reviews and fan feedback

Critical reception to Tzuyu's solo work has been largely positive, though not without constructive criticism. Music critics praised her willingness to explore a darker, more mature concept that diverges significantly from her TWICE image. Despite initial concerns about her stage presence, many reviewers noted her rapid improvement across performances. Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly supportive, with ONCE (TWICE's fandom) celebrating her growth as an individual artist. Social media platforms buzzed with praise for her vocal development and artistic vision, although some fans expressed a desire for more self-written material following her songwriting debut with "Fly."

Comparisons with Nayeon and Jihyo's solos

As the third TWICE member to pursue solo activities, comparisons with Nayeon and Jihyo's debuts were inevitable. Unlike her predecessors who maintained some connection to TWICE's bright aesthetic, Tzuyu opted for a completely different direction with her gothic-inspired concept. This bold choice helped distinguish her work in the increasingly crowded K-pop soloist landscape. Her collaborative approach, featuring artists like BTOB's Peniel and pH-1, also set her project apart from earlier TWICE solo ventures.

What this means for Tzuyu's future

The success of 'abouTZU' opens numerous doors for Tzuyu's artistic development. First, it establishes her viability as a solo performer who can maintain commercial relevance outside group activities. Second, her songwriting contribution signals potential growth as a more involved creator in future releases. The positive reception to her mature concept suggests she has successfully begun shedding her "maknae" (youngest member) image, creating space for more diverse artistic expression going forward. This debut likely represents just the beginning of a multifaceted solo career alongside her continuing commitments to TWICE.