Chaeyoung Proves Her Solo Power: SHOOT (Firecracker)

Chaeyoung recently marked her emergence as a solo artist with the release of "SHOOT (Firecracker)," a track that successfully carves its own niche outside of her TWICE identity. Following her pre-release single "Avocado," this jaunty new offering showcases a distinct musical direction while maintaining the gauzy nonchalance that has become characteristic of fifth-generation girl groups.

As a prominent member of TWICE, Chaeyoung's solo venture represents an important artistic evolution. The JYP Entertainment vocalist has crafted a sound that stands on its own merits, earning impressive ratings across multiple categories including hooks (9/10), production (8/10), and longevity (9/10). Furthermore, the official music video premiered on September 11, 2025, quickly followed by a mirrored dance practice video released on September 15.

From TWICE to Solo: Setting the Stage

Chaeyoung's emergence as a solo artist marks a significant milestone in her artistic journey, becoming the fourth TWICE member to venture into solo territory after Nayeon, Jihyo, and Tzuyu. Her full-length album "LIL FANTASY vol.1" represents years of careful creative development, with the artist revealing it took "about two to three years to complete".

Why Chaeyoung's solo debut matters

As TWICE approaches its 10th anniversary, Chaeyoung's solo work offers fans a rare glimpse into her personal artistic vision. Unlike her primarily rap-focused role in TWICE, this project showcases her vocal abilities and songwriting depth. The album title itself—"LIL FANTASY"—represents "the small world that exists within her," with "vol.1" suggesting the beginning of an ongoing creative series.

How 'Avocado' teased a new direction

Released as a pre-release single on August 31, "Avocado" introduced audiences to Chaeyoung's distinct solo sound—dreamy, languid, and featuring 70s-inspired guitar textures. The song, featuring Japanese band Gliiico, presented a stark departure from TWICE's energetic pop formula. Its whimsical music video, shot entirely on film with stop-motion clay animation, established the dreamlike aesthetic of her solo universe.

Expectations from a JYP Chaeyoung release

Notably, Chaeyoung contributed to all ten tracks as composer, lyricist, or arranger. According to interviews, she prioritized creating music that would "reflect my taste, be cool, and deliver a message". Her solo material reveals a more vulnerable side, addressing personal struggles through introspective lyrics—a deliberate contrast to TWICE's upbeat image.

Musical Identity in 'Shoot (Firecracker)'

"SHOOT (Firecracker)" establishes Chaeyoung's distinctive musical footprint, showcasing her artistic evolution beyond her role in one of K-pop's most successful girl groups.

A shift from TWICE's signature sound

The title track deliberately pushes back against the tropes and expectations established during Chaeyoung's decade with TWICE. Instead of replicating the high-energy pop formulas that defined her group work, she embraces a more laid-back approach that feels refreshingly personal. The song successfully carves its own niche, affirming that solo careers should exist for reasons beyond extending group popularity. This disco-influenced pop track introduces listeners to a world curated to feel sleek, playful, and tailored specifically to Chaeyoung's versatility.

The role of rhythm guitar and disco groove

At the heart of "SHOOT (Firecracker)" lies an arrangement where rhythm guitar plays a pivotal role, adding a distinctive disco groove. The composition features a lightly funk-twinged bassline that keeps the energy buoyant, creating a soundscape reminiscent of early 80s music. This instrumental approach creates a vibey, dance-ready track that remains intentionally light on its feet with a chorus built for repeat plays.

Chaeyoung's vocal tone: soft, stylish, and warm

Chaeyoung's vocal delivery provides the perfect complement to the track's musical foundation. Her soft, almost airy vocal tone threads through the hook without overselling it. This approach is both stylish and slightly aloof, yet maintains enough underlying warmth to keep the song firmly anchored. The result is a smooth, effortless performance that showcases her vocal capabilities beyond her typical TWICE role.

Lyrics and Emotional Themes

The lyrical world of "SHOOT (Firecracker)" reveals Chaeyoung's thematic interests through carefully chosen imagery and emotional motifs. As the title track that boldly declares her aspirations as an artist, the lyrics showcase her creative vision beyond her TWICE persona.

Recurring motifs: fire, heart, and light

Throughout the track, Chaeyoung weaves a tapestry of symbolic imagery. The fire motif appears prominently with lines like "Feel a void without the fire, ignite it", suggesting both creative passion and inner strength. Light imagery manifests through references to "fireflies" that "color my eyes" and anticipation for when "the sun turns to light". The most dominant symbol, however, is the heart—repeated constantly in the chorus with "Just shoot from my heart", establishing an emotional core to her artistic statement.

Exploring vulnerability and self-expression

Behind the upbeat production lies a surprisingly vulnerable narrative. Chaeyoung addresses past hurts with "But I've been hurt before, I know how to hold on", yet maintains optimism with "Don't say goodbye, there's a new beginning". In interviews, she revealed that "SHOOT (Firecracker)" represents her transformation of "dark moments into a navel-gazing masterpiece". The track essentially asks listeners to celebrate with her, conveying her message: "Let's light fireworks and enjoy a party".

English lyrics and their impact on delivery

Chaeyoung's choice to perform primarily in English has divided fan opinion. Some critics suggested the language choice affected the song's delivery, expressing they "would love to hear this song in Korean". Nevertheless, the English lyrics allow for direct communication of her message about self-acceptance. The clarity of lines like "Love is within, why are we still searching? Can we let go of the world so judging?" demonstrates her desire to reach a global audience with her introspective questions.

Audience Reactions and Artistic Implications

The release of "SHOOT (Firecracker)" has generated polarized reactions across online platforms, revealing the challenges of establishing a solo identity after group success.

Mixed fan responses and critical takes

Fan reception to Chaeyoung's solo work has been distinctly divided. Some listeners described it as "a vibe" and "one of my favorite Twice solos", appreciating her "soft but stylish" vocal approach. Conversely, critics labeled it a "lazy snoozer" and "completely void of personality." This divergence reflected in sales patterns too, with initial strong performance followed by a notable drop that prompted both mockery and defense from different fan segments.

Comparisons to other soloists like Lee Chaeyon and V

Several critics have drawn parallels between Chaeyoung's approach and BTS member V's solo project "Layover", noting similarities in their mellow, atmospheric aesthetic. Moreover, discussions about Lee Chaeyeon's solo potential have emerged alongside Chaeyoung's debut, though these comparisons primarily highlight their distinct performance strengths.

What this means for Chaeyoung's future as a solo artist

Despite mixed reactions, Chaeyoung remains focused on artistic expression rather than commercial validation. "Honestly, I didn't create it with the hope of some big achievement. If there are people who say this is the kind of album they like to return to... that alone would make me really happy". Additionally, her deliberate naming of the project "LIL FANTASY vol.1" signals her intention to continue developing this creative universe.