SEOUL — In a major career milestone marking both personal creative freedom and continued group unity, TWICE member Chaeyoung announced on August 13, 2026, that she will pursue her individual music releases as an independent artist under her solo persona, "Lil Fantasy."
The decision concludes a foundational 14-year run under JYP Entertainment, spanning her training years and her 2015 debut as TWICE’s primary rapper and visual creative. In a heartfelt, handwritten letter published to her official social media channels, Chaeyoung reassured global fans (ONCEs) that her individual agency transition will not alter her place in the legendary nine-member girl group.
Chaeyoung embarking on her independent creative era. Source: @tzujuliee x.com
A Handwritten Letter to ONCE: "Nothing Changes With TWICE"
Addressing her fans directly, Chaeyoung shared a personal handwritten letter outlining her gratitude for her long tenure at JYP Entertainment while clarifying her future plans for both solo releases and group schedules.
"Fourteen years after entering JYP as a young girl with big dreams, I am stepping into a new space to explore my own creative voice as Lil Fantasy," Chaeyoung wrote. "To my members and ONCE who have been my greatest strength—nothing changes with TWICE. My commitment to our group, our comebacks, and our future anniversary stages remains 100% complete."
Original letter (from Instagram):
Translation by us:
Industry officials confirmed that while her solo management and creative publishing will operate independently, she will maintain a non-exclusive group agreement with JYP Entertainment specifically structured for TWICE’s joint discography, stadium tours, and milestone anniversary releases.
Building on the Critical Acclaim of "Lil Fantasy"
Chaeyoung’s shift toward independent solo artistry comes on the heels of critical acclaim for her solo identity. Operating under the artistic alter-ego Lil Fantasy, Chaeyoung has consistently carved out an eclectic, indie-pop and alternative hip-hop sound that diverges from mainstream K-pop formulas.
Her debut solo project, Lil Fantasy Vol. 1, earned widespread international recognition:
- Rolling Stone Listing: Ranked #86 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of 2025, with critics praising her genre-blending production, raw lyricism, and visual art direction.
- Billboard Honors: Secured the #7 spot on Billboard's Year-End Critics' Pick: Top K-Pop Albums, cementing her status as an auteur within her generation.
By taking full independent ownership of the "Lil Fantasy" brand, Chaeyoung will oversee her own creative direction, visual artwork, song composition, and fashion collaborations moving forward.
Chaeyoung performing live on stage. Source: @thatchaeyoungfan Instagram
What’s Next: Autumn 2026 Slate and TWICE Commitments
Music industry sources report that Chaeyoung is currently finalizing the infrastructure for her independent imprint. Official announcements regarding new solo singles, art installations, and creative drops under the Lil Fantasy umbrella are scheduled to launch in autumn 2026.
Concurrently, Chaeyoung will join her TWICE bandmates for scheduled group activities later this year, reinforcing a growing industry standard where veteran K-pop artists operate under specialized individual labels while sustaining multi-year group legacies.
Key Details & Summary
Sources: The Korea Herald | The Korea Times | Billboard | Rolling Stone
