ITZY's Chaeryeong Opens Up About Starting Her Solo Career
Talking about everything from overcoming personal fears to discovering new sides of herself as an artist.
After years of captivating audiences as one-sixth of K-pop powerhouse ITZY, Chaeryeong is stepping into the spotlight on her own. The singer just released her first solo project, Lovesick, a four-track EP that sees her explore a fresh, playful side of her artistry. Centered around the butterflies and excitement of falling in love, the record blends upbeat pop with R&B influences and a touch of indie rock, offering a glimpse into a musical identity she’s still eager to discover.
Following in the footsteps of fellow ITZY members Yeji and Yuna, Chaeryeong’s solo debut marks a new chapter in her career, one that comes with its own set of challenges, creative freedom and opportunities for growth. Speaking to Hypebae, the singer opens up about overcoming her fears, finding confidence as a solo performer and the importance of having her bandmates cheering her on. Read on for the full interview.
Can you tell us a bit about how you got into music?
I’ve loved dancing and singing ever since I was little, and I think that naturally led me to dream of becoming a singer and eventually take my first steps toward making that dream come true.
You started out in the group ITZY and are now releasing your first solo project. What made you decide to take this step in your career?
I felt that I needed to overcome my own thoughts and fears in order to grow and take another step forward. Looking back, I think I’ve always developed a lot after completing major projects. I saw this solo project as another great opportunity to learn more about myself and grow as an artist, so I decided to take on the challenge!
How would you describe your individual sound?
Honestly, I’m still not sure how I’ll be seen in the future. Rather than defining my musical identity by a single color right now, I want to be an artist with a versatile palette. I hope to show diverse facets of who I am and gradually discover my own unique shade along the way. I’d also love to be seen as an artist who can captivate an audience and fill the stage all on my own.
The project is titled Lovesick. Can you tell us the story behind the name?
‘Lovesick,’ the title of both the album and its title track, expresses the heart-fluttering rush of falling in love. I fell in love with the title the moment I first saw it. The song beautifully captures the racing heartbeats and emotions you feel when you fall in love.
The record has a really upbeat energy to it. What were some of your inspirations behind the work? Any personal experiences that influenced the songs?
I think I spent a lot of time thinking about how to help listeners fully experience the mood and emotions that “Lovesick” naturally conveys. I focused on what kind of visuals, vocals and choreography would best bring out the song’s charm and make its appeal shine through.
Does the album have a message you want listeners to take away?
As you listen to this album, I hope it brings back those fluttery feelings, perhaps making you wonder, ‘Have I ever been in love like this?’ Even if it’s not strictly about romantic love, I truly hope this album lifts your spirits and naturally brings a smile to your face.
How does it feel creating something on your own instead of in a group? Were there any challenges you encountered?
Unlike group activities, where many things are already structured, solo activities involve more situations where I have to share my own opinions and make decisions. Because of that, I felt a greater sense of responsibility and pressure compared to working as part of a group. Still, I really enjoyed the entire process, just as I do with group activities. I learned a lot through these new experiences, and it was a valuable time that helped me grow as an artist.
Is there something fans might not expect from you in this new album?
I think some of you might’ve already had an idea of what was coming, but you might be a little surprised to find that the song and concept are even cuter than expected! It captures a fresh and lovely side of me that I can show at this point in my life, so I hope you enjoy discovering it.
How would you describe your relationship as a group? Was it easy to tell them you were progressing as a solo artist?
We always support and rely on one another, working together in a positive and encouraging atmosphere. Even while I was preparing for this solo album, the members constantly cheered me on. They even came to the set to show their support. Having them by my side, always standing by me like family and best friends, made me feel so reassured, and it gave me the extra strength to pour my all into this.
Remaining part of ITZY and also launching your own career, what can we expect from you over the next few years?
Having grown through my activities with ITZY, I now want to show that I can fully enjoy and command the stage as an artist on my own, too. Starting with this solo project, I hope to show you even more diverse sides of myself, beyond the charms you’ve seen through ITZY. I’ll continue working hard to share more of who I am, so I hope you’ll look forward to what’s ahead!
