Chaeyoung TWICE solo debut, tour return & 2026 profile

Son Chae-young, known mononymously as Chaeyoung, is the main rapper and a sub-vocalist of TWICE Band, one of the most influential K-pop groups of the past decade. In 2026, she stands at a pivotal point in her career—balancing her return to world touring with the long-term impact of her 2025 solo debut and a growing reputation as one of the group’s most credible songwriters.

Within TWICE, Chaeyoung has always occupied a distinct creative lane. While her early recognition came through rap and variety-show presence, her evolution into a lyricist, visual artist, and alternative-leaning soloist has gradually reshaped how audiences understand her role in the group’s ecosystem.

That evolution is now fully visible on the THIS IS FOR World Tour (2025–2026). Following a brief health-related hiatus in late 2025, Chaeyoung returned to the stage in early 2026 with renewed confidence, performing solo material from LIL FANTASY vol. 1 while resuming her place as one of TWICE’s most compelling live performers.

Profile & Early Career

Born on April 23, 1999, in South Korea, Chaeyoung entered public consciousness even before her debut. In 2011, a clip of her performing what became known as the “Eagle Dance” at a church event went viral online—an early indicator of the stage confidence and expressive instincts that would later define her career.

She joined JYP Entertainment as a trainee and debuted with TWICE in October 2015. From the outset, Chaeyoung was positioned as the group’s youngest rapper, pairing sharp delivery with an unusually playful sense of rhythm. In TWICE’s early years, her humor and spontaneity played a key role in shaping the group’s approachable, variety-friendly image.

Chaeyoung’s Role in TWICE — Rapper, Writer & Creative Core

As TWICE matured musically, Chaeyoung’s role expanded well beyond rap verses. Officially the group’s main rapper, she also developed into a dependable sub-vocalist, often anchoring bridges or transitional sections in live arrangements.

What sets Chaeyoung apart is her creative independence. She has consistently approached performance with a balance of control and looseness—comfortable delivering intensity without sacrificing warmth. Internally, she is often described as one of TWICE’s most self-directed members, a reputation reinforced by her early and sustained involvement in songwriting.

Solo Career — LIL FANTASY vol. 1

Chaeyoung’s transition from group artist to soloist culminated in the release of LIL FANTASY vol. 1 on September 12, 2025. Rather than positioning the album as a commercial extension of TWICE’s sound, she framed it as a personal statement.

The 10-track album leaned into psych-pop, bedroom pop, and neo-soul, with Chaeyoung taking part in writing, composing, and arranging multiple songs. The lead single, “Shoot (Firecracker)”, combined sharp rap delivery with melodic restraint, signaling a shift toward mood-driven storytelling rather than conventional idol hooks.

Critically, LIL FANTASY vol. 1 established Chaeyoung as an artist with a defined voice—measured, introspective, and stylistically distinct within the K-pop solo landscape.

Discography & Musical Contributions

Chaeyoung holds a unique position within TWICE’s discography. She was the first member to receive official writing credits, beginning with “Precious Love” in 2016. As of 2026, she has accumulated over 40 songwriting and composition credits, including:

• “Me+You”
• “Up to You”
• “Glow”
• “Keeper”
• “You Get Me”
• “Gone”
• “When We Were Kids”
• “Crazy Stupid Love”

In an industry where idol authorship is often limited, Chaeyoung’s consistent lyric contributions strengthen her credibility and long-term artistic authority.

Collaborations & OSTs

Her collaborative work extends beyond TWICE:

• “TAKEDOWN” (2025), with Jeongyeon and Jihyo, marked her first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100
• K/DA – “I’LL SHOW YOU” (2020), alongside Nayeon, Sana, and Jihyo
• Features with Sokodomo and Coco & Clair Clair
• OST participation connected to later acting projects

2026 World Tour Role — Return After Health Hiatus

In late 2025, Chaeyoung temporarily stepped back from public activities after being diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, a condition that can cause fainting episodes. Following rest and recovery, she officially returned to group schedules on January 7, 2026, joining the North American leg of the THIS IS FOR World Tour.

As of early 2026, she has been fully participating in performances, with no announced limitations. Audience response to her return—particularly in cities such as Oakland and Dallas—has been notably strong, reflecting both relief and enthusiasm from fans.

Solo & Unit Performances on Tour

On the current tour, Chaeyoung plays several key roles:

• Solo stage: “Shoot (Firecracker)” from LIL FANTASY vol. 1
• Unit performance: “TAKEDOWN” with Jihyo and Jeongyeon
• Opening sequence: Featured prominently during “THIS IS FOR”
• Encore moments: Known for close audience engagement, especially near pit sections

These segments have become consistent highlights of the 2026 shows.

Acting Career & Cross-Media Expansion

While Chaeyoung is primarily known for music, her artistic interests extend into visual storytelling. Select acting-adjacent projects and OST involvement have complemented her songwriting work, reinforcing a narrative-driven approach across media. As of 2026, only confirmed roles and music-related screen projects are publicly documented.

Visual Art, Fashion & Cultural Influence

Chaeyoung’s creativity also manifests visually. Her illustrations have appeared on TWICE album artwork, including limited editions of Page Two, and in design collaborations with Spris shoes.

In fashion, she serves as a global ambassador for ETRO and a representative for CipiCipi cosmetics. Brands often cite her understated confidence and artistic authenticity as reasons for alignment—qualities that mirror her musical identity.

Personality, Nicknames & Public Image

Fans have long referred to Chaeyoung as the “Strawberry Princess,” a nickname tied to her childhood affection for strawberries, and “Baby Lion,” referencing her expressive features.

Publicly, she is regarded as quiet, observant, and creatively driven. Her image avoids spectacle, favoring consistency and personal integrity—traits that have helped her navigate both group success and solo visibility.

FAQs

Is Chaeyoung a solo artist?
Yes. She released her debut solo album LIL FANTASY vol. 1 in September 2025.

What is LIL FANTASY about?
The album focuses on introspection and alternative pop influences, with Chaeyoung involved in songwriting and composition.

Is Chaeyoung back on tour in 2026?
Yes. She returned to the THIS IS FOR World Tour in January 2026 after recovering from a health-related hiatus.

What songs has Chaeyoung written?
She has contributed lyrics to over 40 TWICE songs, including “Me+You,” “You Get Me,” and “Crazy Stupid Love.”

Why is Chaeyoung called Strawberry Princess?
The nickname comes from her long-standing love of strawberries and has followed her since childhood.

By 2026, Chaeyoung has firmly established herself as more than TWICE’s main rapper. Her progression into a solo artist, prolific songwriter, and visual creator reflects a career built on authorship rather than adaptation.

As TWICE continues its global tour cycle, Chaeyoung’s role bridges the group’s collective identity with individual artistic growth. Readers exploring her journey can also discover in-depth profiles of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, and Dahyun, along with ongoing THIS IS FOR World Tour coverage across twicetours.com.