CHAEYOUNG Steps Into the Spotlight With SHOOT (Firecracker)
Last month, CHAEYOUNG of TWICE officially marked her solo debut with the release of her single SHOOT (Firecracker), featured on her first studio album Lil Fantasy Vol. 1. This makes her the fourth member of the iconic K-pop group to branch into solo projects, following NAYEON, JIHYO, and TZUYU. Her debut arrives at an exciting moment for TWICE, as the group recently made a comeback earlier this year with THIS IS FOR, and is set to celebrate their 10th anniversary with the upcoming album Ten: The Story Goes On and the single Me+You.
First Impressions of SHOOT (Firecracker)
Going into this release, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from CHAEYOUNG’s solo sound. To my surprise, SHOOT (Firecracker) turns out to be a charming listen. Built on dreamy retro-pop instrumentals, the track highlights CHAEYOUNG’s soft yet captivating vocals.
Although the song’s mellow style doesn’t necessarily set it apart from the flood of new K-pop releases, it still manages to leave an impression. The repetitive hook, delivered with a light and comforting touch, quickly becomes catchy after a few listens. One unexpected element is that the entire track is performed in English, which broadens its international appeal.
My main critique lies in the song’s lack of progression. As it moves forward, it maintains a consistent softness without much variation. A stronger vocal layering or a shift in energy towards the finale could have elevated the track further. Overall, though, SHOOT (Firecracker) offers a pleasant and soothing listening experience.
Music Video: A Whimsical Dreamscape
The music video for SHOOT (Firecracker) takes CHAEYOUNG into a storybook-like world with heavy Alice in Wonderland influences. From baking a cake outdoors to hosting a whimsical tea party with felt companions, the video leans heavily into pastel aesthetics and playful imagery.
The surreal visuals enhance the dreamy nature of the song, creating a cohesive artistic theme. The opening scene, where CHAEYOUNG is sandwiched between mattresses, suggests she has entered a dreamlike realm—perfectly complementing the track’s soft concept.
Performance and Choreography
Beyond the audio and visuals, CHAEYOUNG also impresses with her stage presence. Her choreography brings lively energy to the performance, featuring clever moves like a bow-and-arrow gesture and gun-shaped hand motions during the chorus—both aligning perfectly with the “firecracker” theme.
That said, her early performances did feel slightly rigid, similar to TZUYU’s initial solo stages for Run Away. Fortunately, this stiffness seems to fade as CHAEYOUNG grows more confident on stage, allowing her charisma to shine through.
Final Thoughts on CHAEYOUNG’s Solo Debut
In the end, SHOOT (Firecracker) successfully introduces CHAEYOUNG as a soloist. While the track could benefit from more dynamic development, its dreamlike charm and catchy hook highlight her artistry in a subtle yet promising way. Coupled with a whimsical music video and engaging performances, her solo debut stands as a noteworthy addition to TWICE’s expanding universe of individual projects.
As TWICE continues to celebrate their milestone 10th anniversary, CHAEYOUNG’s Lil Fantasy Vol. 1 serves as a reminder that each member has unique colors to showcase. SHOOT (Firecracker) may not explode with intensity, but it sparkles enough to spark curiosity about her future solo music.
