Itzy’s Chaeryeong steps into spotlight with solo debut ‘Lovesick’

After nearly eight years with Itzy, Chaeryeong is stepping into the spotlight on her own, hoping to show a side of herself that has taken years to develop.

The singer released her first solo EP, “Lovesick,” on Monday, becoming the third Itzy bandmate to pursue a solo career, following Yeji in March 2025 and Yuna in March this year.

Chaeryeong’s solo debut has come relatively late next to many other comparable K-pop idols. However, she said she never felt rushed to pursue a solo career, believing that now was “the right time” to show the public a different side of herself.

“Both the company and we as members thought it wouldn’t be too late to show our individual sides after sufficiently establishing ourselves as Itzy,” she said during a press conference in eastern Seoul on Monday. “Compared to seven years ago, I think I’ve become more relaxed and developed a clearer sense of my own musical tastes and preferences.”

That confidence shaped the four-track EP “Lovesick,” which features the titular track alongside “Moonlit Club,” “Scent” and “Favorite Reason.”

The lead track captures the excitement and confusion of unexpectedly falling in love, pairing a playful, romantic concept with choreography that highlights Chaeryeong’s signature dance style, known for its feather-light movements and fluid transitions.

Known as Itzy’s main dancer, Chaeryeong said performing alone gave her greater freedom to explore movements she had previously restrained to maintain balance within the group.

“When performing as Itzy, teamwork and balance among the members are important, so there were times when I held back my own dance style,” she said. “This time, I could freely move my head, whip my hair around and really enjoy myself.”

She also took a more active role in shaping the album, contributing choreography and helping select songs that reflected her musical preferences. Chaeryeong also took part in writing the lyrics to the side track “Favorite Reason,” expressing gratitude for her fans.

“I wanted to find a more meaningful way to express my gratitude beyond simply saying thank you,” she explained. “So I included the message that they (my fans) are my favorite reason for believing in love.”

The singer also acknowledged the pressure of establishing herself beyond Itzy, saying she chose an accessible sound in hopes of reaching a broader audience.

“I have a lot more sides to myself that I want to show off as a solo artist, but I first need this album to do well to demonstrate that,” she said. “That’s why I wanted to release music that the general public would find is generally easy to listen to, accompanied by choreography that is easy to follow and remember.”

Looking ahead, Chaeryeong hopes to expand her creative involvement, including eventually producing her own music.

“Preparing for this album made me realize how much more I need to learn and improve,” she said. “I want to keep growing and show a more mature version of myself as a solo artist.”