ITZY’s Chaeryeong has officially stepped out on her own. The singer held a media showcase in Seoul on Monday, November 9, to mark the release of her first solo mini album, “Lovesick,” seven years and nine months after debuting with ITZY in February 2019.
The showcase took place on the afternoon of November 9 at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, and was hosted by announcer Shin Ah-young, according to NoCut News. The four-track mini album, led by the title track of the same name, was released on music streaming platforms at 6 p.m. KST the same day, preceded by a countdown live broadcast at 5 p.m. KST, according to allkpop. Alongside the title track, the EP features three B-sides: “Moonlit Club,” “Scent” and “Favorite Reason.”
Chaeryeong was deeply involved in shaping the release. She took part in creating the choreography for “Lovesick” and personally selected the album’s tracks, and she shares lyric-writing credit on the closing track “Favorite Reason,” whose lyrics carry the message that she believes in love because of the person she loves. The title track captures the flutter and sweet confusion of falling unexpectedly in love, set to a dreamy sound with choreography that is both cute and sexy. Sports Chosun described the dance as easygoing yet cute and sexy, built around movements that intuitively express the song’s dreamy mood. The dance team behind the performance also worked on “THAT’S A NO NO,” the ITZY stage from the group’s third world tour that drew attention online.
At the showcase, Chaeryeong introduced herself as a “solo sprout” making her debut that day, saying it was her first solo album seven years after her debut. She leaned into the gumiho image fans often attach to her, noting that many people tell her she resembles the nine-tailed fox and has a captivating quality. “I want to become an artist with that kind of captivating charm, someone who enchants everyone,” she said, adding that she would enchant everyone. She said that while performing with ITZY she held back her dance lines to match the other members, but for this solo debut she prepared freely, bending her neck and tossing her hair as much as she wanted. She also said the album’s sexy atmosphere was a deliberate choice, while leaving something in reserve for her next step.
Chaeryeong is the third ITZY member to launch a solo career, following leader Yeji, who went solo last year, and Yuna, who debuted solo in March this year. Korean media have taken to calling her ITZY’s “third batter,” and at the showcase she addressed the timing directly, saying she never felt rushed about going solo and judged that now, in November 2026, was the right time to show herself as a soloist. She said she sought advice from Yeji and Yuna, as well as from her older sister, singer Lee Chae-yeon, before taking the step. She also reflected at the showcase on her wins at the 2026 Korea Grand Music Awards the previous day, according to edaily. The title track was written by Choi Si-yoo and Wang Se-yoon of Swedish Laundry, with composition by mOnSteR nO.9 and Jonna Hall and arrangement by mOnSteR nO.9, while “Moonlit Club” features lyrics by Ban Ye-ji of ARTiffect and “Scent” brings together lyricists Kwon Ye-rim and Hong Ra-im of 153/Joombas. The physical album is set for release in the United States on November 13, and an English version of the title track will follow.
Looking ahead, Chaeryeong said she hopes to show a more mature, grown version of herself and eventually try self-producing. For now, she begins full promotional activities for “Lovesick,” opening her first chapter as a soloist.
