Mark your calendars! Former LOONA member Chuu, whose real name is Kim Ji-Woo, is set to finally make her solo debut in October.

On Tuesday, August 29, the artist’s label ATRP confirmed that Chuu is currently preparing to release her first solo album. Given that this will mark her first release as a soloist, she plans to showcase her charm as she embarks on a new beginning.

Although a final date about her solo debut has yet to be announced, Chuu has been teasing the fans with messages likely hinting at her release.

 

“This place is full of loveliness and amazing vitality. This flower field full of flowers to wrap the girl around is filled with sparkling things like musical notes, wings, and wildflowers. The girl looks at another world spread out in front of her with sparkling eyes,” the translation of the post read. 

Following the news, dedicated fans of Chuu have been anticipating this development in her career.  Especially that this upcoming release would mark the artist’s solo music since her legal battle with former agency BlockBerry Creative. 

Chuu and her fresh start

In December 2017, Chuu was introduced as the 10th member of LOONA. She was also a member of the group’s third sub-unit LOONA/yyxy, before the group officially debuted as a 12-member act in August 2018. 

 

However, Blockberry Creative expelled her from the group in November 2022, nearly a year after she filed an injunction to terminate her contract. In August 2023, the Seoul Northern District Court ruled in favor of Chuu on her lawsuit against Blockberry Creative. 

Currently, Chuu is an artist under the startup agency ATRP.

“We are very happy to welcome Chuu as our agency’s first artist. We will give full support so that Chuu, who has unlimited potential, can fully display her talent as an artist and continue her activities enjoyably and happily. Please show lots of support and interest for Chuu who is taking a new leap,” the label said about having the singer. 

 

Since then, ATRP has been preparing solo activities for the singer. In July, the agency revealed Chuu’s official fandom and lightstick names. Interestingly,“Kkoti” which translate to “home” is the singer’s fandom name. 

Additionally, Chuu has also been confirmed to appear as an MC in the variety show Steel Unit. She will rejoin the program in its third season after her appearance in the first season. 

Where are the LOONA members now? 

After Chuu filed her injunctions against BlockBerry Creative, other LOONA members also started doing so. In June 2023, all 12 members won their respective lawsuits and left the agency. 

Since then, the members have signed with different agencies. 

Heejin, Kim Lip, Jinsoul, Choerry, and Haseul are now under Modhaus. Interestingly, Modhaus has since launched the ARTMS project. Said project will reportedly refer to the activities of the LOONA members under their agency. 

In July, Odd Eye Circle, the sub-unit composed of Choerry, Jinsoul, and Kim Lip, released their album Version Up. Meanwhile, Heejin is also set to make her solo debut. 

Additionally, former LOONA members HyunJin, YeoJin, Vivi, Go Won, and HyeJu have formed the group LOOSSEMBLE (LOONA Assemble). They’re all under the agency CTDENM. 

Featured image: Chuu updates fans with a new photo. Credit: Twitter/Chuu