‘K-pop‘s best newcomer’ Tours, 1st anniversary of debut “TWS is the youth of us all”
Photo courtesy of Pledis Entertainment
TWS, which debuted on January 22nd of last year, quickly established themselves as global stars by taking first place on the 2024 Melon Annual Chart (‘First Encounter Doesn’t Go as Planned’) and winning 13 awards at major award ceremonies, including 7 rookie awards.
They quickly won the hearts of the public with their ‘boyhood pop’, featuring lyrics that stimulate the emotions of youth and refreshing melodies. The boyish visuals and clear tones of the six members (Shinyu, Dohoon, Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon, and Kyungmin) are receiving favorable reviews for adding liveliness to the sparkling music, and their energetic performances are receiving favorable reviews for providing thrilling pleasure.
Thanks to their activities, they have stood tall as rising stars who are not ashamed of the title ‘Seventeen‘s younger brother group’ in their first year of debut. Using the past year as a stepping stone, they are expected to make an even bigger leap forward in 2025, and they shared their thoughts through their agency Pledis Entertainment.
Q. How do you feel about your first debut anniversary?
Shinyu: I felt that time passed quickly. I have experienced so many things with 42 (fandom name) and the members over the past year, so I am even more excited and looking forward to the future.
Dohoon: I feel like I need to show you a better side of myself in the future. I feel grateful to 42 who always cheer me on, and I will show you an even cooler stage and music.
Youngjae: It feels like only yesterday that I was so nervous and embarrassed when we first recorded a music show. In 2024, I was thankful to receive so much love and attention, but I felt even more that I did not repay the love I received, so in 2025, I want to become an artist who can share as much love as I received.
Han Jin: It’s amazing and touching. At first, everything was awkward and I was nervous, but now that a year has passed, I‘ve gained a lot of confidence and stability thanks to the members and the 42 people. I want to grow more and make more memories in the future.
Ji Hoon: Thank you for spending such happy and dreamlike 365 days. I was happy to make so many precious memories with the members and the 42 people that I love the most, and I’m excited for the new experiences we‘ll create together in the future.
Kyung Min: It’s hard to believe that it‘s already been a year since our debut. Starting with ‘Our First Meeting Doesn’t Go as Planned’, we‘ve received so much love from so many people. This was our first time experiencing a moment like this, so we were really grateful this year. We will continue to work hard without losing this gratitude.
Q. The most special moment after debut
Shin Yoo: It was my first birthday since debut. Many 42 members congratulated me, and it was a special day when I thought, ‘Ah, I am loved. I should work harder to repay that love.’.
Do Hoon: I remember our 2nd mini album comeback show. Especially when we performed ‘If I Were the Sun’, I felt proud and honored to be able to sing our songs in front of 42 members.
Young Jae: Looking back, our first win, the high-quality stage, and our first comeback with 42 were all precious and shining moments, but even so, I am the happiest when I laugh and joke around with the members in the midst of my busy and hectic daily life.
Han Jin: It was the night our debut album was released. I can’t forget the excitement and nervousness I felt when I first heard the fans‘ reactions. When I saw the messages of support, I felt that our music could be a source of strength and comfort to someone. That moment still motivates me a lot.
Jihoon: All of the ‘Sparkling Blue’ promotions. Since it was our first promotion, everything was new and there was a lot to learn. Since it was an promotion where we focused only on learning, it was the most special and memorable.
Kyungmin: It was our comeback show. If we were nervous because it was the first time we were showcasing TWS, we felt even more pressure for our comeback because we had to meet the expectations of the 42 people who love us once again. We did our best, so the happiness and pride after finishing well were doubled.
Photo courtesy of Pledis Entertainment
Shinyu: Our music, and the members’ love for each other. I think that the 42 members give us their endless love because of our solidarity.
Do Hoon: We put in a lot of effort preparing for the stage, and I think they recognize this effort. We will become a TWS that works even harder in the future.
Young Jae: Since TWS still has a lot to learn, we are very grateful to those who love us. If I had to guess the reason, it would be our sincerity for the stage, our love for the 42 members, and the chemistry between the members.
Han Jin: I think it is probably because of our music and the sincerity that can be felt through the stage. We also consider our relationship with the 42 members important, and we try to communicate with sincerity and give and receive positive influence. I am truly grateful that they recognize these aspects and love us.
Ji Hoon: The fact that we sincerely want to repay those who love TWS, and that we constantly work hard for that. I also think that they are impressed by the way we take care of each other and move forward together in this process. I think TWS is my youth and everyone‘s youth. That’s why I really want to color your daily lives with great music.
Kyungmin: Harmless music that people can relate to! I think they also like our simple daily lives.
Q. You‘re getting attention for your refreshing stage and excellent performance skills. For that, what do you pay the most attention to on stage?Shinyu: Details. We pay attention to the smallest details of the choreography as well as the other members’ parts and give each other feedback. I try to show all of these aspects on stage without missing a single one.
Dohoon: I also pay attention to live practice, which is a must for singers. I also think about performance points. I think it‘s important to look like a ’one team‘ on stage, so I tend to be greedy when preparing.
Youngjae: Synergy with the members, stage immersion, live performances. Since I always have to show a better side of myself than before, the stage is a difficult and scary place. I think the mindset of having to pour everything out at once and the tenacious attitude of doing our best are the driving forces that make us greater. Since the 42 of us can see through everything like ghosts, we always have to do better.
Han Jin: I focus on conveying sincere emotions. I want to create a stage that the viewers can naturally relate to, so I try to fully express the story and emotions of the song while paying attention to details like facial expressions, gestures, and gazes.
Ji Hoon: I try not to compromise with myself. There were many times when I would become endlessly lazy when I allowed myself to be comfortable in my body and mind, so I constantly try not to do that.
Kyung Min: The first is ‘harmony’. I prioritize becoming one in the group dance. The second is ‘expression’ and ‘mood’. Because it’s the most important part to properly digest the song‘s concept.
Photo courtesy of Pledis Entertainment
Shin Yoo: I think teamwork comes naturally when we spend a lot of time together and share thoughts and opinions. Sometimes our opinions clash and we may seem to hate each other for no reason, but I feel that even that comes from our generous hearts for each other. When we build up like that, teamwork naturally develops.
Do Hoon: We can be strong because we have ‘one heart and one mind.’ Since everyone is sincere to the team and the stage, we got to know each other well through a lot of conversations. Our consideration and taking care of each other also makes us stronger.
Young Jae: It‘s no exaggeration to say that we’ve spent one year that feels like two years because the six of us stick together every day to show perfect harmony. That‘s why we shared all the emotions that are difficult to share if the relationship isn’t deep, and we became close while feeling broad-mindedness and kindness. That‘s why I always feel that all the members are so kind and amazing.
Hanjin: We deeply understand and respect each other. Since all the members have different personalities and strengths, we try to acknowledge the differences and assign roles that suit each of us. We also try to solve problems by talking honestly, and always give and receive positive energy.
Jihoon: I think constantly observing the team, observing the team atmosphere, and sharing ideal directions with each other helped develop teamwork. As a TWS member, I’m greedy and have many dreams, so every activity is precious and earnest, and I feel that we‘re growing more and more as we work together in the preparation process. I’m just grateful to the members who are always with us.
Kyungmin: We have our own time called ‘Bonfire’ where all the members get together and talk honestly. I feel like we‘ve grown a lot through ‘Bonfire’, sharing our regrets, complaints, and honest words. During that time, we fought a lot and made up for it, and I think that’s how we developed a sense of family.
Q. This year‘s goals and dreams
Shin Yoo: I want to see more 42 members on various stages and receive energy from them. And my goal is to return all the love I received from the 42 members.
Do Hoon: My goal for this year is ‘making a proud stage’!’ To keep this goal, I will work hard to improve my individual abilities and prepare hard for a comeback. In the long term, I want to become a group that someone wants to be a part of.
Young Jae: To surpass TWS in 2024. We were so thankful to receive so much attention and love last year. With that encouragement, we will do our best to receive even more love this year.
Han Jin: To show our growth. I also want to showcase our music on stages around the world and create opportunities to communicate directly with more 42 members.
Ji Hoon: To meet more 42 members. In order to do that, I want to prepare hard for the upcoming fan meeting and show a stage that can make 42 happy. And I want to live together with the members for a long time in good health.
Kyungmin: I want to have my first concert. I think it will be an even more exciting and happy place because it is a performance with 42. I also want to work hard so that we can write and sing our own songs someday.
Q. Is there anything you want to say to 42 as you look back on your 1st anniversary?
Shinyu: It would be hard to repay all the love, but just as 42 gave us strength, TWS also wants to give you great happiness and the strength to rise again! Please continue to love us and let’s spend many days together. I love you.
Dohoon: If 42 weren‘t here, I don’t think I would have had the strength to perform on stage and I wouldn‘t have been happy every day! As I always say, I will work hard to become an artist that you can be proud of! Thank you for being with us and I hope to see you for a long time in the future. I love you 42s!!
Youngjae: I think 2024 will definitely be one of the top 3 unforgettable moments of my life. It was a time when I experienced so many things for the first time, learned so many things, and grew. I really appreciate and love you, 42s, who made those moments shine with your endless love and sincerity and are the reason TWS exists and the one and only in the world! Let’s get through the many moments to come together for a long time! Fighting!
Hanjin: 42s, I sincerely thank you for always supporting us without change. Your love is the biggest driving force that moves us. I will work harder while looking forward to the times we will spend together in the future.
Jihoon: The strength that the team called TWS and the fandom called 42 give me is truly incredible. Seeing us draw our youth together and walk that path of youth is another inspiration and a stepping stone for me to grow. So, more than anything, I am so grateful, and I want to plant this gratitude deep in my heart and let it grow into a wonderful tree!
Kyungmin: Thank you for being with us for a year, 42 people. The seasons have changed, but I don‘t think our love for each other has changed. I hope we can fill up many shining moments in the future. We will do better. I love you.
Reporter Yoo Ji-hye yjh0304@donga.com
This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.
