For K-Pop Superstars Twice, Sky’s the Limit: “We Want to Be a Part of History”

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As a fan of Twice, I can’t help but be utterly captivated by their energy, camaraderie, and resilience. Their journey from debuting as a group to becoming one of K-pop’s most beloved acts is nothing short of inspiring.

For close to a decade, Twice has been diligently striving to establish themselves among the top-tier female music groups globally.

In 2015, JYP Entertainment, the Korean entertainment agency known for launching successful global and local acts like Wonder Girls and 2PM, introduced their newest girl group, Twice. This nine-member group was created through the competition show called “Sixteen“, where sixteen trainees from the company competed to secure a place in the group.

Since their debut as Twice back in Sixteen, comprised of members Jihyo, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu, this South Korean girl group has achieved both domestic and international success. In their home country, they are well-known as “the nation’s girl group.” On the global stage, Twice has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. They made their first appearances on the Billboard 200 Top 10 (with Taste of Love) and the Billboard Hot 100 (“The Feels”) in 2021, and earlier this year they reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with their album With YOU-th, solidifying their position as global superstars.

Currently, Twice has returned with their newest album titled “Strategy”, which is a seven-track pop masterpiece that guides listeners through various pop sub-genres. The title track, also named “Strategy”, includes a collaboration with rapper Megan Thee Stallion, marking their second joint effort. According to the group, this new album has been an invigorating challenge for them.

Nayeon, the senior member of our group, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that we’ve worked on numerous albums previously and experimented with various approaches. She explained that our upcoming album is another attempt, one that proved to be quite tough for us. Furthermore, she mentioned that this album holds a significant meaning for the group.

On a recent visit to sunny Los Angeles, I had the fantastic opportunity to sit down with the amazing nine-member crew of THR, discussing their latest project. They also opened up about their collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, their methods for relaxation amidst busy schedules, and their aspirations for how they want to be perceived globally. What a thrilling conversation it was!

What was it like collaborating with Megan Thee Stallion for “Strategy?”

As a fan, I’ve always admired JEONGYEON‘s powerful and strong image. When the collaboration was proposed, I wondered if her style would mesh well with our music and image. To my surprise, during recording, we found that it fit exceptionally well, better than we had initially anticipated. Megan’s unique style added a depth to our music that I found truly captivating.

It seems like that was quite enjoyable! Could you share some details about the experience of filming the music video? This will be the first time you’ve collaborated on a music video with someone other than your band members, right?

As a fan, initially, her star power had us a bit intimidated, but just as Jeongyeon mentioned, Megan put in tremendous effort to break the ice. She constantly tried to learn Korean, crack jokes, and encouraged us all to enjoy ourselves together. I believe our collaboration for the music video turned out fantastic due to her efforts.>

As your group reaches its tenth year, it’s quite accurate to assert that you have established yourselves as examples within the industry, both collectively and individually. How does it feel when newer groups acknowledge you as their role models? Does it bring a sense of pressure or a feeling of pride?

Each time I listen to that, I experience a sense of pride and gratitude that overpowers any pressure I might feel. Currently, what I’m feeling more than anything is gratitude. Reflecting on the effort we’ve put in and the stages we’ve presented, it seems our impact has been substantial and positive on these individuals.

Do you have any instances that come to mind of a younger artist telling you that themselves?

On several occasions, they directly shared this information with us. However, many times, we come across instances where other artists are interviewed and they speak about us. Our followers subsequently post these snippets, which we also become aware of.

Given that you’ve been traveling for close to two years, with periods of rest in between, what methods do you use to unwind and rejuvenate when you’re always moving? What activities do you enjoy doing for personal relaxation time?

JIHYO Shopping.

TZUYU Massages.

MOMO We go out to eat good food.

NAYEON When we have time to sleep, we try to sleep in.

MINA I get jet-lagged. Because of the time that I’m awake at night, I game a lot.

Regarding your professional growth as an artist, have you noticed any significant changes from when you first began? Do you feel that perhaps you’ve achieved the creative heights you initially aspired to, or are there still areas where you see room for development?

SANA I couldn’t imagine that we would ever come to the U.S. and perform here.

CHAEYOUNG It seems that year after year, the aspirations we hold grow larger. We find ourselves dreaming grander dreams. Upon accomplishing these goals, I feel we have gained a greater sense of validation and encouragement, which in turn fuels us to strive even harder every time.

If we imagine that you have conquered the worldwide music scene and gained immense popularity almost everywhere, I wonder what thoughts might cross the mind of your younger self upon seeing you now.

ALICE It’s hard for me to accept that I’m doing all of this, as I hardly envisioned ourselves playing in such massive venues during my earlier days. Frankly, I couldn’t have imagined traveling to so many countries just to perform.

JEONGYEON I’d love to pass on the tunes and dance routines we’ve mastered over the last decade to my younger version, that’s if she’s willing to learn! [A chuckle from the rest of Twice]

How does a typical night out among the Twice members unfold? What are some unique ways they strengthen their bonds, given that they spend most of their working hours together? And how do they preserve and nurture their individual friendships within the group?

I Feel a strong bond not only as colleagues, but as individuals. We freely converse about the quirkiest topics to the deepest aspects of life. When we’re stuck on a decision, we pool our thoughts in a collaborative dialogue, valuing each other’s perspectives and actively listening.

NAYEON We additionally engage in informal gatherings beyond our professional duties. “Shall we meet up at this spot? Would anyone care to join me?” or “Let’s go shopping together. Is anyone interested?” – This refers to the kind of friendly, relaxed connections we maintain.

Regarding the band Twice, are there specific objectives they’ve yet to achieve that they’re actively striving for? Or do they approach their progress casually, adapting as each new opportunity arises?

DAHYUN At the start of our journey, our aspirations were concrete – like wanting to host our own concert, aiming for a specific award, and striving for first place in competitions. Last night, we graced the stage at Amazon Music Live, which was beyond anything we could have ever envisioned. It feels like we’re on a roll, with even greater opportunities ahead in our career. Instead of setting specific targets, I believe that maintaining good health is crucial for us to achieve all these dreams. Our ultimate goal is to stay healthy so that we can continue performing and achieving success.

“As someone who values health greatly, I’m curious about your personal strategies for maintaining it. Could you share some of the ways you prioritize your own well-being? In challenging times, what helps you feel better and rejuvenated?”

JASON I believe it varies for each person, but personally, I strive to get as much sleep as I can and then consume plenty of water. When I’m by myself, I find solace in silence and simply immerse myself in a book. In this quiet time, I truly feel a sense of healing.

NAYEON To me, finding solitude in a place that brings me joy is therapeutic on its own. It allows me to momentarily disconnect and relax, even if it’s just for a while. If I can simply enjoy being there, all by myself, that time spent alone seems to be essential for my well-being and relaxation.

“When people hear ‘Twice,’ I want them to picture an unforgettable gaming experience. I strive to be recognized as a top-tier gamer, one who consistently delivers excitement and innovation in the world of gaming.”

As a devoted fan looking back, I can’t help but reflect on how Momo continues to captivate us even after a decade. I hope they are always cherished for their vibrant energy and inspiring spirit, serving as role models for many. Ultimately, my wish is that they remain etched in our hearts as the epitome of exceptional girl groups.

JEONGYEON Our aspiration is to become a significant part of the chronicles. We aim to make history. Perhaps, someday, our music could be included in school textbooks. We desire for children to learn and appreciate music through Twice’s tunes.

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2024-12-06 16:26