A New Season for TWS — They’re Ready to Play Hard

YOUNGJAE

“Someday, through a world tour, I want TWS to reach a new level. To get there, I want to grow into someone who leads with purpose.” — Youngjae

Reflections since being named Billboard’s K-pop Rookie of the Month

Over the last nine months we completed our first Japan tour and experimented with a hip-hop sound on the pre-release “Head Shoulders Knees Toes.” Those experiences tightened our bond with each other and with 42, our fandom. On a personal level, I’ve spent time thinking about how to become more self-directed and useful in what I contribute.

How do you define being “self-directed”?

To me it means knowing who you are and what you want, then taking action toward it. As Youngjae of TWS, I want my music to have a meaningful impact — to spread something positive through our songs.

Reaction to the pre-release and vocal approach

Hearing a high-energy hip-hop track for the first time was thrilling but challenging. I deliberately pushed my voice toward a rougher texture to match the song’s grit, taking breaks when necessary and returning with the mindset of “break the limit.” It was about exploring new colors rather than clinging to comfort.

Thoughts on the title track, “OVERDRIVE”

The melody felt instantly like ours — warm and familiar — which made recording enjoyable. I could already picture how we’d perform it on stage.

A note to the members

We’re still young — our maknae Kyungmin is only 19 — but everyone’s dedication amazes me. Even when we miss out on typical youth experiences, we’re building memories together that matter.

Ideal listener reaction

If people think, “If it’s TWS, I’ll listen without hesitation,” that would make me happiest.

Dream collaborator and ongoing goals

I’d love to work with Dean someday — he’s an artist with a clear identity across music and style. I’m also studying piano (paused occasionally) because understanding an instrument helps with songwriting. Learning Japanese and touring Japan have shown me how much more I want to improve; my long-term big goal with TWS is a world tour to keep growing through new cultural encounters.

KYUNGMIN

“With TWS’s bright, hopeful lyrics, I want to give comfort and feeling to fans around the world.” — Kyungmin

Growth and new interests

Since January I’ve immersed myself in more K-pop and started thinking about how to move people on stage within our genre. I’ve also developed a stronger interest in fashion, which influences how I present myself.

First impression of the pre-release

It showed our performance abilities in a fresh way. The song demanded a lot physically, especially an explosive moment toward the end, but the thrill of performing made the effort worthwhile.

Rapping for the first time

I approached rapping by leaning into my natural lighter tone rather than forcing strength. The director’s praise that I “really understand the song” meant a lot to me.

Favorite track on the mini

“Here For You” is special — it feels like our story for 42. I pushed to be involved in writing because I wanted to help shape that connection, and even the attempt was meaningful.

New aesthetic direction

Our color story has shifted a bit from sky-blue to include calmer tones — white, black, and gray — layering depth over the brightness fans associate with us.

Promotion hopes

Above all, I hope we all stay healthy and complete promotions together. I also wish this album to be another step forward that helps TWS reach more listeners overseas.

SHINYU

“I want to be an artist who’s remembered — and to keep thanking my members for helping each other shine.” — Shinyu

From shy to bolder expression

Since being named Rookie of the Month, I’ve tried to expand my stage presence and be bolder with facial expressions. I’ve noticed fans discovering different sides of me, which feels gratifying.

On tackling a new hip-hop sound

The pre-release was a departure from our earlier image, so we worked hard to ensure it resonated. As the group’s rapper, I focused on delivering tension in small moments — even subtle whispers — to make the track compelling.

Attachment to a B-side

“Here For You” is particularly meaningful because it’s a fan song. I conceived ideas around it and we’ve prepared surprises for 42 that I’m excited for fans to see.

Notes, self-reflection and leadership

I record inspirations constantly and even wrote letters to myself during album prep. A turning point was realizing I don’t fully know my members yet; so I devoted time to understanding them better to be a stronger leader.

Recent highlights

Filming content on Jeju and performing at festivals like ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2025 reminded me that small everyday moments — sharing a meal, laughing by the sea — are where real happiness lives.

Long-term goal

Ultimately, I want TWS to be an artist remembered across borders.

DOHOON

“I want to stand at the Billboard Music Awards someday, following the trail set by our seniors.” — Dohoon

Evolving visually and musically

We’ve moved away from the school-uniform image toward something more mature in both sound and look. For me, that shift also included changing my hairstyle and adopting a more positive mindset about our work.

Performance focus for the pre-release

Instead of giving everything at full throttle for every moment, I concentrated on dynamics — when to push and when to pull back — which required more deliberate rehearsal and finer control.

Meaning of “play hard”

The phrase captured the album’s spirit: contributing my own opinions to dance, vocals, and lyrics, and gradually adding personal color to our music.

Favorite B-side and creative contribution

“Here For You” resonates as a concert-style encore song; I even contributed to the lyrics, with some of my words appearing in the opening.

Wellness and lessons learned

After missing a show in Japan due to illness, I’ve taken my health more seriously — small habits like taking supplements matter. I’ve also been learning how to manage emotional lows and stay steady, thanks to the members’ support.

Ambition

I want TWS to be recognized for expanding what we can do musically — and to keep climbing toward larger stages.

HANJIN

“I want TWS to bring good energy to music fans worldwide — so Hanjin, keep working hard.” — Hanjin

Maturing naturally

Our shift toward a more composed, masculine image came organically through our music and performance focus, rather than being a forced concept. As we concentrate on the craft, our stage presence deepens.

Adjusting to a harder style

Moving from softer melodies to a powerful hip-hop sound challenged me to adapt expressions, breathing, and rhythm. I was surprised by how quickly I settled into the new approach and now really enjoy it.

Large-scale staging

Performing with many dancers amplified the impact — onstage, coordinated movement creates a wave of energy that doesn’t come through in a music video alone.

Practice habits and creative perspective

I stayed late after others left to refine transitions and angles. Those small, repeated adjustments made the difference in making our performance convincing.

Personal interests and team values

I enjoy photographing unguarded moments — quiet snapshots after rehearsal that capture atmosphere and emotion. As for teamwork, I believe it’s about the speed of trust: moving together with shared belief.

Long-term aim

To keep delivering hope and good energy to fans everywhere, and to keep working steadily toward that dream.

JIHOON

“I hope our music can offer a bit of strength to someone’s life. I truly believe TWS can do that.” — Jihoon

Taking on more creative responsibility

Being featured by Billboard was a dream come true. Since then, we’ve clarified the messages we want to share and broadened our artistic range. Personally, I’ve grown braver and more willing to try things I once feared.

Choreography contributions

I proposed and drafted choreography ideas — including a full-song draft — while on tour. Seeing parts of those ideas make the final choreography was a proud moment.

Creative process

I often visualize a song’s color and saturation before translating it into movement; thinking in visual tones helps crystallize choreography concepts.

Album color and message

If our earlier identity leaned toward sky blue, this mini mixes in red and other hues — an imperfect, blended palette that feels real and beautiful. Above all, I hope listeners sense that we poured everything into this album, and that it gives 42 the courage to stand up again after setbacks.

Why this path matters

Even after a long trainee period, the members are why I’m glad I chose this road. The relationships we forged are rare and invaluable.

Big dream

I want TWS to be loved by more people and to share music that connects with lives everywhere — and yes, I’d love us to play Coachella someday.