The group TWS reveals a "stage genius" persona while carrying a clear fierceness.
On the 13th, at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, a media showcase was held for TWS' fourth mini album, play hard.
play hard is an album that conveys the meaning of throwing youth and passion into everything and giving it your all. Through the six songs on the new release, TWS tells stories of youth intensely immersed in their pursuits. At the same time, they plan to use the music and performances they are most passionate about at this moment as a bridge to engage more actively with the public.
In particular, the title track OVERDRIVE, which means "overheated state," sings about the dynamic emotions of youth who have fallen deeply in love. It cheerfully shows the process of being flustered by unfamiliar feelings while immersing in that pleasure, with an over-the-top and vivid energy characteristic of youth.
On the day, Dohun explained about the title track "Overdrive," "Our title track shows a bright, refreshing energy and a powerful new side. The lyrics 'my heart thumps!' are the point, and I think they express well the feeling of being unable to get out after falling for something you like," he said. Jihun added regarding the title track's performance, "I think the parts that show the six members' charms and character will be fun." He also said he personally participated in creating the title track's performance.
Jihun also spoke about focusing on choreography production: "I was honored to be able to participate. When I make choreography, I emphasize that I want the members to be happy on stage, so I made it with that in mind," he said. "We thought we should be happy on stage too, but if you focus on the song and the dance, it's hard to concentrate on that feeling. So I tried to create parts where we can make eye contact and be happy."
While the title track and the pre-release song evoke completely opposite charms, Shinyu emphasized, "The highlight of the pre-release track is the dance break. If you see that stage, you can tell how much TWS loves the stage and is crazy about it."
Did the members feel they grew personally while preparing this album? Hanjin said, "I think we've grown in our physiques and voices. I also thought the music changes to match our growth. Watching old stage videos now makes us look young," he said. Kyungmin said, "I think we've grown in style and visuals too. Jihun, Hanjin and I dyed our hair, and we often wore school uniforms before, but this time we tried techwear," and Shinyu said, "The sound may have changed from before, but I think the song messages are similar. TWS has always put passion into every album, and this album is the same."
How does this differ from their previous work? So far, TWS has released title tracks themed around youth, assigning keywords as major themes. In that regard, Kyungmin said, "If I were to define the word, it's energy," adding, "Since our last album, we've tried to show a more energetic side along with a refreshing vibe. I think we'll be able to show energy on stage going forward. Unlike the previous work, Jihun participated in the choreography, and I think many parts were added to boost the energy."
Jihun said, "I thought the album's theme is about passion; it's an album full of heat. Looking back, various moments of youth, spending time completely immersed, are also full of heat, so I wanted to define it as heat. Also, it was good to be able to show an honest side while preparing." Shinyu added, "The keyword I thought of was immersion. While preparing this album, I had many, many talks with the members. Conversations converged into the keyword immersion."
On this album, Jihun and Dohun participated in songwriting and had their names credited for the first time. Dohun said, "In my case, I worked on the track 'I will be your tomorrow,' which is a fan song. I was able to participate by reflecting the perspective of looking at 42 from the stage during tours and fan meetings in the lyrics. I'm happy and honored to have my name in the credits, and I want to participate more going forward."
Jihun, who also participated in choreography production, emphasized, "This was my first time participating too. I said at a concert that the members are like the sun, so it's okay if it rains, and that phrase was included in the lyrics. As a member, it was a natural thought, so I felt very grateful. I want to keep that promise going forward and be a diligent member."
What do the members think are the group's strengths? Youngjae said, "TWS' strength is its 'clear fierceness.' The public or listeners say TWS' songs are bright and refreshing, but their dances look very tough. Because TWS makes it look easy, when I try it, people react that it's difficult, and that might be why audiences enjoy watching our stage."
When asked about the nickname they want to earn, Jihun said, "We want to have the nickname 'stage genius TWS' during this album cycle. We're preparing performance-wise and preparing the stage with one heart and one mind."
TWS met Korean fans again within six months after starting with their first solo concert in Korea, their first tour and their debut activities in Japan. About future goals, Jihun said, "Through this activity, ah? I hope to make happy memories with the 42s through activities as A?V, and our goal is to consistently show the colors we can create," and Kyungmin said, "This is my last activity as a teenager. Next year I turn 20, and we'll all be in our 20s. I want to show various concepts to the public and the 42s," showing enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, TWS' fourth mini album play hard and the title track OVERDRIVE will be released at 6 p.m. on the 13th.
[Photo] Reporter Ji Hyung-jun
[OSEN]