Dive into the electrifying world of youth with K-pop sensations TWS – their latest EP 'Play Hard' is a rollercoaster ride that might just remind you of your own carefree days!
For the vibrant K-pop boy band TWS, everything boils down to that one magical word: youth. This sextet has crafted a musical style that's perpetually upbeat and irresistibly youthful, focusing on tracks that glorify the exhilarating peaks, heart-pounding thrills, and delightful mayhem of growing up. It's a perfect match for the group, whose members – Shinyu, Dohoon, Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon, and Kyungmin – span from 18 to 21 years old. Their newest extended play, Play Hard, keeps this tradition alive and kicking.
"With this release, the standout phrases that really capture the essence are 'you drive me crazy' and 'youth drive me crazy,'" shares Youngjae during an exclusive chat with The Hollywood Reporter via Zoom from the bustling Seoul offices of Hybe, the powerhouse Korean entertainment company. It's pushing midnight in Korea, yet the six TWS members are buzzing with energy, fully immersed in discussing their fresh tunes without a hint of tiredness.
But here's where it gets controversial – is their youthful energy a refreshing escape, or does it sometimes feel too chaotic in a world that's already full of distractions?
Approaching their second anniversary in January 2026, this boy group originates from Hybe's Pledis Entertainment subsidiary – the same label behind Seventeen, a band famous for delving into the ups and downs of adolescence through their extensive catalog. Still, TWS, which you pronounce as "two us," has charted its own distinctive course.
In a rapidly shifting music landscape, they've achieved notable domestic triumphs right from the start. Take "Plot Twist," the lead track from their debut EP Sparkling Blue back in January 2024 – it's remarkably still climbing the Korean Melon charts almost two years on (hitting No. 58 at press time).
And this is the part most people miss – how they've managed to stay relevant in such a competitive scene!
With Play Hard, their fourth EP, TWS pushes boundaries by experimenting with fresh sounds across multiple tracks, including their pre-released single, "Heads Shoulders Knees Toes." Drawing inspiration from the beloved children's rhyme, this opening song delivers a tougher edge than their typical hits, letting them showcase a bolder persona as they step into early adulthood. For those new to K-pop, think of it like evolving from fun playground games to the intense rush of real-world adventures.
The EP's title track, "Overdrive," is a high-octane pop anthem powered by guitars, revolving around the giddy rush of young romance. It slots seamlessly into their body of work. "Is this how it’s supposed to feel? / You’re makin’ my heart go boom boom / Can’t resist you / Oh, my / You make me overdrive," the group croons in the chorus, painting a picture of that heart-fluttering excitement many of us remember.
The TWS crew opened up to THR about their creative input on Play Hard, the lessons they've picked up from one another, and the special shoutout they have for their American supporters.
How are you all feeling about this new album?
JIHOON: We see this release as a major leap forward. It lets us dive deeper into self-expression and experiment with various musical styles. We invested a ton of time in brainstorming, making Play Hard feel incredibly valuable to us.
Some of you played a direct role in shaping the album, from penning lyrics to designing dances. Can you walk us through that?
JIHOON: I collaborated on lyrics with Dohoon and even contributed a bit to the choreography. That process taught me so much – not just about creativity, but about our team's dynamics and how profoundly I cherish my bandmates. It was truly a life-highlighting honor.
DOHOON: This marked my debut in contributing creatively, so it was an enormous privilege. Fingers crossed for future chances where every member can share ideas, be it through words or full song concepts.
What makes 'Overdrive' such a spot-on match for TWS, and why do you consider it emblematic of your style?
KYUNGMIN: It keeps that signature fresh, lively energy of ours while channeling the deep passion we pour into our passions. Overall, it packs a powerful punch.
Which track on the album resonates most with each of you?
HANJIN: "Overdrive" takes the top spot for me – it's masterful at conveying the fervor for what you adore. As TWS, we're a driven bunch, always giving our all, and this tune encapsulates that perfectly.
KYUNGMIN: I'd pick "Here for You," a tune about patiently awaiting the fans I hold dear. It's got a special place in my heart.
JIHOON: "Caffeine Rush" is my go-to; it's one of the acoustic numbers, and I gravitate toward the instrumental elements like piano or guitar-driven beats.
SHINYU: "Hot Blue Shoes" stands out because it truly highlights our vocal intensity – that's how we laid it down in the studio.
DOHOON: I'll go with "Heads Shoulders Knees Toes" for its stellar performance value; it reveals a whole new facet of our personalities.
YOUNGJAE: "Overthinking" draws me in naturally. Loaded with pop vibes, its chorus boasts a dreamy, romantic pull: "Because I’m overthinking you."
As you near the two-year mark as a unit, what's the biggest takeaway about yourselves, both as artists and individuals?
SHINYU: Over these years, we've connected with our fans – the 42s (pronounced Sai) – through tours and shows. Those moments have fueled my growth, and we're eager to connect more, spreading our tunes and vibes.
Have you picked up tricks from your bandmates? Has teaming up improved any of your skills?
JIHOON: Every one of us is dedicated and enthusiastic. Hanjin, for instance, burns the midnight oil studying Korean, while Youngjae hones his vocals post-schedule. Our collective drive has taught me the true meaning of passion.
KYUNGMIN: We've discovered our unique personalities and started regular chats, like our modakbul gatherings – that's the Korean term for a bonfire session where we share openly around the fire.
I often ask performers this: In the spotlight, you have limited control over public perceptions, but do you have a dream image for how TWS is viewed?
HANJIN: When folks are facing challenges, music can be a lifeline. We hope our songs inspire hope and recharge their spirits. Given our focus on youth, we'd love to jog memories of those forgotten carefree times amid hectic routines.
Any special words for your U.S. supporters?
JIHOON: We'll keep hustling hard to get our music and stories across the Atlantic, sparking interest and fandom. Our goal is to be a cheering squad for our fans.
YOUNGJAE: We toured the States last year, performing at spots like KCON L.A., iHeartRadio, the MAMA Awards, the Grammy Museum, and VEVO Studios. The crowd's energy was infectious! Next time, we'll bring even stronger performances and enthusiasm.
But what if expanding globally means watering down that raw youthful edge – is authenticity getting lost in the shuffle? We invite you to ponder: Do you agree that K-pop groups like TWS are revolutionizing how we view youth in music, or is it just another trend? Share your opinions in the comments – let's debate the highs and chaos of young adulthood!
