TWICE: The Global K-pop Phenomenon Redefining Girl Group Success
I still remember the first time I saw TWICE perform "Cheer Up" back in 2016. Something about their synchronicity, bubbly energy, and those irresistible point choreographies instantly hooked me. Nearly a decade later, they've transformed from rookie sensations to global superstars who've shattered countless records and redefined what success means for K-pop girl groups worldwide. Their journey from survival show contestants to stadium-filling artists is nothing short of remarkable - and I've had the privilege of witnessing their entire evolution as a devoted fan.
The Birth of a K-pop Phenomenon: How TWICE Was Formed
Before TWICE took over the global music scene, they were just individual trainees with big dreams.As Korean entertainment legend J.Y. Park once said, "Success isn't about being the best, but about being different" – and this philosophy clearly guided his vision for TWICE.
When JYP Entertainment announced plans to debut a new girl group in 2015, nobody could have predicted the cultural juggernaut they would become.
Unlike traditional group formations, TWICE members were selected through a nail-biting survival show called "Sixteen," where sixteen young trainees competed for seven spots.
I was glued to my screen during that summer, watching these talented girls pour their hearts out week after week.
The tension was unbearable!
What made the show truly unpredictable was Park Jin-young's last-minute decision to add two more members – Tzuyu (the fan favorite) and Momo (who had actually been eliminated earlier).
The name "TWICE" itself carries a beautiful meaning – they aim to touch fans' hearts twice: once through the ears with their music, and once through the eyes with their performance.
This dual impact philosophy has proven remarkably accurate throughout their career.
"I honestly believe TWICE changed the game for K-pop girl groups. Before them, the industry was dominated by either super cute or fierce girl crush concepts. TWICE somehow managed to create this refreshing middle ground that was approachable yet powerful." - Comment from Reddit's r/kpop with over 2.3k upvotes
What makes this multinational group so special is their diverse makeup – five Korean members (Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Jihyo, Dahyun, and Chaeyoung), three Japanese members (Momo, Sana, and Mina), and one Taiwanese member (Tzuyu).This multinational approach wasn't just inclusive – it was brilliant business strategy that helped them dominate multiple Asian markets simultaneously.
The Breakthrough: From "Cheer Up" to Global Domination
While their debut song "Like OOH-AHH" performed respectably, it was their second single "Cheer Up" that catapulted TWICE into the stratosphere of K-pop royalty.Released in April 2016, this earworm featured Sana's iconic "shy shy shy" line that swept across South Korea like wildfire.
Literally EVERYONE was doing that move – from celebrities to politicians!
I still crack up remembering how my normally serious college professor unconsciously did the "shy shy shy" gesture during a lecture.
The momentum continued with "TT," which became their first music video to reach 100 million views on YouTube (now surpassing 700 million!).
These weren't just songs – they were cultural phenomena that transcended music.
The choreography became playground games, the costumes inspired fashion trends, and those infectious hooks wormed their way into everyday conversations.
| Era | Signature Song | Iconic Element |
|---|---|---|
| Cute Concept Era (2015-2018) | "Cheer Up," "TT," "Likey" | Point choreographies, bright aesthetics |
| Transition Era (2019) | "Fancy," "Feel Special" | More mature sounds, sophisticated styling |
| Global Era (2020-Present) | "I Can't Stop Me," "The Feels," "Strategy" | Western collaborations, stadium tours |
While most K-pop groups release 2-3 comebacks yearly, TWICE often dropped 5-6 releases between Korean and Japanese promotions.
This constant presence kept them perpetually in the spotlight.
As they say in the industry, "out of sight, out of mind" – but TWICE was NEVER out of sight.
Beyond Korea: TWICE's International Conquest
While many K-pop groups struggle to maintain relevance beyond their home country, TWICE masterfully expanded their influence globally.Their Japanese dominance was particularly impressive, considering the historically complicated relationship between South Korea and Japan.
Having three Japanese members (Momo, Sana, and Mina) gave them a natural advantage, but their success went far beyond that.
They became the first Korean girl group to hold a Japanese dome tour and have consistently topped Oricon charts.
What's wild is that they accomplished this without significantly altering their sound or image for the Japanese market – their authentic TWICE charm simply transcended borders.
⚠️ Did You Know?
TWICE's Japanese success is so extraordinary that they've sold over 5 million albums in Japan alone, becoming the best-selling K-pop girl group in Japanese history. Their Japanese fandom is so dedicated that when they performed at Tokyo Dome for three consecutive days in 2022, tickets sold out within minutes!
Their first official English single "The Feels" charted on the Billboard Hot 100, and they've since performed on major US television shows like "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and "The Kelly Clarkson Show."
I was fortunate enough to attend their "Ready to Be" tour at MetLife Stadium in 2023, and let me tell you – seeing 55,000 fans screaming for a K-pop girl group in America was surreal.
The energy was electric!
As the first K-pop girl group to headline major US stadiums, they shattered the glass ceiling that many thought was impenetrable.
Nine Distinct Colors: The Members That Make TWICE Shine
Ancient philosopher Confucius once said, "In a group of three, I can always find a teacher."In TWICE, with nine unique personalities, there are endless lessons and charms to discover.
Each member brings something special that contributes to the group's irresistible appeal.
Nayeon, the eldest and face of the group, is known for her bunny-like features and powerful vocals.
Her solo debut in 2022 with "POP!" made history as she became the first K-pop female soloist to enter the Billboard 200's top 10.
Her charismatic stage presence has made her a fan favorite since day one.
Jeongyeon, with her distinctive voice and down-to-earth personality, has often been the group's rock.
Despite health challenges that required her to take breaks from activities, her resilience has inspired countless fans including myself.
Her emotional performance of "Feel Special" after returning from hiatus had me in tears.
Momo, the dancing machine of TWICE, demonstrates physical capabilities that defy logic.
As JYP Entertainment's trainers once said, "She moves in ways that make you question the limitations of the human body."
Her dance breaks consistently serve as the highlight of TWICE performances.
Sana is perhaps the group's secret weapon with her natural aegyo (cuteness) and "vitamin" personality.
Her accidental viral moments like "Shy shy shy" and "Cheese kimbap" demonstrate how even her unscripted moments capture hearts.
Recently, she made headlines with G-Dragon dating rumors, though both parties clarified they're just friends after meeting at a Coldplay concert.
Jihyo, the leader whose powerful vocals can shake an arena, trained for an astonishing 10 years before debut.
Her dedication exemplifies the Korean concept of "grit" that philosopher Kim Yong-ok wrote about extensively.
Her solo debut with "Zone" showcased her artistic vision beyond TWICE.
Mina, the elegant former ballet dancer, brings precision and grace to every performance.
Her gentle presence balances the group's more energetic members perfectly.
Despite struggling with anxiety that temporarily removed her from group activities, her brave return showed incredible strength.
Dahyun, nicknamed "Eagle" for her uncanny ability to find cameras, brings comedy and brightness.
Her piano skills and variety show talents make her a true all-rounder.
She recently appeared at the Bshop flagship store opening in Hannam-dong, captivating fans with her fashion sense.
Chaeyoung, the group's creative soul, is known for her artistic talents beyond music.
Her self-designed tattoos and unique fashion sense have made her a style icon for Gen Z fans.
As the main rapper, her flow adds essential edge to TWICE's sound.
Tzuyu, the maknae (youngest) whose stunning visuals earned her the title "goddess of beauty" in Asia, has grown tremendously as a performer.
Her quiet determination and improvement over the years have been incredible to witness.
Her solo debut "abouTZU" demonstrated her growth as an artist.
Cultural Impact and Legacy: How TWICE Changed K-pop Forever
To understand TWICE's significance, we need to examine the landscape before them.In the early 2010s, girl groups largely fell into two categories: the innocent, cute concept (like Apink) or the fierce, girl crush concept (like 2NE1).
TWICE somehow created a third path – what fans call "cute but crushable" – that combined approachability with confidence.
Their influence extends far beyond music.
Their point choreographies became social media challenges before TikTok even existed.
The "TT" hand gesture became so ubiquitous in Asia that even my 65-year-old uncle knew it despite never having heard a TWICE song!
Their fashion choices influenced trends, their commercials sold out products, and their variety show appearances consistently went viral.
📝 Impact on the Industry
TWICE's success has redefined the blueprint for K-pop girl groups. Their consistent release schedule, emphasis on point choreography, and multinational membership have been adopted by numerous groups that followed. Perhaps most significantly, they proved that girl groups could achieve the kind of album sales previously thought possible only for boy groups, selling over 20 million albums globally.
In K-pop, where groups often disband or lose members after their initial 7-year contracts, this unanimous decision demonstrated both their solidarity and JYP Entertainment's recognition of their immense value.
Looking Ahead: TWICE's Exciting Future
After nearly a decade together, most groups would be in their twilight years – but TWICE seems to be entering an exciting new chapter.Their upcoming fourth studio album "THIS IS FOR," set for release on July 11, 2025, has generated enormous anticipation.
Coming approximately 3 years and 8 months after their last full album, this release coincides with their 10th anniversary year.
The group will also headline the prestigious Lollapalooza Chicago festival in August 2025, another historic first for a K-pop girl group.
These achievements demonstrate that TWICE continues to break new ground even after establishing themselves as veterans.
Individual members have also begun carving out solo paths while maintaining group activities.
Nayeon, Jihyo, and Tzuyu have already released successful solo albums, while others have explored acting, fashion, and variety show opportunities.
This dual approach allows them to showcase their individual talents while preserving the magic of TWICE as a complete unit.
What's particularly remarkable about TWICE is how they've avoided the dreaded "seven-year curse" that afflicts many K-pop groups.
Not only did they renew their contracts, but they've continued to grow their global footprint, proving that longevity and evolution are possible in the notoriously fast-paced K-pop industry.
Common Questions About TWICE
What is the meaning behind TWICE's fandom name "ONCE"?
The name ONCE brilliantly complements TWICE and creates a beautiful symbiotic relationship.
As the members explained, "If you love us even ONCE, we will repay your love with TWICE of our love."
This clever wordplay creates an immediate bond between the artists and their supporters.
I've witnessed firsthand how this naming fosters a unique connection.
At concerts, when members call out "ONCE!" and fans respond with "TWICE!", it creates a powerful call-and-response that electrifies the atmosphere.
It's more than just a fandom name – it's a declaration of a two-way relationship.
How did TWICE manage to remain relevant for almost a decade in the fast-paced K-pop industry?
Their longevity comes down to several key factors.
First, their willingness to evolve musically and conceptually kept their content fresh.
The transition from "TT" to "Fancy" to "The Feels" shows a group that refuses to be pigeonholed.
Second, their authentic personalities shone through in variety content.
Shows like "TWICE TV" allowed fans to connect with them beyond their music.
I still go back and watch their chaotic cooking episodes when I need a good laugh!
Third, JYP Entertainment's strategic planning balanced Korean promotions, Japanese releases, world tours, and rest periods to prevent burnout.
Unlike some agencies that work their artists to exhaustion, JYP seems to have found a sustainable pace that allows TWICE to thrive long-term.
Fourth, the genuine bond between the nine members creates a chemistry that can't be manufactured.
You can't fake the kind of friendship they display, and fans can sense that authenticity.
What are TWICE's most impressive records and achievements?
TWICE's trophy case is frankly ridiculous – they've accumulated so many "firsts" and records that it's hard to keep track!
Here are just a few highlights:
They became the first K-pop girl group to hold a stadium concert in the United States (at SoFi Stadium and MetLife Stadium).
I still get goosebumps remembering the sea of candy bong lightsticks illuminating those massive venues.
They're the bestselling K-pop girl group of all time, with over 20 million album sales between Korea and Japan.
Remember when people said girl groups couldn't sell physical albums?
TWICE completely shattered that myth!
They hold the record for most music show wins by a K-pop girl group, with over 120 trophies.
There was a period where it felt like they were winning every single week!
Their "Ready to Be" world tour became the highest-grossing tour by any K-pop girl group, proving their immense global drawing power.
The fact that they could sell out stadiums across multiple continents demonstrates their universal appeal.
Recently, their album "With YOU-th" became their first album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200, making them only the second K-pop girl group to achieve this milestone.
For a group in their ninth year to reach new peaks is virtually unheard of!
TWICE has completely redefined what success means for K-pop girl groups. From their formation through a survival show to becoming stadium-headlining global superstars, their journey represents the pinnacle of what's possible in K-pop. As they enter their tenth year, they continue to break records, explore new creative directions, and strengthen their position as cultural icons. While many predicted they would eventually be replaced by newer groups, TWICE has proven that true legends only grow more powerful with time. Their legacy as the definitive 3rd generation K-pop girl group is secure, and their influence will be felt for generations to come.
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