TWS Is Billboard’s K-Pop Rookie of the Month for January: Exclusive Photos

TWS stands out as the breakout K-pop group of last year.

Debuting on Jan. 22, 2024, with their first mini album Sparkling Blue, TWS quickly became the talk of the K-pop industry. Their debut single “Plot Twist” soared to the top of multiple Korean charts, including on Apple Music. Remarkably, it became the first boy group track in six years to claim the No. 1 spot on Melon’s annual chart, following iconic hits like BIGBANG’s “Bang Bang Bang” and iKON’s “Love Scenario.”

“Plot Twist” captures the emotions of excitement and nervousness that students feel when entering a new school for the first time. While K-pop boy groups in recent years have leaned heavily on powerful, high-energy tracks, TWS took a different approach. The group incorporated a Future Bass genre as the foundation to their music, emphasizing emotional resonance.

“I think the biggest change is that the barriers between the members are gone. Back then, we were still a bit awkward and reserved around each other, but now we care and think about each other like family,” the group shared. Much like the initial excitement they sang about in their debut track, TWS has continued to grow over the past year. They are now preparing to show a more mature side to their artistry.

Below, you’ll find an exclusive interview capturing the fresh and youthful spirit of TWS as they reflect on their journey so far.

You’re approaching your first anniversary since debut. What has changed the most compared to a year ago?

SHINYU: Compared to a year ago, I think the biggest change is that the barriers between the members are gone. Back then, we were still a bit awkward and reserved around each other, but now we care and think about each other like family. As time passes, I feel that these bonds will only grow stronger, so I’m looking forward to what’s ahead of us. 

Your debut track “Plot Twist” became a hit right from the start. How did that feel at the time? Why do you think people connected with it so strongly?

JIHOON: We were so grateful that it received so much love from the beginning. Since it’s our debut track that captures our youth, I feel even more thankful that people connected with it more than we could have ever hoped for. 

TWS has won the most “Rookie of the Year” awards among male groups that debuted in 2024. What do you think it is about TWS that draws people in?

YOUNGJAE: Thankfully, in our debut year, 2024, we were honored to receive the “Rookie of the Year” along with several other unexpected awards. It wouldn’t have been possible without the many staff members who worked tirelessly to support us, and our members who dedicated themselves to training until we debuted as TWS. We try to give our very best in every performance, and I believe that’s why our music and TWS as a group were able to earn recognition and love from people. 

Last year, you told school stories through your debut album Sparkling Blue, your second mini-album SUMMER BEAT!, and your first single Last Bell—from the start of the “Plot Twist” to the “Last festival.” What stories or themes do you want to showcase in 2025? 

JIHOON: I think we would like to share our story about how we’ve grown since our awkward first meeting, embracing and accepting various emotions, and how we have developed to express our heartfelt feelings. In addition to that, we hope to showcase a wider variety of music styles. 

“Last Festival” is a reinterpretation of the legendary track of the same name, a song hailed as transformative in K-pop music history. It also marked a departure from the refreshing style TWS is known for. Are there any other songs you’d like to reinterpret? 

DOHOON: We would love to reinterpret a song by SEVENTEEN, whom we have admired since our trainee years, and if given the opportunity, we would like to explore various genres and reimagine songs in our unique style!! 

All of TWS members are reportedly introverts. Is there a big difference between your usual selves and your on-stage personas? Are you naturally a bit shy in daily life? 

HANJIN: Yes, I’m usually very quiet and shy. When I’m in a new environment, I get nervous a lot and it takes me a while to warm up to new people. But when I’m on stage, I feel like a completely different person. As soon as the music starts, I naturally find myself immersed in the moment, and I’m actually amazed at the changes myself. At first, the confident version of myself felt quite unfamiliar to me, but over time, I’ve come to accept that ‘this is also a part of me.’ These days, I want to show 42s both my stage version and my everyday self. 

TWS hasn’t held a solo concert yet. Do you have a vision in mind for what your solo concert would look like?

KYUNGMIN: As we are approaching our first fan meet soon, I’m really excited and looking forward to that day! If we do hold a headline concert, I think we’ll be able to showcase a variety of performances and connect with even more 42s, so I hope it’ll happen one day. 

If you imagine TWS 10 years from now, what kind of group do you think you’ll be? 

SHINYU: Even after 10 years, I believe that all the members in TWS will be giving their best in every moment and remain a group that pours in their heart into every performance on stage. It would be great to gather regularly for meals together. Even after 10 years, our modakbul (translates to bonfire: a term TWS use to describe an honest conversation time among the members) will still be burning bright!

Shinyu, as the leader and anchor of the team, you’re also a rapper. Many rappers take part in writing and composing their own songs. Are you interested in that as well? If so, what themes or stories would you like to explore in your lyrics? 

SHINYU: I want to write a song for 42s, our fans. 42s have always been, and will continue to be, the driving force behind TWS and they are the reason why we continue to move forward. That’s why I want to give my heartfelt song as a gift and I think I’ll enjoy the whole process of creating it! 

Dohoon, you’re known for your keen sense of fashion. What styles or trends are you drawn to these days? Even within the group, you’re recognized as a trendsetter! Have you ever thought about taking charge of the group’s styling one day? 

DOHOON: I’m into eyewear these days!! It’s nice to add a stylish touch to my outfit, so I’m using it often! From sunglasses to rimless glasses, I like to choose what I wear based on my mood for the day.

Youngjae often mentioned self-awareness and diligence as key personal traits. How would you describe the Youngjae of today, and what kind of person do you aspire to become? How does that reflect in TWS’s performances or music?

YOUNGJAE: Right now, I feel like I’m becoming someone who has an open heart and embraces those around me with the energy that I draw from taking care of myself and understanding who I am. Moving forward, I want to become a person who pursues what I want with confidence and isn’t afraid of success or failure. 

Hanjin, you’re turning 20 this year (Korean age)! What’s something you’ve always wanted to do at 20, and have you done it yet? 

HANJIN: When I was young, I had a list of things that I wanted to do by the time I turned 20 years old— travelling alone, getting a new hobby, and becoming a more mature person. I haven’t achieved all of them yet, but I’m finding myself cherishing the precious moments in my daily life these days. Moments like spending time with my members and meeting 42s on stage have become special experiences of my 20s. Going forward, I want to make my 20s meaningful and special in my own way. 

Jihoon, you’ve shown a lot of interest in dance. From hip-hop, tutting, krump, you’ve explored various genres. What style of dance has been catching your eye lately? 

JIHOON: I’ve been focusing more on choreography rather than a specific genre these days. I’m practicing to apply the same sense of movement I use in freestyle to a choreography-focused routine. 

Kyungmin, as the only member still connected to TWS’s school-themed concept by age, you’re uniquely positioned. With about a year left before you graduate, have your older members shared any advice or insights with you? 

KYUNGMIN: There’s something that my older members always tell me, which is, to make lots of friends and memories when I’m at school! I only have about a year left, so I really want to make even greater memories!!