TWS on Life After 'plot twist,' Growing Pains and Finding Their Own Sound

TWS is opening up about the uncertainty that comes with growing up. Known for its bright, youthful songs, the six-member boy group is taking a more personal approach with its second single album "TO US," reflecting on the pressure to improve, the fear of falling short and the people who keep them going.

"I'd be lying if I said there wasn't any pressure after our debut song received so much love," Kyungmin said during a recent interview with K-POPIT ahead of the album's Nov. 2 release.

"But I think what's more important than whether something succeeds or not is how much sincerity we put into each album."

"TO US" features three tracks: "WE UP," lead single "Call My Name" and "heavy." While the group's earlier releases captured the excitement of first encounters and young love, the new album explores a less carefree side of youth.

"The key word this time is that overwhelming feeling of emotion," Kyungmin said. "Compared to the rougher, more refreshing energy we showed with 'OVERDRIVE,' this song brings out a different kind of emotion through both the music and performance."

For Dohoon, that feeling is what defines TWS beyond its familiar refreshing image. "Rather than limiting our identity to a refreshing sound, I'd describe it as that sense of emotional intensity," he said. Jihoon offered another comparison, describing TWS as "more like a palette than a dropper" because of the different musical styles the group hopes to explore.

The lead single, "Call My Name," centers on finding courage through someone else's belief in you. Featuring contributions from jazz pianist Yoon Seok-cheol, the song also credits Youngjae, Shinyu and Dohoon as lyricists. The three drew on their experiences onstage and their relationship with fans, known as 42.

"I wanted to show a more serious side of TWS without dressing it up," Shinyu said. "When I wrote the lyrics, I tried to put down exactly what I was thinking and what I wanted to say."

Youngjae said the song expresses the group's feelings toward performing more directly than their previous releases. "I pictured us performing and wanted to express my gratitude. Once I started thinking about 42, who have always been there with us, the words came naturally."

The members' involvement extended beyond songwriting. According to Shinyu, their agency interviewed each member individually before developing the album, gathering their thoughts and concerns. The choreography also reflects the shift, with Jihoon explaining that the group prioritized conveying the song's message through subtler movements rather than explosive energy.

Since debuting with the breakout hit "plot twist," TWS has achieved million-seller status and completed an Asia tour. But those milestones have also brought greater expectations.

Kyungmin admitted that he often worries about whether he can show enough improvement with each comeback. When those doubts arise, he turns to the older members for advice or spends more time practicing.

"I think overcoming anxiety can come down to a small change in mindset," Dohoon said. "I try to think positively and remind myself that something might not be as big a deal as it seems."

For Jihoon, one of the biggest concerns was whether the group's message would reach listeners.

"If I were alone, I don't know whether I could handle the disappointment of not reaching my goals," he said. "But preparing this album made me realize even more that I have my members and 42 beside me."

He recalled struggling with self-doubt while preparing a performance unit stage with Kyungmin during their recent concert. Unsure whether he could pull it off, Jihoon confided in his younger bandmate.

"He told me that whatever I created, people would be able to follow it, so I should go ahead and pursue everything I dreamed of," Jihoon recalled. "Even now, whenever I'm afraid of something, I think about those words."

That support also shapes how the members see their relationship with fans. Jihoon described it as a cycle of encouragement, with the group and 42 helping one another through difficult moments.

"When I'm lacking something, someone else helps fill that gap. Then we pass that energy on to our fans, and they give even more back to us," he said. "I want people to see that kind of healthy relationship."

Although several members describe themselves as introverted, they said interacting with fans often brings out a different side of their personalities. "I have a switch that lets me go between being introverted and extroverted," Shinyu joked.

Hanjin had a simpler explanation. "I don't think doing things for someone you love is that difficult," he said. "I can do those things because they're 42. If it were someone else, it would probably be harder."

That connection influenced the group's approach to promoting its new single. After the dance challenge for "OVERDRIVE" gained attention, TWS could have focused on creating another viral moment. Instead, the members wanted to put the song's message first.

"Rather than prioritizing a trend that everyone could follow, we felt it was more important to pursue our music and deliver the message we wanted to share," Jihoon said.

The group still developed a challenge inspired by the song's title, in which someone turns around and shows their personality when their name is called.

Their recent activities have also pushed the members beyond their comfort zones. Youngjae, who considers himself shy, took part in promotional activities that required him to approach people more confidently. Jihoon, meanwhile, participated in a surprise street dance performance after learning about it just five minutes beforehand.

"I've been thinking a lot this year about how opportunities don't necessarily come when you're ready," Jihoon said. "Sometimes you just have to throw yourself into something."

The group's recent Asia tour offered further opportunities for growth. Kyungmin highlighted performing at KSPO DOME, a venue he had dreamed of playing since debut, while Jihoon recalled returning to a venue in Yokohama where TWS had previously been unable to open the upper seating sections. During their latest tour, those seats were filled with fans.

The members also took on greater creative responsibilities. Jihoon revealed that he and Kyungmin developed the choreography draft for their unit performance, with many of their ideas making it into the final stage.

"Before, I would get scared just thinking about things," he said. "Through this tour and comeback preparations, I've learned how to throw myself into them."

For Shinyu, a particularly memorable moment came when fans spontaneously lit up their phones during "Back To Strangers." Hanjin also recalled watching fan-made vlogs showing the journeys people took to attend TWS concerts.

"Watching those videos made me realize that coming to see us isn't always easy," Hanjin said. "Knowing they go through all that to be there made me feel even more grateful."

Looking ahead, Shinyu hopes "TO US" will earn the group a music show win. He has even planned a special encore in which each member would turn around and strike a cute pose as fans call out their names.

For Jihoon, however, the album's message goes beyond chart results. "There are probably people who wonder whether what they're doing is right," he said. "I want to tell them that they're already doing well and that they should try everything they want to do before the year ends. I hope we can keep dreaming together."

Shinyu echoed that sentiment. "I don't want people to be afraid of taking on challenges," he said. "We want to give courage to 42, who are living through this time alongside us."