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TWS showcases thrill of turning 20 with new album 'TRY WITH US'
K-pop boy band TWS performs during a media showcase at Blue Square's SOL Travel Hall in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
By Pyo Kyung-min
Channeling the excitement of stepping into their 20s, K-pop boy band TWS released its third mini album, "TRY WITH US," Monday, hoping to build on the momentum it gained as one of last year's most promising rookie groups.
Just hours before the album dropped, the six members — Shinyu, Dohoon, Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon and Kyungmin — gathered at Blue Square's SOL Travel Hall in Seoul's Yongsan District for a press event, where they shared stories behind the making of the new project.
According to the group, the album tells "the story of being 20 — embracing new challenges with joy and courage, and stepping into the unknown with the spirit of youth."
For Jihoon and Hanjin — who both turn 20 in Korean age this year — the album holds a deeper meaning.
From left, K-pop boy band TWS members Youngjae, Dohoon, Jihoon, Hanjin, Kyungmin and Shinyu perform their latest lead single "Countdown!" during a media showcase at Blue Square's SOL Travel Hall in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
"I was born in 2006, so I turned 20 this year. Preparing for this album while stepping into my 20s has been such a happy experience," Jihoon said.
"Being 20 is exciting and all, but I think it's also a time full of effort and new challenges. This album really feels like it captures that chapter of my life, and that makes me truly happy."
"Turning 20 myself, this album feels even more special," Hanjin added. "We had so many new experiences and challenges while working on it. Through the new album, I want to show how we're taking on bold new adventures by following our hearts."
The new album's title track "Countdown!" is a high-energy ode to youth that embodies the album's spirit. With its refreshing pop sound, it continues the group's signature fresh and boyish style while offering a new twist.
Shinyu, the group's eldest member, described the song as "a track with a perfect build-up — from a wistful intro to a powerful, emotional climax."
K-pop boy band TWS performs "Lucky to be Loved," a song from the group's newest release, "TRY WITH US," during a media showcase at Blue Square's SOL Travel Hall in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
Though the song celebrates the spirit of becoming 20, Jihoon emphasized that its message resonates beyond just his generation.
"I don't think youth is something that only belongs to the age of 20," he said. "Through this song, we hope listeners of all ages can look back on their own precious and passionate moments, and feel a sense of encouragement and connection."
Performing the track during the event, TWS wowed the crowd with explosive choreography, maintaining nonstop smiles and delivering powerful leaps throughout.
Kyungmin, known as one of the group's standout dancers, explained how the choreography marks a shift in TWS' performance style.
"In the past, we focused on perfect synchronization and unity in our choreography. This time, we kept that energy but also aimed to show the fun and freedom we feel on stage," he said.
K-pop band TWS performs during a media showcase held to celebrate the group's new album release at Blue Square's SOL Travel Hall in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. The album dropped on Monday. Yonhap
With previous hits like the debut single "Plot Twist" and second mini-album title track "If I'm S, Can You Be My N?," TWS has become a front-runner in the wave of boy groups embracing bright and youthful concepts.
The members said they hope to keep that energy going strong with the latest release.
"I think what makes TWS unique is our ability to bring back those sparkling moments of youth," Youngjae said. "That's the kind of music we want to keep creating as we move forward."
Shinyu likened the group to watercolor paint — something that spreads quietly but leaves a lasting impression.
"When you drop watercolor into water, it spreads slowly and sinks in," he said. "That's how we see ourselves too — gradually reaching people's hearts with our music. ... We're so grateful for all the love we've received, and we'll keep doing our best to live up to the expectations."