How TWICE bears weight of the crown

K-pop girl band TWICE's YouTube Originals documentary "TWICE: Seize the Light" will be unveiled on Wednesday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

By Dong Sun-hwa

Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

This is no exception for TWICE, which frequently has been dubbed "the best" or "the first" girl group to write the new history in the K-pop universe since the group's debut in 2015. The nine-piece act is set to accomplish another feat Wednesday by unveiling its YouTube Originals documentary "TWICE: Seize the Light." Again, this is the first time a K-pop girl band has featured in YouTube Originals.

Nonetheless, the group has sought a way to ease the burden.

"Such wonderful titles are the gifts from our fans and we truly appreciate them. We feel the sense of responsibility and sometime worry that we may not pull things off very well, but we can look to and lean on each other for support (when we are under pressure,)" member Jeongyeon said during the global press conference held on Tuesday to introduce the upcoming documentary. "That's how we can take a leap forward together."

Reporters were not invited to the event, which was live-streamed on YouTube to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

"TWICE: Seize the Light" is a vivid depiction of the past, present and the future of TWICE. The documentary not only covers the members' pre-debut days, but also the behind-the-scenes and backstage stories of the group's world tour.

"We have not yet revealed everything about us, because we have attempted to showcase the best version of ourselves to people," Jeongyeon said. "But through the documentary, you can hear the stories we have never disclosed in the past."

Hence, the eight-episode documentary does not merely focus on the dazzling side of the band.

Dahyun said, "We have mostly exhibited our signature bright energy on stage, but in the documentary we will unveil more earnest and honest sides of us."

Nayeon touched on some specific moments.

"In hindsight, my darkest time came when I was an idol trainee," she said. "My future was uncertain and I always had to ask myself, 'Will I be able to debut?' It was physically and mentally exhausting sometimes. There also were days when my body could not keep up with my mind and willpower."

But the star soon found happiness following her debut. Nayeon said she felt overwhelmed on the stage.

"When I make eye contact with our fans while playing a gig, I seem to have the most energy," she said.

Dahyun revealed she wanted the documentary to relay a message of hope and encouragement.

"I hope the viewers, as well as the idol trainees, do not ditch their dreams and trust in themselves as they watch how TWICE has grown up and overcome hardships," she said.

Beginning from April 29, each episode will be released every Wednesday on TWICE's YouTube channel.

Visit the channel: bit.ly/2YcDJoz

Meanwhile, TWICE ― comprising Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu ― announced the release of a single, "More & More," on June 1.

Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn
Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn