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https://scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3107615/twice-aim-match-bts-and-blackpink-and-break-us-market-new News
Twice aim to match BTS and Blackpink, and break US market with new album Eyes Wide Open
- Having achieved success in both Japan and South Korea, the all-female group’s latest album reveals a more daring approach to their songs
- They hope this departure from their normal happy-go-lucky style will appeal to music fans worldwide
K-pop all-female group Twice have released their second album, Eyes Wide Open. They hope it will help make them as popular in the US as fellow K-pop acts BTS and Blackpink. Photo: JYP Entertainment
Twice, the popular K-pop group known for their catchy lyrics and colourful aesthetics, invite listeners to explore the band’s more daring side on their second full album.
The all-female group made their debut in 2015 and have achieved success in both South Korea and Japan.
“Eyes Wide Open” was released on Monday and features 13 songs, including the lead single, I Can’t Stop Me. The members hope to follow in the footsteps of breakout K-pop acts BTS and Blackpink by cracking the US market and releasing English-language songs in the future.
Member Nayeon said I Can’t Stop Me had a “retro” sound, with lyrics about “not being able to control ourselves crossing the line”. The track sees Twice explore the boundaries between good and bad, revealing a more daring side of the outfit and a departure from their happy-go-lucky style.
When asked to discuss boundaries they wouldn’t cross in their personal lives, the group – which has Japanese, South Korean and Taiwanese members, all in their early 20s – did not elaborate. “This is a difficult question!” Jihyo said with a cheeky smile.
K-pop bands such as Twice are celebrated for their tightly synchronised dance moves and spotless aesthetics, often enduring years of training on the way to stardom. The demand for perfection never ends – leaving no room for mistakes, either onstage or off.
Twice show a more daring approach to their songs in their latest album. Credit: JYP Entertainment
Group member Sana said balancing a hectic schedule with onstage perfection wasn’t easy when Twice first started.
“We had so many venues we needed to perform at, but we had very limited time to prepare,” she said. “There were lots of moments when we’d practise for three hours twice a day and get on stage right away. So preparing and having to give perfect performances to so many people in such a rushed time weighed on us.”
“We could’ve done better and wanted to do better. It was difficult to go through moments of not having control.”
Eyes Wide Open album cover. Photo: JYP Entertainment
But with half a decade of experience under their belt, the band are now allowed more breathing room.
“We don’t try too hard to be perfect,” said Tzuyu, the band’s Taiwanese singer. “I try to enjoy the moment instead of being so harsh on myself.”
As K-pop goes global thanks to bands such as BTS and Blackpink, the Twice members have now their eyes on doing exactly the same.