TWICE had an album showcase on Monday at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.
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K-pop girl group Twice launches Feel Good EP – but where was Mina, and why did Jihyo sit on the sidelines?
Nine-piece group appeared as seven and a half, with Japanese singer Mina skipping Seoul album showcase, while leader Jihyo was forced to sing from a chair
K-pop girl band Twice returned with the fresh release Feel Special – but one member, Mina, was conspicuously absent.
Fans of K-pop girl band Twice were elated when they saw Japanese member Mina in the teaser photos and videos ahead of the group's latest release “Feel Special”.
Many believed Mina had recovered from an anxiety disorder that has been plaguing her since July. But they will have to wait a little longer.
Before the official album showcase on September 23, at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, an official from management agency JYP Entertainment said Mina would not participate.
“Although Mina did her bit in the album production, she will not be on stage with other members today and for the time being,” he said. “We ask for your understanding.”
Another Japanese member, Momo, said: “Mina’s health should be a priority. I was happy enough to have her on our music video and hope she recovers soon and rejoins us.”
But Mina was not the only one off form. Leader Jihyo could not perform a polished dance routine at the launch due to a mild neck problem. She sat on a chair on the stage and belted out her lines during the three-minute performance of the album's lead number Feel Special.
“My condition isn't serious, but the doctor suggested I take a rest,” she said. “I will try my best to get better as soon as possible. I apologise to you for not staging the gig.”
But the remaining members – Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Tzuyu, Dahyun and Chaeyoung – successfully filled the absences, while exploring new musical avenues. Although Twice has mostly appeared bubbly and energetic, this appearance highlighted lyricism and sentimentalism, instead aiming to bring solace to listeners.
“There have been moments when I was physically strained, but I have overcome the hardships by staging performances and receiving support from our members and fans,” vocalist Nayeon said. “'Feel Special' also conveys a similar message. Although you may get exhausted sometimes, you can still get over it if you have people around you who give you warm words.”
Twice’s eighth mini-album “Feel Special” contains six additional tracks, including the energetic Rainbow, the uptempo Get Loud, the vibrant Trick It, the dramatic Love Foolish, the dance tune Breakthrough and 21:29, a song dedicated to fans. JYP’s founder and producer Park Jin-young created the lead track.
“Park composed the song and wrote the lyrics for us,” Jihyo said. “He talked a lot with our members to reflect our stories in the lyrics.”
Taiwanese member Tzuyu said: “I could empathise with his lyrics.”
Nayeon added: “Park always gives us good advice. He recently told us not to stop here, but continue growing every day in singing or dancing, to be loved by people for a long time.”
Twice, one of the hottest K-pop girl bands, has had a hectic schedule since its debut in 2015. When asked whether the members will have an extended break like boy band BTS, Jihyo said they rested during Chuseok, Korea’s version of Thanksgiving Day, in September.
“But I have a fear of having a long holiday,” she said.
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This article was originally written by Dong Sun-hwa for The Korea Times .