Music groups often zero in on maintaining a specific image or a certain sound, but one girl group has consistently and successfully focused on expanding both horizons. This group is TWICE, so named because their manager and JYP Entertainment founder J. Y. Park said that the group would touch people's hearts twice: once through the ears, and again through their eyes. TWICE does just that as they navigate seamlessly through concepts, create stunning music videos, and connect with audiences on a global scale.
The group formed after competing in the music competition show Sixteen in 2015. Potential members were vetted not only for singing and dancing skills but also for personality, which drew in 16 girls competing for a spot in a new girl group. The girls who made it into the new girl group had a range of backgrounds from ballet to dancing and from singing to modeling. TWICE debuted in October 2015, a nine-member girl group made up of women from several countries: Korean members Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Jihyo, Dahyun, and Chaeyoung; Japanese members Momo, Sana, and Mina; and Taiwanese member Tzuyu. The group quickly rose to fame, receiving the honorific title of “The Nation’s Girl Group” in South Korea.
TWICE touches ears and eyes in the K-pop industry by embracing new styles that resonate deeply with fans worldwide, creating beautiful music videos along the way. TWICE has successfully transitioned from one concept into another, and isn’t afraid of change. The group debuted with a “color pop” style and girl crush concept, emphasizing lightheartedness and catchy lyrics with bright and cute visuals. In 2019, TWICE released “FANCY” and began pulling towards bass-driven sounds with more mature visuals. TWICE’s infectious charm and relatable music have allowed them to connect with fans, fostering a dedicated international fanbase known as "ONCE.”
TWICE’s amazing music videos have also added to their visual and acoustic success. “What is Love?”’s music video was created during the group’s girl crush concept and shows the girls imagining themselves in love scenes in movies and books.
Another wonderfully done music video is “Kura Kura,” a great example of TWICE’s storytelling and visuals in their MVs. The group releases music in both Japanese and Korean, and “Kura Kura” is a Japanese song that perhaps answers the question of “What is Love?” Maybe, it’s magic, highlighting the highs and lows.
AS TWICE continues to impact the music landscape with their amazing visuals and beautiful songs, they solidify their position as one of K-pop’s most influential girl groups, if not the most influential, promising to touch ears and eyes for a long time to come.