{"id":2089070,"date":"2025-10-14T01:04:26","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T01:04:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2089070"},"modified":"2025-10-14T01:04:26","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T01:04:26","slug":"k-pop-group-tws-on-play-hard-new-single-overdrive-and-u-s-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/k-pop-group-tws-on-play-hard-new-single-overdrive-and-u-s-plans\/","title":{"rendered":"K-pop group TWS on \u2018Play Hard,\u2019 New Single ‘Overdrive’ and U.S. Plans"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\tFor K-pop boy group TWS, it all comes back to youth.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe six-member group has carved out a sound that\u2019s consistently energetic and undeniably youthful \u2014 music<\/a> that celebrates the highs, thrills and chaos of being young. It makes sense for the group \u2014 consisting of members Shinyu, Dohoon, Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon and Kyungmin \u2014 who range in age from 18 to 21. Their latest EP, Play Hard<\/em>, continues that tradition.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cFor this album, the most important key phrases are \u2018you drive me crazy\u2019 and \u2018youth drive me crazy,\u2019\u201d Youngjae tells The Hollywood Reporter<\/em> on a Zoom from the Seoul headquarters of Korean music giant Hybe. It\u2019s nearing 11:30 p.m. in Korea, but the six members of TWS show no signs of fatigue. They\u2019re engaged in the conversation, seemingly excited to chat about their new music.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe boy group, coming up on their second anniversary in January 2026, hails from Hybe sub-label Pledis Entertainment \u2014\u00a0home to another group that spent much of its catalog exploring the highs and lows of youth, Seventeen<\/a>. But TWS, pronounced \u201ctwo us,\u201d has forged their own path as a group.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe group found early domestic success in a constantly evolving music ecosystem, not an easy task. \u201cPlot Twist,\u201d the lead single from their debut EP, Sparkling Blue<\/em>, released in January 2024, is still charting on the Korean Melon music chart nearly two years later (at the time of publication, it sits at No. 58).<\/p>\n

\n\tOn Play Hard<\/em>, the group\u2019s fourth EP, TWS ventures into new sonic territory with several songs, including their pre-release single, \u201cHeads Shoulders Knees Toes.\u201d The album\u2019s first track, which takes its name from the classic children\u2019s nursery rhyme, goes harder than most TWS singles, despite its sweet title, and has allowed the group to explore an edgier side as they transition into young adulthood.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe album\u2019s lead single, \u201cOverdrive,\u201d is a guitar-heavy, energetic pop song about young love, and it feels right at home in TWS\u2019 discography. \u201cIs this how it\u2019s supposed to feel? \/ You\u2019re makin\u2019 my heart go boom boom \/ Can\u2019t resist you \/ Oh, my \/ You make me overdrive,\u201d TWS sings on the song\u2019s chorus.<\/p>\n

\n\tTWS spoke with THR<\/em> about creatively contributing to Play Hard<\/em>, what they\u2019ve learned from each other and what message they\u2019d like to send to their U.S. fans.<\/p>\n

\n\tHow are you feeling about the album?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tJIHOON<\/strong> We think this album is a big and important step. We can express [ourselves] more deeply and try different music types. We discussed a lot of things to prepare this album, so Play Hard<\/em> is precious to us.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tJihoon, 19, of TWS in a THR<\/em> exclusive photo for the group\u2019s EP, \u2018Play Hard.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPledis Entertainment<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tSome of you were creatively involved with the album, whether it be the lyrics or choreography. What was that experience like?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tJIHOON<\/strong> Me and Dohoon wrote some lyrics, and also I did a little bit of choreography. During this experience I learned a lot. I also learned about our team, and [about] how deeply I love my team. That was one of the most precious moments in my life. What a big honor.<\/p>\n

\n\tDOHOON<\/strong> This is the first time for me to actually contribute [creatively to the album], so it was a big honor. If the opportunity is available again, I hope that all of our members can actually pitch ideas, whether it\u2019s in the form of lyrics or to make songs with our ideas.<\/p>\n

\n\tWhat makes \u201cOverdrive\u201d a perfect fit for you as a group? What makes it a signature TWS song for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tKYUNGMIN<\/strong> I think this song maintains the refreshing vibe of TWS, yet it also captures the passion that we have towards the things that we love the most. I think this song has a really strong impact overall.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tKyungmin, 18, of TWS in a THR<\/em> exclusive photo for the group\u2019s EP, \u2018Play Hard.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPledis Entertainment<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tWhat\u2019s everyone\u2019s favorite track on the album? <\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tHANJIN<\/strong> My favorite song is actually \u201cOverdrive,\u201d the song that you just mentioned, because it\u2019s a song that does well at expressing the passion that one has towards something they love. I think TWS, in general, we\u2019re a really ambitious team. We work really hard, and we try to do well at anything we do. I think it\u2019s a song that defines us well.<\/p>\n

\n\tKYUNGMIN<\/strong> My favorite song is \u201cHere for You\u201d because it\u2019s about waiting for you [the fans], who I love so much. I love this song.<\/p>\n

\n\tJIHOON<\/strong> My favorite song is \u201cCaffeine Rush\u201d because it\u2019s one of the acoustic songs [on the album]. I [tend to] like something instrumental, like a piano or guitar drums. <\/p>\n

\n\tSHINYU<\/strong> I like \u201cHot Blue Shoes\u201d because it\u2019s a song where you can actually see the passion of TWS with the vocals because that\u2019s how we recorded it. <\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tDohoon, 20, of TWS in a THR<\/em> exclusive photo for the group\u2019s EP, \u2018Play Hard.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPledis Entertainment<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tDOHOON <\/strong>I will choose \u201cHead Shoulders Knees Tees\u201d because the performance is so awesome. You see a completely new side of us.<\/p>\n

\n\tYOUNGJAE<\/strong> My favorite track is \u201cOverthinking\u201d because I was just naturally drawn to the song when I first heard it. The song has a lot of pop elements, and if you listen to the chorus, it\u2019s a very romantic hook, which goes \u201cBecause I\u2019m overthinking you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tYou\u2019re coming up on two years as a group. What has been the most important thing you\u2019ve learned about yourselves as performers, or even as people?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tSHINYU<\/strong> For the past two years, I think we\u2019ve had many opportunities to meet 42 [pronounced Sai \u2014 the official name for fans of the group] through different tours and concerts. Those experiences allowed me to grow, so going forward we\u2019d like to meet more 42 and share our music and energy with them.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tShinyu, 21, of TWS in a THR<\/em> exclusive photo for the group\u2019s EP, \u2018Play Hard.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPledis Entertainment<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tIs there anything you\u2019ve learned from each other? Do you find you\u2019ve become better at something because of your teammates?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tJIHOON<\/strong> All six members are always working hard; [everyone is] hardworking and always passionate. Especially, for example, Hanjin is always studying Korean late into the night. Youngjae is always practicing his vocals after all of our schedules [are done]. Actually, all of the members are the same [with their hard work], so through this I learned how to be passionate. I define what passionate means through my fellow group members. That\u2019s the biggest thing I\u2019ve learned from my [fellow] members.<\/p>\n

\n\tKYUNGMIN<\/strong> We learned that we all have different personalities, and we regularly gather together to talk amongst ourselves. We have this regular gathering [called modakbul, the Korean word for bonfire], where we gather around a fireplace and we have an honest conversation with each other.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tHanjin, 19, of TWS in a THR<\/em> exclusive photo for the group\u2019s EP, \u2018Play Hard.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPledis Entertainment<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tThis is something I like to ask every artist I speak with. As a public figure, you don\u2019t have much say in how you or your work is perceived. But I assume you have an ideal way people would see TWS. Do you know what that is yet?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tHANJIN<\/strong> I think when people are going through tough times, one of the things they need is music. I hope that people \u2014 when they listen to our music \u2014\u00a0they can get hopeful and be energized again. Since we sing about youth, I hope that people can be reminded of their youth, which might get forgotten in their everyday, busy lives.<\/p>\n

\n\tDo you have a message to your U.S. fans?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tJIHOON<\/strong> We\u2019ll do our best and work hard until our songs and messages can actually get to the U.S. and hopefully people will get interested and like our music. We would like to be a group that supports and roots for our fans.<\/p>\n

\n\tYOUNGJAE<\/strong> Last year, we had a chance to actually visit the U.S. We were able to perform in various venues including KCON L.A.<\/a>, iHeartRadio, the MAMA Awards, the Grammy Museum<\/a> and VEVO Studios. Through those performances, we were able to feel so much energy from the crowds. When we come back, we\u2019ll be in better form and with better energy.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tYoungjae, 20, of TWS in a THR<\/em> exclusive photo for the group\u2019s EP, \u2018Play Hard.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPledis Entertainment<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.hollywoodreporter.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For K-pop boy group TWS, it all comes back to youth. The six-member group has carved out a sound that\u2019s consistently energetic and undeniably youthful \u2014 music that celebrates the highs, thrills and chaos of being young. It makes sense for the group \u2014 consisting of members Shinyu, Dohoon, Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon and Kyungmin \u2014 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2089071,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25179],"tags":[24379,323548,21800],"class_list":["post-2089070","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music","tag-international","tag-k-pop-news","tag-music"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/K-pop-group-TWS-on-\u2018Play-Hard-New-Single-Overdrive-and-scaled.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2089070","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2089070"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2089070\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2089072,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2089070\/revisions\/2089072"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2089071"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2089070"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2089070"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2089070"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}