It’s no stretch to say that global chart topper Twice is a household name in K-pop. Since its start under JYP Entertainment in 2015, the nine-piece multinational band quickly raced past other rookie acts, carved out its own niche in the competitive industry and established a presence within the upper echelon of the Korean mainstream.

With the upcoming release of a brand new album, here’s a recap of the act’s impressive career.

1. “Like Ooh-Ahh”



The act’s breakout debut single blends hip-hop, rock and R&B to create the group’s unique sound, known as “color pop.”

After worming its way into listeners’ hearts with its catchy refrain, “Ooh-Ahh, Ooh-Ahh,” the dynamic anthem turns into a propulsive dance break where the girls switch up the mood and deliver a singsong chant.

The song was written and composed by famous songwriting duo Black Eyed Pilseung and Sam Lewis.


2. “Cheer Up”


Perhaps the biggest hit of 2016, “Cheer Up” solidified the band’s reputation for quirkiness.

While based on bubblegum pop, the experimental single rarely stays within K-pop’s homogeneous stylebook, instead shifting between various beats and atypical musical elements and even incorporating hip-hop, tropical house and bass-driven electro.

Thanks to its earworm of a hook, K-pop fans still consider “Cheer Up” one of the best karaoke songs.


3. “TT”



Well-known for its iconic emoji-inspired dance moves, “TT” probably best represents Twice’s early peppy-pop mold, which shaped hits like “Like Ooh-Ahh” and “Cheer Up.” Vibrant in its sprightly el

ectro-pop, the viral song took the group to new heights and became one of the best-performing songs of 2016 in South Korea, claiming the top spot on Gaon’s Digital Chart and staying there for four consecutive weeks.


4. “One in a Million”



This fan-favorite song is one of Twice’s highly acclaimed feel-good ballads. From the “TWICEcoaster: Lane 2” album, “One in a Million” is propelled by sweet vocals that truly shine in this simple and soft pop ballad.

The song holds significance for many fans, not only for its supportive lyrics but also for its title, which is Twice’s official opening group chant.


5. “Like a Fool”

This lighthearted song, often heard at the band’s concerts and fan events, is another fan-favorite staple.

Poignant and emotive, the song makes little use of instruments but focuses on the members’ harmonious and powerful vocals. It’s a true hidden gem that did a good job of showcasing each member’s voice.


6. “Heart Shaker”



One of the act’s most accessible songs, “Heart Shaker” is the epitome of bright and bubbly. Professing their love, the girls power through the upbeat anthem with high-pitched belts that are easy on the ears.

Released as the lead single from the group’s reissue of its first full-length album, “Merry & Happy,” the song’s retro-inspired music video also delivers a warm wintertime vibe, featuring the members in jeans and long-sleeved shirts.


7. “After Moon”

With a sweet acoustic tune, this poignant ballad highlights Twice’s vocal power. “Although we can’t meet like the sun and moon in the sky / Don’t forget that we’ll be together after dark,” croon the girls in their soothing voices.

The song was also a tearjerker at a recent concert in Los Angeles, where fans’ light sticks turned mint green, Mina’s signature color, in a tribute to the bandmate who’s currently on hiatus due to health issues.


8. “Dance the Night Away”



Autumn’s here, but this summery EDM-pop definitely deserves to stay on everyone’s playlists.

Living up to its title, “Dance the Night Away” is one standout dance-inducing anthem that is filled with thumping bass, a perky hook and an electronic breakdown. Though true to the band’s girlish aspects, the song gets propulsive with some heavy EDM tunes in a departure from Twice’s usual style. The lyrics were written by soloist Wheesung.


9. “Yes or Yes”


Like many of its previous singles, “Yes or Yes” plays up the act’s signature vivaciousness backed by dynamic electro-pop. Starting off with a coy intro from Mina, the song thrives on melodious synths, various tempo shifts and bouncy beats all soaring up to a vibrant chorus where the girls confidently sing, “Choose one answer, yes or yes?”

It was also released alongside a Halloween-themed music video that became the first video by a K-pop girl group to hit 10 million views so fast.


10. “Fancy”



With its recent single “Fancy,” the bubblegum-oriented band went bold and adopted a mature style for the first time in its career.

While keeping the group’s festive tone, “Fancy” blends mellow pop and electro beats with the members’ sophisticated, strong vocals. The group’s first Korean single of 2019, “Fancy” leads its seventh EP, “Fancy You.”

By Hong Dam-young (lotus@heraldcorp.com)

Twice (JYP Entertainment)