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“Someday, through a world tour, I want TWS to reach another major level of growth. To do that, I want to become a more self-directed person.”
You were selected as Billboard‘s K-Pop Rookie of the Month in January by Billboard Korea and Billboard U.S. What has changed over these nine months?
We successfully wrapped our first tour in Japan and tried a hip-hop concept with the pre-release “Head Shoulders Knees Toes.” It was a meaningful stretch of time in many ways. Through those changes, we became closer not only among ourselves but also with 42 [our fandom]. Personally, I also spent time thinking about how to make myself a more valuable person.
How do you define “a valuable person”?
Simply put, someone who’s self-directed. To be that, I first had to know who I am and what I truly want to do. As TWS’s Youngjae, I’d like to be someone who broadly makes a positive impact on society and the public through music.
“Head Shoulders Knees Toes” is a strong hip-hop track that differs from TWS’s previous image. What was your first reaction on hearing it?
Because the song itself is so high-energy and different from our earlier image, we needed time to adjust — myself included. If we were going to make a change, I didn’t want that first attempt to fall flat. So we spoke more candidly than ever about our concerns — right down to the tricky parts — to make sure both fans and the general public would receive it well.
Did anything change in your vocal approach?
Up to now, I focused on a clean, pristine feel — a tone people might describe as “pretty.” For “Head Shoulders Knees Toes,” I tried to sing rougher. Since it was unfamiliar, I took breaks when it didn’t work, then tried again — with the mindset of “break the limit.” During recording I kept asking, “Can I try it this way?” and looked for places to add a bit of my own color.
What about the title track “OVERDRIVE”?
The moment I heard it, I thought, “That’s our song.” [Laughs] The melody felt like home, so recording was enjoyable and relaxed. I could already imagine how we’d look performing it as TWS.
TWS’s music evokes a bright blue for many listeners. What color was added this time?
Through B-sides, we’ve been trying things beyond bright tracks — like “Comma,” “Double Take,” and “Oh Mymy : 7s.” Those attempts piled up and paved the way for a song like “Head Shoulders Knees Toes.” With this album, I think we added a slightly darker tone to the color people associate with TWS.
You talk about teamwork a lot. Anything you want to say to the members?
We’re all still young — our maknae Kyungmin is 19, and I’m 21 — so we’ve all worked really hard since early on. Even if we sometimes miss out on things kids our age get to enjoy, I think it’s amazing how passionately everyone commits to what they love. I’m grateful that we’re building good memories together in the midst of those limited days.
What reaction would make you happiest from listeners of this album?
“If it’s TWS, I’ll listen — no questions.” That one line would make me truly happy.
A vocalist you’d like to collaborate with someday?
Dean. He’s an artist in every sense — fashion, music, vocal. He communicates his own color across different fields in a way that connects with the public. In so many ways, I want to learn from him.
You mentioned a songwriter’s ambition, too. What are you doing for that despite your busy schedule?
I’ve been taking piano lessons — paused for now — because I think you should be able to handle at least one instrument to compose. Learning an instrument helps in many ways, so I’m trying to keep at it intentionally.
You’re studying Japanese consistently. Your recent Japan tour must’ve given you chances to use it.
The more chances I get to use it, the less satisfied I am — I just want to get better. [Laughs] Whenever we go abroad, I want to keep learning and become more fluent.
What’s your current goal for TWS in the global music market?
A world tour. As we toured Japan, I realized how much you can learn from encountering new cultures in different countries. You grow through that process. Through a world tour, I want us to take another big leap.
You’re not afraid of being thrown into new environments, huh?
Nope. I’m not afraid! [Laughs]
