K-pop boy group TWS during their media conference for 'Last Bell' in Seoul, South Korea, November 25, 2024. Photos courtesy of Pledis EntertainmentK-pop boy group TWS is wrapping up a successful debut year with the release of their single album "Last Bell," led by the song "Last Festival"
"Last Festival," unveiled by the six-member group on Monday, is a reinterpretation of the iconic 1990s Korean group Seo Taiji and Boys' song of the same title.
"With this new single, we want to wrap up this year in a good, perfect way," member Kyungmin said through an interpreter in an online media conference.
While the original track was released in 1993, before the TWS members were even born, Jihoon shared he was aware of the song "because Seo Taiji and Boys were amazing artists who left a mark in K-pop idol history."
"My parents are also their fans so I knew this song and I personally love the vibe of the song so it was a great honor to be able to put TWS' twist on the song," he added.
"Last Festival" explores the theme of farewells brought about by graduation.
"We tried to express goodbye in a way that isn't overly sad... But sonically, we completely reinterpreted the song with our own unique touch so I believe you'll experience an entirely new vibe," Youngjae said.
The three-track single album also includes "Highlight and "Comma."
Milestone year
The single marks the culmination of a milestone year for TWS, who debuted with the extended play (EP) "Sparkling Blue," which featured "Plot Twist" that became a viral hit in South Korea.
TWS also claimed the prizes of Best New Male Artist and Best Dance Performance (Male Group) for "Plot Twist" at the 2024 MAMA Awards over the weekend.
Youngjae credits the group's rising popularity to their passion for performing.
"We look kind of soft and innocent on the outside but actually inside, we are actually strong and committed to the stage. So I think that's probably the reason why a lot of fans love us," Youngjae said.
"We're really happy to have such great news before this comeback and it made us want to work harder," he said, referring to their achievements at the MAMA Awards.
Meanwhile, Jihoon attributes his group's popularity to their "boyhood pop" concept, characterized by "nostalgic lyrics and refreshing melodies" that aim to capture the essence of youth.
"This is not just a simple concept. We want people to really feel this in their day-to-day lives. We want to remind them of their cherishable memories," he said.
READ: New K-pop group TWS aims to deliver 'best' youthful music
When asked about the group's goals for their promotions for "Last Bell," Youngjae said: "We want to show the audience our unwavering commitment to the stage and how much stronger we've grown as a team because we've become much more close and tight-knit."
TWS—which also consists of Shinyu, Dohoon and Hanjin—made their debut in January with "Sparkling Blue." In June, they followed up with the summer-themed EP "Summer Beat!".
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The group is the latest act from Pledis Entertainment, the agency that also houses K-pop sensation SEVENTEEN and girl group fromis_9.