Introduction
For over a decade, I've walked alongside nine extraordinary artists who started as trainees on a survival show and became one of K-pop's most beloved groups. My journey with TWICE began before they even had a name, back when they were sixteen hopefuls competing on JYP Entertainment's "Sixteen" for a chance to debut. Little did I know then that these artists would become the soundtrack to my life, providing comfort through university exams, celebrating my achievements, and ultimately influencing one of my biggest life decisions: moving to Korea.
The Unprecedented Journey of TWICE
In an industry where groups rarely last beyond their seven-year contracts, TWICE has defied expectations. Celebrating their 10th anniversary is not just a milestone, it's a testament to their dedication, chemistry, and the genuine bond they share. The infamous "seven-year curse" in K-pop has claimed countless groups, but TWICE navigated their contract renewals with grace and unity, choosing to continue their journey together while also pursuing individual dreams.
What makes TWICE truly special is their consistency and work ethic. Every single year since debut, they've released at least one album, with some years bringing us two to three releases. Totaling over 257 Songs, in Korean, Japanese and English! This doesn't even account for their incredibly active presence in the Japanese market, world tours, and the constant stream of content they provide fans. For a group to maintain this level of activity for a decade while keeping their passion and energy intact is unprecedented.
Who is TWICE?
TWICE consists of nine members, each bringing unique talents and personalities that create the perfect harmony:
- Nayeon – The confident lead vocalist and the group's first member to debut solo in 2022
- Jeongyeon – The charismatic vocalist known for her androgynous charm and powerful stage presence
- Momo – The dancing machine from Japan, renowned for her incredible performance skills
- Sana – The aegyo queen from Japan who can make anyone smile
- Jihyo – The leader and main vocalist with the strongest vocals in the group
- Mina – The elegant ballet dancer from Japan with a graceful presence
- Dahyun – The mood maker and rapper who brings joy wherever she goes
- Chaeyoung – The artistic rapper and the group's resident tattoo enthusiast
- Tzuyu – The stunning Taiwanese visual and lead dancer
Together, they're not just a group, they're a family. And remarkably, they've maintained a single shared account for years, posting without identifying who was behind each message, making playful comments on each other's posts. This demonstrated their commitment to the group identity over individual recognition, putting TWICE above everything else.
The JYP Entertainment Legacy
To understand TWICE's significance, you need to understand JYP Entertainment's history. Founded by Park Jin-young (J.Y. Park), the company had already produced legendary acts from the first generation of K-pop. JYP's vision was ahead of its time, he successfully broke Wonder Girls into the US market, proving K-pop could cross borders. However, his timing was unfortunate; the 2008 banking crisis wiped out his investments, forcing him to recalibrate.
When JYP launched "Sixteen" in 2015, he was ready to create something special again. The survival show format was brutal, sixteen trainees competing for spots in a new girl group. But this pressure-cooker environment forged bonds between the contestants that would later become the foundation of TWICE's incredible chemistry.
On October 20, 2015, TWICE officially debuted with "Like OOH-AHH," and the rest is history.
Recent Activities: Still Going Strong
TWICE's recent activities prove they're nowhere near slowing down. After renewing their contracts, each member has been exploring individual projects while maintaining their group commitments:
- Solo debuts and activities: Nayeon led the way with her solo debut, followed by Jihyo, Tzuyu, Dahyun pursuing acting, Jeongyeon as a MC in variety shows, and MISAMO Japanese sub-unit debut
- Continued group releases: Despite individual activities, TWICE continues releasing group albums and content regularly
- World tours: They've been touring globally, connecting with international ONCE (the official fandom name)
- Fan meetings and special events: The hybrid concert-fan meeting format has become a beloved tradition, mixing performances with games and intimate stories
- Documentary release: Their recent documentary film in cinemas offered an emotional deep dive into their decade-long journey
What sets TWICE apart is that none of these individual pursuits feel like a departure from the group. Instead, they enrich TWICE's collective identity. You never get the sense that members are abandoning the group for solo careers, they're expanding what TWICE can be.
My Personal Journey as a ONCE
As a university student struggling through engineering exams, TWICE became my comfort. Their music, their content, their mere existence provided joy during my toughest times. I remember saving up to buy my first TWICE album, the shipping cost exceeded the album price, but I didn't care. I needed to support them, to be part of their journey in whatever small way I could.
For me as a fan, TWICE has been a constant in my life I could rely on. They've given me comfort during uncertain times, and even though they don't know me personally, they feel like friends. It's a friendship that's hard to describe to someone who hasn't experienced it. If you're a fan, you understand what it means, the unspoken bond between the artists and the community, and the connections we build with fellow fans who share this journey.
When I got my first job, I created a "TWICE fund", a dedicated savings account for concerts, events, and albums. This way, I could support them without guilt, knowing I'd budgeted for my passion. This might seem excessive to outsiders, but for those who understand the artist-fan relationship, it makes perfect sense.
TWICE was actually one of the main reasons I moved to Korea. I wanted to be close to the action, to attend every concert and event possible. That's how deep this passion runs. And I'm not alone, I've watched friends who initially didn't understand K-pop become TWICE fans themselves, sending me messages like, "Bro, now I get it. They're amazing."
Twice’s “One in a Million” Movie
Yesterday's documentary screening was an emotional experience unlike any other. I've never cried that much in a movie theater. Tears streamed down my face as I watched a decade of memories, struggles, and successes unfold on screen. Looking around, I realized I wasn't alone, everyone was crying, sniffling echoing throughout the theater. That's the power of this bond between TWICE and ONCE.
The documentary didn't just show performances and achievements; it revealed the vulnerability, the exhaustion, the sacrifices, and the unwavering determination of these nine women who gave everything to make ONCE happy. It reminded us why we've been on this journey for ten years.
Understanding the Artist-Fan Relationship
Many people struggle to understand why fans are so dedicated. Why do they match their schedules to follow artists around? Why the obsession? The answer is simple yet profound: these artists provide something fans feel is missing in their lives.
For me and countless others, TWICE provides:
- Joy – Their music and personalities bring genuine happiness
- Belonging – Being part of ONCE means being part of a global family
- Shared stories – Years of inside jokes, memorable moments, and collective experiences
- Comfort – Knowing they're there, creating content, living their dreams
- Inspiration – Watching them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals
- Connection – Feeling seen and understood through their music and messages
I've never hidden my passion for TWICE. While some fans fear ridicule, I've always been proud of what I love. If people don't understand, that's okay, I can educate them or simply let them have their opinion. Over the years, many skeptical friends have become fans themselves after giving TWICE a chance. “I recently got into TWICE, now I get it!”
The 10-Year Bond
At fan meetings, the connection between TWICE and ONCE is undescribable. We share countless inside jokes and references that only those who've been on this journey understand. When members reference a moment from seven years ago, the entire arena erupts in knowing laughter. We're not just fans watching performers, we're extended family celebrating our shared history.
TWICE's approach to their career has been remarkably smart. By maintaining a single group account for years, they emphasized the team over individuals. When it came time for contract renewals, the point where most groups disband, they found a way to honor both the group and individual aspirations. Members launched solo projects, acting careers, and personal endeavors, but TWICE remained the foundation.
This balance is extraordinary. You never feel like a member is leaving or that the group is secondary to solo activities. Instead, individual projects feel like branches of the same tree, all nourished by the same roots.
Ten Years and Counting
As TWICE celebrates their 10th anniversary, I'm filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the music that's been the soundtrack to my adult life. Gratitude for the comfort during difficult times. Gratitude for the joy, the memories, and the community.
From a broke university student buying an overpriced album to someone who moved to Korea partly because of them, TWICE has shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined when I first watched "Sixteen." They've taught me about dedication, teamwork, and the power of genuine connection.
To outsiders, being a K-pop fan might seem trivial or obsessive. But to those of us who've experienced it, we know the truth: music transcends language, borders, and cultural differences. TWICE has brought together millions of people from around the world, united by love for nine extraordinary artists who chose to share their journey with us.
Here's to ten years of TWICE, and hopefully many more to come. Thank you for being there through university exams, job searches, moves across continents, and everything in between. Thank you for being my comfort, my joy, and my inspiration.
Once a ONCE, always a ONCE. 💕
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Kim Ninja (Nguyen Huy Kim)
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