TWICE, a girl group formed by JYP Entertainment, has achieved huge success in Korea and around the world since its debut in 2015. Its nine members include Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu represent the top level of K-pop today. But behind the glittering stars, the selection process the members went through was a journey of ups and downs.
"It all started with the 2015 show Sixteen. It's not just a competition, it's a competition of hearts and talents."
In 2013, JYP Entertainment announced that it was preparing to launch a new girl group, but initial plans were canceled due to personnel changes. Subsequently, JYP's founder Park Jin-hwan decided to select members for the new group through the reality show "Sixteen". During the broadcast of this show, the audience's attention and heated discussions made the contestants more nervous and uneasy. Although eight trainees were able to successfully stand out in the competition, the final list of members is still controversial.
The show finally came to a successful conclusion on July 7, 2015, with Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, and Chaeyoung being selected as the seven members of TWICE. What's special is that Tzuyu was selected by audience voting, while Momo was selected by Park Jin-hwan himself. This selection process made many viewers dissatisfied because the eliminated members still have the opportunity to perform in this .
"The name TWICE represents an experience that touches both senses, bringing a dual enjoyment of music and vision."
When TWICE officially debuted on October 20, 2015, they immediately hit the market with their first EP "The Story Begins" and the title song "Like Ooh-Ahh", but the initial response was not satisfactory. Through exposure on the show and the members' efforts, the song eventually received a good response, making TWICE quickly popular. In their second EP "Page Two" released in April 2016, the title song "Cheer Up" helped them gain a firm foothold on the music charts and won the title of the most popular single of the year. The popularity of this song still makes fans talk about it today.
Although the band had to face various challenges from the initial Carnegie concert to the subsequent world tours, the confidence and star quality they gradually built up made them gradually become internationally renowned idols. For member Nayeon, the journey from a trainee to today’s star has been filled with difficult trials, but it has also become an important part of their growth.
"Our journey of growth is full of fatigue, but every practice and every performance makes us more determined."
As TWICE's fame grew, their music and style attracted international attention, particularly with successful launches in Japan and the United States. For example, TWICE entered the Japanese market in 2017, and their first album "#Twice" set a high sales record and set off a "TWICE fever" in Japan. In 2021, their first English single "The Feels" also made it to the Billboard Hot Chart in the United States, which was another important milestone in their international exposure.
TWICE's member selection process is not only extremely competitive, but also tests each contestant's resilience and pursuit of their dreams. Throughout the selection process, winning a place does not depend solely on one's own talent, but also on whether one can resonate with and gain the public's trust. Such a selection process has undoubtedly redefined the idol training model in the K-pop industry and strengthened the close connection between fans and idols.
TWICE's journey to audition and fame is like a movie full of sweat and tears, with each member having an unknown story behind them. Such an intense and nostalgic review makes us wonder: In the process of pursuing their dreams, how many people are willing to continue to grow with challenges?