K-pop boy group TWS is back with their 2nd single album, TO US, an album centered on TWS’s authentic selves and voices.
The three-track album, released on Nov. 2, showcases the different experiences we face in our youth and the struggles that come with them. With this release, TWS shares an inside look into their journeys and growth as they tell a grounded story many can relate to.
The title track “Call My Name” explores the idea of finding encouragement and comfort by having someone else there believing in you. Members DOHOON, YOUNGJAE and SHINYU contributed to the lyrics, giving the song a personal message for 42s that also reflects their current path.
Tracks like “heavy” share the message of not having to hold onto emotional weight alone and letting it go, while “WE UP” tells of resilience and rising together, highlighting TWS’s drive to go beyond and meet new challenges.
Sweety High caught up with TWS to chat about the sincere message of their tracks, their social media trends, and what they hope 42s will see in their latest comeback in our interview below.
(Photo credit: PLEDIS Entertainment (HYBE))
Sweety High: Tell us about your new second single album, TO US, and its core message about “being your true self.”
SHINYU: This album is an honest, genuine reflection of TWS’ true selves. Through TO US, we truly want to bring courage and a warm sense of comfort to the youth living the same chapter of life alongside us.
KYUNGMIN: To me, facing your true self means embracing who you are today—someone who has grown through every past experience. For this album, we gathered all the trial and error we’ve navigated and poured in the sincere emotions we felt at every step of the journey.
(Photo credit: PLEDIS Entertainment (HYBE))
Also read about: ILLIT on Finding Their Turning Point in BREAK EVEN
SH: “Call My Name” explores finding strength through others’ faith in you. How do you all find strength when trying to overcome difficult hardship?
DOHOON: Whenever things get tough, I find myself thinking of the members right by my side. Because we live and work so closely together as a team, that bond gives me the healthy drive and the strength to push through.
(Photo credit: PLEDIS Entertainment (HYBE))
JIHOON: I draw a great deal of strength from the people who believe in me—especially 42s, who constantly give us an incredible amount of energy. But when it comes to challenges you ultimately have to face on your own, believing in yourself is just as important.
I’ve tried to build that self-trust step by step, starting by keeping small promises to myself so I have real reasons to believe in who I am.
SH: Many of you took part in writing the lyrics for “Call My Name.” What was the main message you wanted to convey to listeners?
DOHOON: I really wanted the lyrics to express that earnest, heartfelt feeling of “I believe in you.” At the same time, we focused on capturing the raw, honest emotions that TWS are experiencing right at this moment.
YOUNGJAE: To me, this song felt like our answer back to 42s. When a stage dive came up as one of the themes, I immediately pictured TWS leaping off the stage and running straight toward our fans.
A stage dive might seem reckless at first glance, but it’s only possible when there is complete mutual trust and conviction. That question of why an artist takes that leap of faith was truly at the heart of how I approached the lyrics.
(Photo credit: PLEDIS Entertainment (HYBE))
SH: As you continue to grow as artists, what do you hope listeners get to know about you and your “TWS CODE”?
HANJIN: I think what makes TWS unique is that our music honestly captures where we are at each stage of our lives. If our debut focused on the fluttery excitement of youth, we’re now expressing the richer, more layered emotions that come with growing up.
Rather than just our growth as performers, I hope listeners notice how the six of us are gradually shifting the way we look at ourselves and the world. Through our songs, I hope everyone can find pieces of their own story in these moments of youth.
KYUNGMIN: Since our debut, we’ve grown so much through all these new experiences, moving beyond just that early freshness and youthful charm. Along the way, I hope listeners can feel how we’re steadily expanding the spectrum of our signature “Boyhood Pop” genre.
SH: TWS has had many viral moments, from the “Angtal Challenge” to the “Dda-rum Challenge.” How do you feel seeing fans recreate your iconic trends? Any hints to your next social media challenge?
SHINYU: We’re always so grateful to see everyone having fun and joining in on our challenges. For this album, we wanted to prepare a challenge that really brings out and highlights the unique charms of each artist who joins us.
JIHOON: What I’m most grateful for is seeing people make new memories through our music. For this challenge, we wanted to come up with something really fun that anyone can easily join in and enjoy together.
(Photo credit: PLEDIS Entertainment (HYBE))
Also read about: Xdinary Heroes on Finding Unity With New EP IMPULSE
SH: As your music is associated with being a soundtrack for Gen Z, what’s a song you think is a soundtrack for your life?
SHINYU: TWS – “plot twist”
(Photo credit: PLEDIS Entertainment (HYBE))
DOHOON: Sung Si Kyung – “On The Street”
YOUNGJAE: Bruno Major – “To Let A Good Thing Die”
HANJIN: TWS – “Back To Strangers”
JIHOON: TWS – “Call My Name”
KYUNGMIN: Shakira – “Try Everything”
SH: Before you go, is there a message you’d like to share with 42s as they see TWS at their most authentic?
YOUNGJAE: I really want to tell 42s just how lucky and grateful we feel knowing they believe in us. Even when we’re physically apart and can’t see each other every day, please always remember that our hearts are connected. Just knowing we have each other brings us so much strength, and I genuinely hope today is that much brighter and happier for all of you!
HANJIN: Looking back at our debut, I was often nervous and hesitant, but I’ve learned to express myself much more naturally now. 42s have watched over so many changes in me that I hadn’t even noticed myself, and I’m so grateful they’ve embraced not just our shining moments on stage, but our entire journey of growing up.
There is still so much more we want to show you moving forward, and we’ll keep working hard to show how we’ve grown each time we meet—so please look forward to what’s to come. Thank you so much for always believing in us and staying by our side.
(Photo credit: PLEDIS Entertainment (HYBE))
You can listen to the single album here:
For more TWS coverage, revisit our interview TWS Rewrite Destiny and Reject Heartbreak in 5th EP NO TRAGEDY.
And for more K-pop interviews, check out MEOVV On Exploring New Sides of Themselves With GO HARD and ALPHA DRIVE ONE Show Us What Lies Beneath UNBREAKABLE : 少年BEAST.
