u/firemakethunder

[ENGLISH TRANSLATION]

TWICE arrives in Italy with their tour and tells Panorama about their evolution: identity, pressure and the future of global K-pop.

In K-pop, the difference between success and permanence has always been brutal, almost Darwinian: emerging is an industrial process, staying is an anomaly. And it is precisely within this divide—between what is built to work immediately and what manages to last—that the case of TWICE lies, nine girls who over the years have ceased to be simply one of the most popular groups of their generation to become something rarer, and therefore more interesting to observe: a point of balance between system and identity.

Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu are not just the names that make up one of the most recognizable bands in contemporary pop, but the coordinates of a project that was born within JYP Entertainment—one of the most codified systems in the South Korean industry, and which has its roots in an era-defining selection mechanism, the Survival Sixteen, where identity, discipline, and pressure were not accessory elements, but the very structure of the story.

That's where it all began, but it's also the point from which TWICE immediately began to diverge: because if their debut and the early years, from "Like OOH-AHHa Cheer Up" to "TT", set a standard of immediacy and recognizability that was hard to replicate, it was when that language risked becoming formulaic that the group made the most delicate transition. Not a break, never a dramatic one, but a controlled, almost surgical progression that transformed a brilliant aesthetic into a broader grammar, capable of standing the test of time without losing clarity.

This is where TWICE truly stands out: not in the initial phase, built on a bright, immediate image, almost instinctive in its ability to generate connection, but in the subsequent transition, the one that often challenges even the most solid projects. Where many groups burn out or forcibly reinvent themselves, TWICE have chosen a more complex and, precisely for this reason, more effective trajectory: not to shed their skin, but to layer their language, making it progressively denser, more aware, more international.

A transformation that today is also measured in the physical space they occupy: global tours, arenas, an increasingly stable presence in Western markets, and a visit to Italy—Turin—which is no longer an exotic exception, but a sign of a system that has stopped considering Europe a peripheral location. TWICE aren't here to test an audience; they're here because that audience already exists, educated, responsive, and ready to recognize a path that doesn't end with novelty.

So the question is no longer who they are—because the answer is now well-established—but what they represent today within an industry that is changing pace. Because if K-pop has built its strength on its ability to continually generate innovation, its maturity lies in managing its permanence. And groups like TWICE become pivotal precisely for this reason: because they demonstrate that permanence is not a side effect of success, but a skill.

It's from here that their words take on a different weight. No longer a simple career story, but an inside look at a system that has finally learned to endure.

Panorama spoke exclusively with them.

The THIS IS FOR World Tour has already taken you across several continents. Looking back at today's show compared to the first dates, how has the energy on stage changed?

JEONGYEON: Since our first concert, we've always brought the same energy and commitment to every stage. As the tour progressed, the energy became more and more naturally connected, and as we continue to build memories with our fans, we feel like we're getting closer to them with every performance. Furthermore, our solo performances have become a meaningful way to share each of our individual colors with the audience.

On this tour, you've introduced a 360° stage, which completely changes the relationship between artist and audience. What new challenges—or unexpected moments—has this format created for you on stage?

NAYEON: The 360-degree stage made us think anew about how we prepare our choreography. We wanted to ensure that fans in every section could feel equally involved in the performance. Performing in such a dynamic setup required a great deal of group coordination, but being able to see ONCE from every angle makes this an incredibly meaningful experience for us.

The setlist spans many eras of TWICE, from early hits like "What is Love?" to the more recent tracks on THIS IS FOR. Performing these songs today, do they feel different than when you first released them?

MOMO: Performing older songs like "What is Love?" brings back so many memories, and every time we sing them, their meaning feels a little different. As time goes by, it feels like we continue to build those songs together with our fans, and that makes them even more special to us. Whether it's an old song or a new one, we always try to focus on the overall flow and vibe of the show to show a different side of TWICE.

After so many years together, touring almost becomes a parallel life. What's something about touring that fans would never imagine?

SANA: When you spend so much time on tour, it really starts to feel like a second life. One thing fans might not expect is how naturally we create our own rhythm wherever we go. Even in a new city, spending so much time together, sharing meals and conversations—those moments accumulate, and before you know it, life on tour becomes surprisingly familiar and comfortable.

Over the years, TWICE has gone from a successful K-pop group to a global pop act, filling arenas around the world. When did you personally realize your music had truly transcended borders?

JIHYO: I feel it especially when we visit a new city and meet fans who had only seen us through a screen. Even though we speak different languages, it's always magical to see ONCEs from all over the world singing our songs in Korean with such passion. Moments like these remind me that music truly connects us all.

This tour also brings you back to Europe, including a date in Italy. European fans often say they've waited a long time to see TWICE live. What does it mean to you to perform in places where they've waited years?

DAHYUN: We know that European fans have been waiting for us for a long time, and this makes us feel an even greater responsibility. We've come to Europe in the past for tours or special events, but this is the first time we've spent such an extended period visiting so many cities. That's why I want to cherish every moment on stage and express our emotions with even more sincerity, so that fans can truly feel that their long wait has been rewarded.

A world tour is also a test of physical and emotional endurance. What helps you maintain balance in such a busy schedule?

MINA: Travelling long distances can be tiring, but I try to focus on the moment and enjoy it as much as possible. As soon as I hear the fans cheering, all my tiredness turns into excitement. The energy we receive from the ONCE in every country gives us the strength to keep going.

TWICE has achieved milestones that once seemed impossible for a K-pop girl group—from major festivals to historic stadium concerts in Japan. Looking back on these moments, what are you most proud of?

CHAEYOUNG: I'm proud of what we've achieved, but what makes me most proud is our sincerity. Performing on such important stages has made me realize how much strength and comfort I receive from the other members. I've learned that doing everything with sincerity is the most important thing.

Your music has always balanced bright pop energy with a strong sense of connection to your fans. How has your relationship with ONCE changed as the group has grown globally?

TZUYU: Every stage is still new and exciting, but our bond with ONCE has definitely deepened. No matter how much we grow globally, we continue to focus on sharing happiness and energy. We've become like longtime friends who truly understand and support each other.

Many artists say that touring changes the way they see their songs. Has performing night after night given any songs new meaning for you?

NAYEON: "THIS IS FOR" has taken on a very special meaning for me during this tour. When we started preparing for it, I focused on expressing its message through the performance. But after performing it on stage and seeing the fans' reaction, I started to feel its meaning in a much more personal way. It's a song that continues to remind me of the bond we share with our audience.

Looking at TWICE today, what's the biggest difference from the group that debuted years ago?

JEONGYEON: I think the biggest difference is how comfortable we feel on stage today. In the past, we were more tense and focused on not making mistakes. Now our teamwork is so natural that we can move as one and truly enjoy the moment together with the audience.

If someone saw TWICE live for the first time during this tour, what do you hope they would feel when the lights went down and the show began?

SANA: When the lights go down, I hope you immediately feel a surge of emotion and happiness. Through the eye contact and energy on stage, I hope you can sense how much we love performing. And at the end of the show, I hope you leave feeling like you've shared a truly special moment with us.

TWICE has already achieved extraordinary milestones, but every artist is always looking to the next step. Is there a dream stage, collaboration, or creative direction you'd still like to explore?

JIHYO: For me, the most important thing is to be able to continue this journey together as a group. Moving forward, I hope we can support each other's individual ideas while continuing to grow stronger as a team. I'd also like to explore new types of stages and creative styles that allow us to show different sides of ourselves.

With the continued evolution of global pop, where do you see TWICE going in the near future, musically or artistically?

DAHYUN: As global pop continues to evolve, we're seeing more and more diverse sounds and cultures converge, and that's truly inspiring for us as artists. In the future, I think we'll continue to focus on expressing ourselves more honestly, exploring new musical styles and concepts that showcase different sides of ourselves. At the same time, we want to continue to spread comfort and positive energy through our music.