TWICE – Seize the Light

By starrymag | April 30, 2020

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) Considering your documentary is titled “Seize the Light,” as individuals and as a whole group, do you personally feel accomplished seizing the light in your own careers within these past five years? If so, what was that turning point?

 

A) Looking back on the road we’ve traveled, we are so grateful for the love and support we received. During our debut it was our dream to hold just a single concert and now we are immensely proud to complete even a world tour. And on top of that, making this YouTube documentary now, it feels like 2019 has been a big turning point for us.

 

Q) As the first female K-pop group to have a YouTube Originals series, was there any particular concept of TWICE planned for the series?

 

A) First and foremost, we decided to include the preparation and the moments leading up to the world tour in our documentary. Because we want to showcase the best of us, it is also true that we are able to show all sides of the members. Through this documentary we’re going to reveal behind the scenes, backstage stories, and never-before-seen footage of trainee days, so we do look forward to the release tomorrow.

 

Q) The recognition paid off in the global market so rapidly and we believe this is because of the continuous communication with both local and global fans in TWICE’s own unique style. In the future, do you have your own goals set in your mind other than the quantitative results shown in the market?

 

A) First and foremost, we want to thank the reporter for the good question and I think all the members agree that we want to show a more mature side of TWICE in regards to stage performances, music and much more. In the world tour you would be able to see tweaked versions of our choreography, track arrangements, and new versions of familiar tracks for you. And we know that we’re not perfect but certainly want to showcase the more mature, grown up, improved version of TWICE.

 

Q) After watching this documentary and finishing your tour, what did you learn from the TWICELIGHTS tour experience that you will take with you for future tours?

A) First, we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming response we received. Of course, we’ve been on stage before in the United States, but it was our first time where the whole concert was dedicated to us and it was a big moment, so we were overwhelmed, felt great and were very grateful at the end of the day. We wanted to communicate better with the fans, so we have prepared some English phrases and expressions, but we were so nervous that we were not sure if we did an adequate job. We’ll prepare even better next time. Tours always leave us some regrets and thoughts that we could have done better and should have done better. We always attempt to change the choreography, the set list, etc. and we’ve learned! It is indeed a learning process and for the next tour we’ll visit even more regions and connect with more ONCE in different parts of the world.

 

Q) As the first female k-pop group to have a YouTube Original series, this shows that K-Pop has become a global genre. What do you think about this progress? Any plan for collaboration with Hollywood musicians?

 

A) First and foremost, we want to thank our global fans for the love that K-pop has received overall and we feel it’s an honor to contribute just a little bit to the art that is known as K-pop. I like to believe that our efforts to continuously communicate with the fans like this through YouTube paid off. And we’re convinced that K-pop will grow even further and it is our hope to be a part of a big journey. And if we’ve given the opportunity to collaborate with a Hollywood star, I would like to collaborate with Justin Bieber.

 

Q) What city was the most memorable during the World Tour? Please also explain the reason.

 

A) Honestly it is too difficult to choose just one city, but if I had to choose one the Manila concert was truly memorable because we could hear loud cheers of ONCE. Even three hours prior to our concert, it almost felt like there was another ongoing concert. It was so loud, so energetic and so enthusiastic. It was as if we were able to work off that heated response and put together a great performance.

 

Q) What moments were the most difficult or the happiest to discuss in the series?

 

A) Through this YouTube Originals documentary, we were able to capture and see the moments of our world tour concert. Prior to our release we actually got a chance to look at the videos. I think if we had to choose a single moment when we’re the happiest, it’s when we do the concert with our fans ONCE. Knowing and feeling that they are cheering for us is actually overwhelming.

Thinking about the darkest time, I would have to think about the pre-debut days as seen in the documentary. It was exhausting sometimes not just physically but mentally too. There were a lot of uncertainties about the future, unanswered questions, as you will be able to watch in the documentary. I think it was the most difficult when my body actually couldn’t keep up my mind and my will.

 

Q) Are there any scenes you filmed that you’re particularly looking forward to watching?

 

A) I would have to reflect back to the episode that involved our American tour. Normally we spend most of our time at the concert venue practicing, but this time we actually got to see and explore more cities – we went to the beach and we had great food with the members. So, that’s actually quite memorable. Because it has been a while since last we got to hang out on this scale, I think all members were happy and delighted. I hope ONCE would be delighted to see us enjoying our time as well.

 

Q) What kind of feelings did the members feel among themselves through this documentary?

 

A) We actually have a go-to answer for this question. We’ve been able to accomplish all these because it was the nine of us together. On tour, of course, it was exhausting physically and mentally and there were days when we were so tired, but every day I look to our members and to our fans, ONCE, and I think to myself this is why I am the member of TWICE.

 

Q) TWICE retains and refers to ‘The first, The best’ K-pop group. We believe these titles give pressure or burden of the “crown” to the members. Please share with us how members overcome this burden and we are also curious if the weight of the crown feels lighter or heavier as the debut years pass.

 

A) Thanks for the incredible modifiers and titles. We actually consider these many titles are gifts from fans and, of course, we credit their love and support of the past years. There’s a big sense of responsibility when it comes to that. Every day we think to ourselves that we must deliver because of these wonderful fans and support. Each time we look at my members and rely on these members to act as a driving force that I can always lean on them for their support. Because we’re on this together, we do rely on each other and power through.

 

Q) What do you want fans to gain from watching your YouTube special?

A) Until now we were able to show our signature bright and great energy on stage. Through this documentary, we want to tell you more about the earnest and honest story. Not only about the emotions we’ve gone through, or improvement as artists or that walk itself but we want to relay the real and right emotions for the viewers to think ‘I can do it too’ at the time of difficulty. Ultimately, we want to talk about hope. Bottom line is that we want to talk about hope, we’re not saying that we achieved greatness but it is our humble hope that can be shared and even in times of difficulty, we’ll work through it together. And for trainees, who are walking on similar paths as we did, we want to share the message and support their endeavors as well. Everyday might look similar, especially when you are training, but every day will add up to a better and improved self and even an improved future as well. I cheer you on your endeavors as well.

 

Q) As COVID19 attacked the world, concerts have been canceled and global fans might feel empty more than ever. Please share with us how you are spending your days, and any messages for the fans that can cheer them up.

 

A) We were all looking forward to and working towards our Tokyo dome concert and encore concert, but we were really disappointed and disheartening that it did not come true. We were saddened but so glad to connect through the live stream event today. We’re trying new things and gearing up for new changes so please look forward to these activities.

It’s great for me to say that we’re able to connect through social media and live stream, that we can relate and connect with the fans. And we would like to extend our messages to all those who are fighting through COVID-19, everyone must be exhausted and we hope this situation is normalized soon and everyone stays healthy at the meantime and TWICE also cheers you on.

 

Q) In a time of indefinite self-isolation and social distancing, when stress and anxiety are inescapable, many fans are turning to Twice and your music for comfort. But who or what do you turn to when you’re feeling overwhelmed?

 

A) Since debut, we’ve been actually living in a shared home so no matter where we are, at the end of the day we support each other even if we don’t have to explain or share in details. They know exactly how I feel. And, of course, our biggest source of energy and motivation comes from ONCE. On stage and in our day-to-day lives, the words that ONCE share are the biggest source of support.

 

Q) Please give a comment for Japanese fans who look forward to seeing TWICE’s live.

 

A) Our ONCE Japanese fan base, I want to say hello to you although we had to cancel the event, it’s nice to be able to say hello at least through live stream today. Please enjoy the rest of the live streaming and look forward to Seize the Light release.

And to answer a question that was made by the reporter Jaehoon Lee, we want to say that we can’t believe that we are selected as teenagers’ role models in Japan and it is a great honor. To be someone’s role model comes together with a great sense of responsibility, I would like to promote a great kind of influence and become a better TWICE.

 

Q) TWICE last visited Indonesia in 2018. What did you miss the most from Indonesia and any message for your Indonesian fans?

 

A) First and foremost, we want to say thank you for all the support coming from Indonesia and we are very disappointed that we missed our trip to Indonesia this time. When we think of Indonesia the first thing that comes to mind is probably the fan base and the support that they gave us, the loud positive energy that we have received. We will return to Indonesia soon, so to those fans who are cheering us on, please just wait a little longer.

 

Q: What’s TWICE’s goal in 2020 in Japan and globally?

 

A) Because it has been five years since our debut we would like to showcase better versions of ourselves of mature side. Not just through albums, concerts but also more contents. And we’re so glad that we can communicate with the global fans through Seize the Light and of course we are very excited for all of our members to showcase the best of our stories tomorrow through this documentary ‘Seize the Light’ and it will be a memorable one for all of us as well.

 

 

*CONFERENCE INTERVIEW*