TWS reinterprets Seo Taiji: celebrating the legacy with 'Last Festival'

The group TWS is solidifying its position as the "Best Newcomer of 2024" with their new single 'Last Festival', inspired by the emotional core of Seo Taiji and Boys’ music.

On November 25th, TWS held a media showcase at Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the release of their first single album 'Last Bell', which is set to drop on major music platforms at 6 PM.

This marks their first new music release in five months since their second EP, 'SUMMER BEAT!', was unveiled in June.

A nostalgic yet fresh 'Last Festival'

The single’s title track, 'Last Festival', tells the story of preparing a heartfelt performance for a close friend amid conflicting emotions of budding affection and impending farewell. The track is a reinterpretation of Seo Taiji and Boys’ iconic hit of the same name, wrapped in TWS's signature powerful, refreshing pop sound.

Kyungmin expressed his excitement for the comeback, saying, "I’m thrilled to stand on this stage again. We’ve worked hard to showcase performances that make people say, ‘As expected, TWS never disappoints.’" Han Jin added, "This song encapsulates new emotions for us. I can’t wait for our fans, ‘Sai,’ to hear it."

The single album consists of three tracks:

1. 'Last Festival' - An ode to bittersweet youth and newfound emotions.
2. 'Your Name (Highlight)' - A song about noticing new feelings for a longtime friend.
3. 'Comma,' - A hopeful conclusion, turning farewells into fresh beginnings.

Behind-the-scenes dedication

The members also shared the meticulous process behind preparing for their comeback. Youngjae revealed, "Han Jin went the extra mile by creating a detailed story outline for each lyric line, helping us align our expressions and emotions perfectly." Jihoon added, "We practiced late into the night, and this song has become truly precious to us."

Shinyu reflected on their goals for this comeback, saying, "We aimed to raise the quality of our performances and challenge ourselves with new styles. This single is an opportunity to show another side of TWS."

Paying homage to Seo Taiji and Boys

TWS's 'Last Festival' pays homage to Seo Taiji and Boys while offering a fresh, youthful perspective. Jihoon expressed his honor, saying, "It’s amazing to reinterpret a song that left such a lasting impact on K-pop and resonates across generations."

Youngjae added, "Our version mirrors the original’s emotional sincerity while adding our own distinct sound."

2024 and beyond

With a successful debut album and accolades like Best New Male Artist and Best Dance Performance at the 2024 MAMA Awards, TWS aims to close the year on a high note. Reflecting on their journey, Jihoon remarked, "2024 has been a sparkling, effervescent year for us—a mix of challenges and growth that shaped who we are today."

TWS’s 'Last Festival' isn’t just a tribute; it’s a celebration of youth, resilience, and the timeless emotions that connect us all. As they embark on this next chapter, fans and newcomers alike can expect an unforgettable experience.