The group trades freshness for raw energy and passion in their 4th mini album
TWS is back — louder, bolder, and more fearless than ever. The group has unleashed their 4th mini album, Play Hard, capturing the chaos and intensity of youth in motion.
Breaking through limits
At their media showcase held on October 13 at Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul, the members of TWS declared their new era with conviction. "We prepared this album with the mindset of breaking our limits. We'll burn everything we've got on stage," they said.
Known for their signature bright energy, TWS maintains that youthful spark but layers it with something new — raw drive and grit. Their vocals have taken on a rougher edge, their styling has shifted from school uniforms to techwear, and their choreography has grown more powerful and intricate.
Play Hard tells the story of relentless youth — an invitation to throw everything into passion and perseverance. The six-track album encapsulates TWS's evolution from hopeful rookies to artists who channel their ambition into sound.
Title track "OVERDRIVE" — all gas, no brakes
The title song OVERDRIVE uses the tone of a guitar overdrive effect to express an overheated heart chasing desire. Member Dohoon explained, "We wanted to show a stronger, more intense side of TWS. The chorus lyric 'my heart goes boom' is a fun highlight — it captures the uncontrollable rush of falling hard for something."
Member Jihoon, who wrote the lyrics and helped craft the performance, added, "I once said during a concert that even if it rains, it's okay because the members are my sun. That sentiment inspired part of the lyrics. It's something I want to keep living by."
The choreography also reflects their teamwork and individuality — from synchronized movements to moments of connection and eye contact between members. "Each of us expresses the feeling of going crazy for something we love in our own way," Jihoon shared. "For example, Shinyu listens to music while Kyungmin makes a phone call during the routine — small details that show our personalities."
Raw energy on stage
The pre-release track Head Shoulders Knees Toes turned up the heat with its hip-hop energy, sampling the children's song of the same name and transforming it into an intense performance piece. Dressed in black techwear, the members showcased a fierce group choreography alongside backup dancers, embodying the message: there are no limits.
"Rather than our usual clean vocals, we wanted to show a raw, unfiltered voice," said Youngjae. "This song represents a version of TWS that isn't afraid to get messy and passionate."
Sincerity for fans and stories of youth
The fan-dedicated track I'll Be Your Tomorrow carries the group's affection for their fandom, 42, blending warm synths with acoustic guitar. Dohoon, who wrote the lyrics, said, "I imagined looking at our fans from the stage and put that emotion into words. I'm honored to have my name in the credits and hope to write more in the future."
Other tracks include the hip-hop-driven Hot Blue Shoes, the acoustic Caffeine Rush, and the house-inspired Overthinking — each revealing a different shade of TWS's evolving artistry.
The spirit of "clear ferocity"
Describing their new identity, the members coined the phrase "clear ferocity." "Our music sounds refreshing, but our dancing is intense — that contrast is our strength," explained Youngjae.
Jihoon added, "We poured everything into this album. Whenever we hit physical limits during practice, we reminded ourselves that our effort is what defines us. That fire became our fuel."
Following their first solo concert in June and their Japan debut tour in July — which drew over 50,000 fans — TWS continues to grow in scale and sound. "Even our voices and physiques have matured," said Hanjin. "Our music is growing with us."
Finally, Shinyu summed up the group's message: "The sound may change, but our passion never does. Play Hard represents who we are — artists who give everything on stage."
TWS's 4th mini album Play Hard is now available on all major streaming platforms.
