TWICE On Earning The No. 1 Spot On The Billboard 200 Chart

TWICE has always held a special place in the hearts of Filipinos.

When the news hit that Korea’s national girl group was set to partner up with celebrated Filipino snack company Oishi, it was inevitable that it would cause a major deal that brought the Philippines closer to these beloved idols.

Following the release of a viral international marketing campaign and a revamped rendition of ‘What Is Love’ from TWICE and Oishi’s music video -commercial, Filipino ONCEs were already anticipating what was to come next of this fruitful partnership between the two parties. So upon the announcement that TWICE was set to grace the Philippines for a third time (following their recent READY TO BE World Tour last September) for their first-ever fan-meet here, there was all the more reason for their fans to celebrate — especially with the snack company’s clever marketing tactics for fans to gain passes to the show.

Right before their fan-meet was set to happen at SM’s Mall of Asia Arena, TWICE sat down with a select few media outlets for an exclusive press conference at the Grand Hyatt Manila — where they opened up about their dynamic as a group, what it means to be back in the Philippines, and their reflection on their career after nine years of achievements in the music industry.

twice x oishi — Photographed by Gabriel Saulog

Stepping onto the mini-stage, Jihyo, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeoyoung, and Tzuyu introduced themselves with their signature greeting in front of the mini audience present. “One in a million –– annyeong haseyo TWICE imnida“, said the group in unison.

Recalling their last few visits here, the group fondly states what they love most about returning to the Philippines quite often. “When we first visited the Philippines in 2019 [for their TWICELIGHTS World Tour], the passionate support and love of the Filipino ONCEs was very overwhelming and touching to us all. So that’s the most #OwowOwow moment for us” Tzuyu recalls, acknowledging the immense show of encouragement from their fans.

Jeongyeon adds to the thought, stating; “For our second visit [during the READY TO BE tour] we had the opportunity to perform in a bigger venue, and fans had been waiting for us for four years. So seeing their patience and love for us [during the show] was really touching to witness.”

Upon being asked about what other memorable memories they had experienced on tour, Dahyun points out how amused she was with their audience in their recent Las Vegas stadium show. “Personally, what surprised me most was that the ONCEs [in the Allegiant Stadium show] were able to sing all of our songs from top-to-bottom in our native language of Korean,” she mentions.

Chaeyoung looks back on a moment from their 2019 visit to the Philippines, wherein she points out how impressed she was with her fellow members. “One moment that I remember clearly was when we first went here in 2019, and Dahyun got sick right before the show. Though luckily, she was able to pull through and perform really good on stage –– which impressed me so much”, she states.

One beloved aspect of the group that’s stuck to fans all these years after is their strong chemistry and dynamic as a unit, which is evident from their interactions with one another. Upon being asked what was the sweetest moment that they’ve shared together, Mina responds by saying “Just the fact that we’re together is already a sweet, sweet moment [for us],” right as she leaned her head towards Chaeyoung.

Chaeyoung then narrated a story about the two of them, talking about their experience shopping together in the United States. “When we were on tour in America, we went shopping together. And there was this very cute teddy bear necklace in a shop we visited that could be divided into two pieces,” she recalls. “And Chaeyoung bought me that cute necklace!” Mina quipped excitedly.

Given that the group is celebrating its ninth anniversary together this 2024, it stands as an impeccable milestone in their career –– having garnered millions of followers and supporters over the years. With their recognition as one of the biggest K-pop acts in history that is still going strong, it stands as a testament to their relevance and impact on the industry. Yet when asked about what they plan on doing to celebrate such a feat, Tzuyu answers on behalf of the group, stating how it’s been a while since they’ve spent time relaxing together.

“It has been such a long time since we went on a trip and vacation with all nine of us, and that’s been due to our very busy schedules with many activities as TWICE. Which is why for this year, we’ve already reserved a special restaurant for all of us to gather and eat together as how we’ll be celebrating all these years being TWICE,” she mentions.

Talking about their role as an inspiration to millions of fans around the world, Jihyo states her pick of the track [“21:29″] as her dedication of love to all their ONCEs. Momo gives her advice for the aspiring dreamers, stating how ” It’s going to be hard, but I hope you don’t give up and have a fun and enjoyable dream Even if you don’t want to, don’t give up. Just be happy and enjoy to reach those dreams,” she mentions.

As they reflect on the many achievements of their career, the group mentions how despite the busy nature of it all – what matters most is how much their music continues to resonate with their fans worldwide. “A lot of things may be going on in our music career now,” says Jihyo. “But beyond our ranks and the numbers that we have to achieve, we’ve heard that a lot of people have received support and strength from our music as TWICE. So our next challenge is to know how we can gift our ONCE with a fresh style of music for them to have even more strength and passion in their lives,” she adds further.

Still, there’s no one else breaking records like they are –– as exemplified by their recent accomplishment of reaching the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 Chart with their latest mini-album, “With YOU-Th.” Having topped the worldwide charts, Sana agrees that it is indeed “very good news” for them as a group. “Chaeyoung said she wants to be in the first place –– and now that dream has come true [with the chart position]. So Chaeyoung, how do you feel?” she directs the question.

“First of all, we are very happy and grateful that many people have listened to our album as much as we have worked hard to prepare it. We are very proud of it and we want to release a better album –– with a new and fresh sort of sound in the future –– and to [hopefully] achieve the first place in the Hot 100 up next,” Chaeyoung proudly proclaims.

No matter what’s next up on the horizon for TWICE, there’s no doubt that the group is going to continue reaching new heights and achievements in their career. For as long as they stand together, ONCEs all around the world will always be willing to demonstrate their passion and support for Korea’s national girl group.

Listen to TWICE’s chart-topping mini-album “With YOU-Th” below: