TWICE talks record-breaking US tour, embracing change and an even 'more ambitious' future

Since debut, TWICE has evolved not only as artists but as people. In the beginning, the members were unsure of what the future held, but the last almost nine years have proven to be full of excitement and opportunity.

The group debuted in 2015 and has since become one of the best-selling K-pop girl groups of all time. From chart-hitting music releases to high achievements, TWICE has cemented their spot as top global performers, and this momentum is not slowing down.

USA TODAY spoke with TWICE, using a Korean translator, during the U.S. leg of their READY TO BE tour about their growth over the years, what's next for the group and more.

READY TO BE tour made TWICE 'happy' and 'honored'

On June 10, TWICE embarked on the U.S. leg of their fifth world tour, "READY TO BE." The group has toured in the states before but this time broke records. TWICE became the first female K-pop group to headline MLB and NFL stadiums including SoFi Stadium and MetLife Stadium. Each venue has a concert capacity of over 50,000, and TWICE sold out both.

"We’re very honored," said the group's leader Jihyo.

Since the release of their latest EP, members said it's been very exciting. "READY TO BE" hit the Billboard 200 chart at No. 2 and now holds the biggest pure sales week for an album by a female K-pop act in the U.S., with over 153,000 units sold and 10.28 million streams in its first week.

"I am very amazed and very honored that fans globally can recognize us," said Tzuyu. "They come to see us and love our songs."

New performances bring excitement on tour

In 2022, TWICE played sold-out arenas across the states on their fourth world tour. They also took on two encore performances at the BMO Stadium, making TWICE the first female K-Pop group to play a North American stadium.

This time around, the group wanted to try new things, said Dahyun. "We have a live band for the first time. We have our solos for the first time when we’re very used to doing things in units," she said.

The tour's setlist is filled with a variety of tracks from the group's extensive and lively discography. From the intro with "SET ME FREE" to the excitement of the encore roulette, each performance brought high energy and cheers from fans, who TWICE lovingly refer to as ONCE.

"ONCE completes all our stages and performances," said Dahyun. "Because ONCE is so good at responding and cheering, we are able to also enjoy the stages. Even though the lyrics are in Korean, foreign ONCE sing along to the songs so we are very happy and excited on stage."

Get to know more on the girl group: Here's a guide on TWICE's members, milestones and latest album

Growing since debut days

TWICE was initially formed on the competition show "Sixteen" in 2015. The reality show selected TWICE's final lineup out of 16 trainees. The group went on to debut with with “Like OOH-AHH" in October 2015.

From their songs and styling to their strength and confidence, many things have developed for TWICE.

"As we become the older generation of K-pop girl group, we are able to perform in bigger and bigger stadiums," said Jeongyeon. "From that, we are able to recognize and see how much we have grown."

Their sound has also changed, said Jihyo, moving beyond the "bright songs" of their debut. "Ever since debut, we’ve been trying many different genres. We are able to prepare a lot of different performances and stages. We can be touching. We can be very cool. We can be cute. We can do a lot of these things."

Through the years, TWICE has become involved in the creative process, allowing them to showcase and highlight their personalities and identities.

"Nowadays, we are able to participate more in discussing about the concerts, albums, even writing our own songs and even the concepts about outfits, hair and makeup," said Dahyun.

Particularly in their performances, the members have further come into their own. "Since this is already our ninth year of being active as a girl group, I am able to have more fun on stage. I’m not as nervous anymore or anxious," said Tzuyu.

"In the beginning when we had our first concert, we were more nervous," said Momo. "These days, we are able to move more freely out and show the fans even more."

Mina and Sana shared similar sentiments on how preparation for performances has become smoother and more in sync over time. "Even though we don’t do as many run-throughs on our choreography practices, we are able to catch up and still have the details very fitting to each other," said Sana.

This has led a sense of joy for TWICE – a feeling of loving what they do. "As we continue to be active as a girl group, I am still able to stay very grateful and humble," said Chaeyoung.

This humble mentality resonates throughout TWICE as each member has a strong devotion to one another and ONCE in order to keep growing together.

"As we continue to have more experiences, I feel that responsibility on my shoulders," said Nayeon. "I feel more ambitious."

Understanding TWICE 'at heart'

With each release and each milestone met, TWICE has been able to refine their identity voice and crush stereotypes.

"We’re singers, not just people who do cute songs," said Jihyo. "As we went on, we were able to find more of ourselves and our identity more smoothly.

The group's most recent single "SET ME FREE" best exemplifies where TWICE is in their careers, said Dahyun.

"I feel that it’s a song that really talks about us right now in this stage where we feel like we’re not decorating ourselves or pretending to be someone else," she explained. "As time goes by, ONCE is really able to see TWICE just as we are."

TWICE has a deep love for ONCE

TWICE has immense dedication and respect for ONCE. The group credits their fans as the reason they love what they do.

"When I hear that ONCE felt very comforted and very encouraged, I feel very proud," said Nayeon. "We get so much energy from ONCE."

For the members, ONCE holds a special place in their hearts as they have spent almost a decade together. "When ONCE says, 'TWICE was in my youth days,' I feel very happy and satisfied," said Jeongyeon.

What's next for TWICE?

Though the U.S. tour has come to a close, there are plans on the horizon for TWICE.

"Recently, we’ve been doing more unit activities and solos," said Mina. "I want to keep making those memories and activities with ONCE from here and on."

This includes the subunit MISAMO (comprised of members Mina, Sana and Momo) whose debut EP is set for July 26 and Jihyo's solo debut set for Aug. 18.

TWICE hopes to continue to perform and meet more ONCE across the global.

"In the future, I want to go to places, countries I’ve never been to," said Momo.

When it comes to their music, TWICE will continue to expand and try new things. "Anything we haven’t done before, we’re willing to try and we want to try," said Nayeon.

"We have so many things we want to show," said Chaeyoung. "We will do our best, so please look forward to everything we have."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TWICE: K-pop group talks history making US tour, identity and ONCE