On November 25, Pledis Entertainment’s rookie boy group TWS returned with their first single album ‘Last Bell.’ Hours ahead of the official release, the sextet held a media showcase performing the new single and answering questions from the press.

After the members posed for the photo session, they greeted the members of the press and relayed their thoughts and feelings on this comeback.

Shinyu: “We want to show our best for the remaining year.”

Kyungmin: “We’re so delighted to make this comeback. We’ll put on an amazing performance. We’re excited to finally showcase the performance we've all worked so hard for.”

Dohoon: “It's been five months since the release of our second mini-album, so I’m very pleased that we have the chance to once again meet our fans before the year ends.”

Hanjin: “We’re going to make a comeback with a song that reflects our newly found feelings. I wonder how our fans will like it, and I can't wait to show it to them.”

Jihoon: "It's an honor to make this comeback in winter, which is a season when we close out the year, and excited that we can showcase a different side of us to our fans.”

Youngjae: “I'm very delighted that we made a comeback with our first single. You're going to get to see a different side of the charms of TWS through the promotions.”

'Last Bell,' which came five months after the release of the band's second mini-album 'SUMMER BEAT!,' features a sentimental yet hopeful sound of the school bell ringing on the last day of school. “That’s true,” replied Jihoon when asked by the emcee if he is set to graduate already. “This year marks my last year as a teenager and also my first year as a member of TWS. It was a very important year for me,” he added. “When I first heard the song, I tried to hold back my tears because there were so many thoughts that crossed my mind. This song just means so much to me.”

On practicing the title track “Last Festival,” Shinyu revealed that the band didn’t have much time to practice as they had to juggle it with other commitments. “But we would voluntarily come back to the practice room to practice.” Jihoon continued, “We tried to find extra time to practice because we believe that this song holds a very special place in our hearts. We really stayed a lot, practiced, and shared a lot of conversations with each other.”

The members then talked about working on the release. “Before we started working on the single, we set a goal for ourselves, which was to elevate the quality of our performance to a new level,” Shinyu shared. “We constantly pushed ourselves to deliver better performances and we promised to do whatever it takes to achieve that.”

"Last Festival" captures a tinge of sorrow that comes before graduation as well as the excitement for the new chapter, and the boys tried to explore new emotions to fully immerse themselves in the concept.“We had to deeply understand to convey that bittersweet feeling. For each practice, we would print lyrics on a large sheet of paper, so we can discuss them together and share ideas on how to express each phrase in a way uniquely to us,” said Kyungmin.

Youngjae shared that the members were clearly passionate about practicing. He mentioned that they were moved by Hanjin in particular, who created a PDF file with the entire lyrics from start to finish. “Under each line, he noted the mood or emotions that should be conveyed along with the guidance on the facial expression and other details about the storyline. All of us were really surprised and blown away. It was very helpful,” Youngjae added.

“I just loved the meaning behind the lyrics of this song,” Hanjin commented. “I thought that the song captures so many emotions. At first, it was a little difficult for us to align in a single direction, so I translated each line to fully understand the lyrics. After, I wrote down all the emotions I felt, and then I highlighted the facial expressions that I thought would best convey those emotions.”

The lead track samples Seo Taiji and Boys’ “Last Festival,” released in 1993. “I was aware of this song because Seo Taiji and Boys sunbaenim were amazing artists who left a mark in K-Pop idol history. My parents are also their fans, so I knew the song and I personally love the vibe of the song, so it was a great honor to be able to put TWS’ twist to the song,” said Jihoon.

Youngjae: “We tried to express goodbye in a way that isn't overly sad. I believe the original song conveys this sentiment as well. But sonically, we interpreted the song with our own unique touch so I believe you'll experience an entirely new vibe.”

TWS debuted this year and has already experienced newfound success with their debut with ‘Sparkling Blue’ and its hit lead song “plot twist,” followed by the band’s ‘SUMMER BEAT!’ The emcee then asked the members to describe 2024 in one word or phrase.

For Dohoon, it would be “first encounter”: “We began the year 2024 with our first encounter with so many audiences. We’re eager to continue to showcase more of our infinite charms.”

“For me, it would be growth because with each album, we aimed to showcase how much we've grown and I believe we've been reaching new heights every step of the way,” said Hanjin.

Kyungmin: “I choose ‘everyone's youth.’ It’s because our songs mostly tell the story of youth, and we've heard from many people that our music reminds them of their own youth,” to which the emcee agreed.

When asked what they think the reason is behind their growing popularity, Youngjae answered, “All the members are always smiley and we’re dead serious about the stages we put on. We look kind of soft and innocent on the outside but on the inside, we’re very strong and committed to the stage so that's probably the reason why fans love us.”

Kyungmin added, “I personally think because recently we had chances to stand on university stages, that made me realize how much we've grown as well as the popularity we've achieved.”

“We love each other so much and we rely on each other a lot. I think our fans can see that tight bond in the group,” said Jihoon.

[Photos courtesy of HYBE/Pledis Entertainment]

SEE ALSO: TWS unleashes explosive energy in teaser for 'Last Festival'