Korean media outlet 10Asia discusses the background of TWICE’s contract renewal.
Seven is a lucky number, but in the idol world, it is a number that might put an end to an idol group. The must-have formula for idols is the “7-year jinx,” as the contract period between entertainers and agencies is at least seven years.
Objectively, ‘7 years’ is the lifespan of an idol, that is, the expiration date of a group. The moment when the group reaches its peak varies widely, but most of them win within seven years. Since idols make their debut in their late teens and early 20s, their identity as idols disappears after their heyday. As they get older, their image also changes and they start doing different activities depending on their individual capabilities.
Most idols go through a similar process. By changing the concept, they become a completely different team from their debut or continue to make “hit” songs following a colorless formula. After working as a team, idols find a way to live by working as solo singers or acting.
The team that didn’t go through this process is girl group TWICE. Those who have maintained their golden era since their debut are leading their heyday by doing their activities in Korea, Japan, and the United States. Like “Pretty Girl Next to Pretty Girl” and “Teudungi” are the nicknames they maintained since they were rookies and make their identity as “TWICE.”
What kind of team is TWICE? TWICE, which debuted in October 2015, released a number of hit songs such as “Like Ooh-ahh,” “Cheer Up,” “TT,” “KNOCK KNOCK,” “Signal,” “Likey,” “Heart Shaker,” “What is Love?” “Dance The Night Away,” and “Fancy” at home and abroad.
It also has the accumulated sales of 10 million albums in Korea and Japan, entered the Tokyo Dome in the shortest time since its debut as an overseas artist, ranked third with its third full-length album on “Billboard 200,” and has more than 20MVs with 100 million views. The group also succeeded in entering a North American stadium for the first time in the history of K-pop girl groups this year.
TWICE sold out nine concerts in five U.S. cities, attracting about 150,000 fans. TWICE proved its unlimited global growth even in its 7th year of debut. That’s why we have to acknowledge TWICE as a “K-Pop Top Girl Group”.
TWICE has focused only on team activities despite the fact that each of the nine members has different charms and is exceptional. The members only planned to make their solo debut only after their contract was renewed. This is possible because all nine members of TWICE are the team’s center, while other teams are usually popular thanks to one center.
Even the great TWICE couldn’t avoid the seven year period. No one could know the future of TWICE because JYP was also reluctant to reveal the story related to the renewal.
Of course, their U.S. tour has hit new records at home and abroad, so there was no reason for the members not to renew their contracts as global activities were on fire due to fans’ rising response in the U.S. As expected, all members renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment.
Above all, the strong friendship of the members accounts for a large part of the team’s survival. Although they are a multinational girl group with members from Korea, Japan and Taiwan, they have been friends and sisters for more than 10 years without any discord.
With this momentum, TWICE will make a comeback with “BETWEEN 1&2” on August 26. Since it is the first album to be released after the renewal of their contract, it will be a manual for “TWICE Act 2.” Let’s look forward to the K-pop history that TWICE will write.
Source: Daum
