[OSENWORLD] K-pop’s rising boy group TWS continue to prove their global momentum with record-breaking sales and a fiery new live performance.
On October 24 (KST), the group appeared on Genius’ “Open Mic”, the U.S.-based digital music platform famous for its viral “Open Mic” sessions. There, TWS delivered an explosive rendition of “OVERDRIVE,” the title track from their fourth mini album Play Hard, channeling the restless energy of youth inside a dimly lit garage set.
Moving through tightly synchronized choreography and precise formations, the six members performed with unrelenting intensity — captivating global viewers and solidifying their status as one of K-pop’s most dynamic next-generation performance powerhouses. Their charisma extended beyond dance, with expressive gestures and facial acting that vividly portrayed the song’s rush of young love.
In particular, the now-viral “Umm” moment — part of the song’s Aegyo (cute expression) challenge segment — showed the group’s playful side as they switched from fierce confidence to mischievous smiles.
Genius praised the performance, commenting:
“TWS delivers a sharp performance that perfectly captures the song’s theme. Their energetic choreography and smooth vocals make the stage truly stand out.”
Following their Open Mic feature, TWS continue their impressive rise with Play Hard. The album sold nearly 640,000 copies in its first week — surpassing the group’s previous first-week sales record — and topped both the Circle Weekly Album Chart and the Retail Album Chart (covering October 12–18).
The title track “OVERDRIVE” also made waves overseas, debuting at No. 9 on Billboard Japan’s Hot Shot Songs chart (Oct. 22 edition), which reflects combined metrics of downloads, streaming, and video views.
Major international outlets, including The Hollywood Reporter, Forbes, and tmrw Magazine, praised Play Hard for its “explosive energy and confident evolution,” calling it a key moment in TWS’s fast-growing career.
The group will continue their promotion today (Oct. 24) with performances of “OVERDRIVE” on KBS2’s “Music Bank” and “The Seasons: 10CM’s Hug Me” (a popular KBS music talk show).
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
Courtesy of Pledis Entertainment
