TWICE’s Jeongyeon Wants To See More Concepts That Suit Idols’ Ages

In an exclusive interview with The Recording Academy, TWICE opened up about the K-Pop industry’s evolution and the ever-growing generations of idol groups. The members, particularly Mina, Jihyo, Tzuyu, and Jeongyeon, had insightful things to share, painting a vivid picture of the industry from their perspective.

Mina addressed the public’s fascination with finding “the next generation” of K-pop, noting how each generation is associated with unique trends and characteristics. She believes these divisions are made so that people can remember and cherish each generation for its distinct color and personality. With the search for “the next generation,” she expects people to continue this tradition of appreciating each generation of idol groups for its unique attributes.

Each generation has their own trends and characteristics, so I think people divide them because they want to remember and cherish each specific generation by their own color.

— TWICE’s Mina

Despite the fixation on generations, Jihyo expressed her wish for fans to enjoy their music without concentrating too much on the generation it aligns with. This outlook highlights the universality of music and its ability to transcend temporal classifications, reflecting the true essence of K-Pop: a genre that thrives on its diverse musicality rather than its age-based categorization.

We would love to see everyone enjoying our music without too much focus on which generation it is.

— TWICE’s Jihyo

However, the statement that stirred the most conversation was Jeongyeon’s opinion on the future direction of K-pop. According to her, K-Pop artists today are teeming with talent and beauty, traits that have become the genre’s cornerstone. Looking ahead, Jeongyeon voiced her hopes for artists to explore more music and concepts that align with their age.

I think it would be great if we could see more music and concepts that suit their [idol groups’] age.

— TWICE’s Jeongyeon

This statement suggests a shift from the traditional approach of K-Pop, where age isn’t a determining factor in the type of music and concept artists choose to express. By advocating for more age-appropriate concepts, Jeongyeon is essentially emphasizing the need for more realistic portrayals in the industry.

In a further interesting take on the same question, Tzuyu expressed her desire for an increase in collaborations between artists in the future of K-Pop. Tzuyu believes that these partnerships can bring about “unexpected, fun elements” that could breathe new life into the genre.

As K-Pop moves forward, the emphasis seems to be on authenticity and relatability rather than sticking to rigid generational definitions. This evolution, while a departure from the traditional K-Pop approach, could enhance the genre’s appeal and keep it thriving for years to come.

TWICE’s thoughts on the K-pop industry are reflective of their experience and growth as a group. Their views, particularly Jeongyeon’s advocacy for more age-appropriate concepts, suggest a maturing industry that is ready to evolve and grow alongside its artists.