What stands out about TO US is how it embraces the mistakes and regrets that come with growing up, rather than treating them as things to hide. Looking back since your debut, is there a moment that felt disappointing at the time, but that you now recognize as something that helped you grow?
JIHOON: When we first debuted, there were so many things I wasn’t as good at as I am now — whether it was my stamina, how I communicated with fans onstage, or my singing and dancing. With each comeback, I’d set small goals for myself, thinking, “I want to do better at this next time.”
But I failed a lot. It hurt when I couldn’t achieve the goals I’d set for myself. Looking back, though, I see those moments as some of the brightest and most precious. They became the motivation to keep working hard, and I think that connects closely with the message of this album.
YOUNGJAE: Like JIHOON, I remember being nervous about every single performance when we first debuted. I wasn’t nearly as comfortable onstage as I am now, and with everything still so unfamiliar, there are things I wish I’d done better.
But I think the freshness and innocence of those early days came through in our performances, too. Our fans appreciated that side of us, and now I look back on those moments as really good memories.
The final chorus of “Call My Name” carries a celebratory feeling that also runs through earlier TWS songs like “hey! hey!” and “Last Festival.” Even with the regrets and uncertainties of youth, there’s a sense of celebrating who you are in the moment. For TWS today, what kinds of moments feel worth celebrating?
DOHOON: The first thing that comes to mind is simply enjoying music without any worries. That’s what a celebration feels like to me.
SHINYU: For me, it’s being onstage, making eye contact with the members and connecting with them while we perform. Those moments really feel like a celebration..
KYUNGMIN: We recently went on tour, and performing the stages we’d prepared in different countries felt like a celebration in itself.
Does that feeling ever extend beyond the stage into your everyday lives?
SHINYU: Definitely! Like when I finish work and get to eat something delicious that I love. That’s one of my favorite ways to relieve stress, so even a moment like that can feel like a celebration.
