Longevity in the fast-paced world of pop music is a rare feat, but for K-Pop titans TWICE, it’s a milestone they’ve met with grace, introspection, and a monumental new album. As Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu celebrate a decade together, they aren’t just looking back. They’re charting new territory with their anniversary album, “TEN: The Story Goes On,” and making a surprising, yet powerful, leap into the world of film with a contribution to Netflix’s record-shattering animated feature, “KPop Demon Hunters.” In a recent, revealing interview with the Associated Press backstage at the Kia Forum during their ‘THIS IS FOR’ World Tour, the members pulled back the curtain on their remarkable journey, their evolving definition of success, and the creative synergy that continues to propel them forward.

The Story of ‘TEN’: Nine Solo Voices, One Unified Vision

“TEN: The Story Goes On” is more than just an anniversary marker; it’s a testament to the individuality that thrives within the collective. For the first time in their storied career, the album features solo tracks from all nine members, a deliberate choice that showcases their distinct artistic colors. The project ventures far beyond the signature bubblegum pop that first launched them into stardom, exploring genres from the country-inflected “Fix a Drink” to the classical-sampling “Chess,” which cleverly incorporates Beethoven’s “Für Elise.”

“For Twice’s solo songs, it seems like each member chose a concept that suited them well. And for the group songs, because we’ve been together for 10 years, we know each other’s vocal colors and strengths, so we’re able to assign parts that highlight those individual characteristics, allowing us to showcase our personalities even more.” — Mina

This deep understanding of each other’s strengths is the secret ingredient to their enduring chemistry. The album is a celebration not just of TWICE as a unit, but of the nine unique artists who form its heart. Each solo track serves as a window into the member’s personal musical taste and growth, revealing just how far they’ve come from their debut days.

Redefining Success After a Decade in the Spotlight

A decade is an eternity in K-Pop, an industry where groups often disband within a few years. For TWICE, it has been a period of constant evolution and quiet resilience. When asked about their changing definition of success, leader Jihyo offered a remarkably thoughtful and humble perspective.

“We’ve worked incredibly hard for the past 10 years, but honestly, I’m not sure what the criteria for success really is,” she admitted. “If the fact that many people have listened to our music, loved it, and felt encouraged by it constitutes success, then perhaps we have achieved success. However, I still think there’s so much more we can do.”

This humility and relentless drive are what keep their music fresh and their fans loyal. The group’s creative process is a blend of modern communication and collaborative discussion. “We have a lot of group chats,” Dahyun revealed, explaining how they use voting features and hold in-person meetings with company staff to ensure every album is their best work yet. They consciously try not to repeat past concepts, a challenge that Jihyo notes “gets more difficult with each album,” but one they still genuinely enjoy tackling.

Inside the ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Universe

Perhaps the most unexpected turn in their tenth year was their involvement in “KPop Demon Hunters.” The animated film became a global phenomenon, shattering records as Netflix’s most-watched film of all time with hundreds of millions of hours viewed worldwide. Its soundtrack was the highest-charting of 2025, with eight songs landing on the Billboard Hot 100. The film also earned two Oscar nominations heading into next week’s ceremony. TWICE was right in the middle of this cultural moment, contributing their hit “Strategy” to the soundtrack while members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung recorded a powerful version of “Takedown” for the movie’s credits.

“Twice’s music is very bright, cute, and generally requires a refreshing vocal style, but the song ‘Takedown’ in ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is a very powerful song. In fact, during my trainee days, I only sang powerful songs. So, it brought back memories of my trainee days, and I remember having a lot of fun recording it.” — Jeongyeon

The members found the film’s depiction of a K-Pop group’s life surprisingly relatable. Chaeyoung laughed about the scenes where the animated characters were constantly eating after performances. “We also eat a lot after concerts because we had spent so much energy, and we need that energy replenishment,” she said with a grin. “Those parts really resonated with me. The costumes were also great.”

The Art of Not Repeating Yourself

One of the most fascinating aspects of TWICE’s longevity is their commitment to reinvention. Jeongyeon spoke candidly about her vocal evolution over the past decade. “Ten years ago, my voice was one that was trying very hard to sound good,” she reflected. “But now I’m recording with the mindset of singing in my natural voice, just being myself.” This shift from striving for perfection to embracing authenticity mirrors the group’s broader artistic trajectory.

When it comes to perfectionism in the studio, Chaeyoung noted that the members still hold themselves to the highest standards. “When recording, I think we try our best to perform our parts well, listening to it repeatedly and rerecording. Since performing well is our job, we naturally feel that we have to do it perfectly.” It’s this balance between natural expression and professional discipline that gives TWICE’s music its distinctive warmth and polish.

A Future Built on Connection and Growth

As they continue their massive ‘THIS IS FOR’ World Tour spanning North America, Europe, and the UK, and members explore individual pursuits — from Dahyun’s burgeoning acting career to the MiSaMo subunit (Momo, Sana, and Mina) and appearances at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show — the focus remains on the group’s core mission. According to Jihyo, these individual activities don’t detract from TWICE; they enrich it. “I think these activities don’t negatively impact Twice’s activities; in fact, they bring many positive benefits,” she explained.

So what are they hungry for now, after ten years of chart-topping hits, sold-out stadiums, and history-making achievements? Momo’s answer was simple and sincere: “Our goal is to meet our fans for a long, long time, perform together, try new things, and continue to connect with our fans for many years to come.”

In an industry that often measures success in fleeting viral moments, TWICE is playing the long game. Their story, much like their new album suggests, goes on — and the world will be watching to see what the next chapter holds.