Story by Vyvy Le // @vyvy.le_ // She/Her

Design by Karis Tsao // @_katsao_ // She/her

TWICE curates a world of awe and inspiration as they demonstrate performance after performance that there is no need to speak the same language, all you need to do is sit back (or stand) and enjoy the show.

Going from exclusively indie concerts to my first KPOP concert was a culture shock. From the frustrating, but exhilarating chase of buying tickets, to the merch line that seemed to last for miles with outfits ranging from light academia to full “Sailor Moon” cosplay, and the production value of the strobe lights and stage visuals once inside, it was like nothing I had ever experienced. And that was before TWICE even hit the sold-out stage in Fort Worth, Texas.

After hours of standing, sitting, and waiting, we watched the lights dim and heard the screams grow around us. A few beats of darkness pass us by, signaling an overcast before the sun rays beamed through. The feeling of elation and eager nerves reminded me of when I watched my first KPOP performance on Youtube. There’s this pit in your stomach that builds and builds when you watch something you’ve never seen before, and suddenly you’re hooked. All nine members rise from below, a billowing of fog and euphoria beckons as they start with their first English single “The Feels” from their third studio album, “Formula of Love: O+T=<3”.

The disco synth bass fills the metal dome of the Dickies Arena and their red plaid outfits stand bold against the backdrop. They fill their first act with their most popular singles including “Feel Special” and “FANCY,” and even take a pause between dance numbers to introduce themselves with endearing practiced English.

And then they’re off for their first intermission and outfit change. You’re left in a daze asking yourself, did that just happen? Did you see how close they were?

Oftentimes, I hear my friends say that KPOP can be intimidating. They see this formidable fortress to be conquered, that keeps them from crossing the threshold. An entire lore behind a group’s origins, each sub-unit, each meme, and that’s without mentioning their passionate fanbases. But looking through the lens of this concert, there is no need for soul-selling rituals or complete devotion to be a genuine fan. They’re creating this world for them and you. They want you to let loose, have fun, and enjoy good music. Just as every other artist you may encounter. 

As they open up the second act clad in black leather western-inspired outfits, there is an overwhelming feeling you get that says, “Okay the nine most beautiful women in the world are here. They can sing, dance, serve face, and they’re Asian!” What screams take my money more?

The concert continues without a hitch. Electronic beats collaborate perfectly with their dance breaks, their nine-person formations are intricate yet memorable, and their voices hit every pitch every time. You’re tethered along with every other person in the arena to the sound of their drums as they march across the stage. They’re always making the time to show gratitude and interact with their fans, whom they’ve coyly dubbed “ONCE”. 

An onslaught of picturesque candids, flirtatious gestures with the cameras and each thatelicits “barking” chants throughout the stadium. Their range moves from playful summer bops like “Knock Knock” and “CHEER UP,” to sultry love ballads like “REWIND” and “MOONLIGHT,” and then to bass boosted anthems like “HELLO” and ”Likey”. Their cheeky lyrics, a harmonious stream of English and Korean, and colorful pop sound, will have you moving from states of hysteria, to sentiment, to shaking ass.

Im Nayeon, Yoo Jeongyeon, Hirai Momo, Minatozaki Sana, Park Jihyo, Myoui Mina, Kim Dahyun, Son Chaeyoung, and Chou Tzuyu. I write their names because they should not be reduced for convenience: they are talented performers and artists whose whole is greater as you sum up the parts. I know that in Austin alternative and underground run the music scene, but as Bong Joon Ho, director of “Parasite,” the first foreign-language film ever to win Best Picture at the Oscars put it, “Once you overcome the one inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” I believe that goes for music as well.

They end their stage with wholesome goodbyes, with Dahyun even tearing up due to having a cold and feeling upset that she couldn’t give her best for us. The translator was unable to be heard over the screams and chants of the crowd calling her name, as if to communicate that it’s okay. The integrity they put forth for their fans and the sincerity they’re given back is inspiring.

However, the bittersweet taste left in your mouth is wiped away at the mention of an encore. They bring out a wheel full of fan favorite songs so full you could barely read them all. But one two-letter song stood out from the rest for me and the audience. A performance of “TT ” seemed to be the only thing missing from this picture perfect night. We watched agonized as “TT ” passes four separate times. Each time the wheel wobbled and barely grated past the one inch panel it was written on, you stood on the edge of your seat, hoping they would allot this favor to the audience. It was heart wrenching, the push and pull so strong, but when their final song came around, the sun peeked through the clouds once againand it was left to a vote between “TT” and “Signal” another heavyweight challenger and at last, as the notes of their finishing performance played, it was in fact not “TT.”

But that’s okay, because in the end, it’s their world and we’re just happy to be living in it.