In a candid moment shared with their global fanbase, the rising K-pop group TWS expressed profound admiration for BTS after attending one of the veteran group’s performances. The rookie ensemble, which debuted under Pledis Entertainment in early 2024, highlighted the emotional resonance of the experience, noting how the spectacle of the stage can serve as a source of strength and light for countless people.
The interaction underscores a recurring theme within the South Korean music industry: the mentorship and aspirational relationship between “sunbaes” (seniors) and “hoobaes” (juniors). For TWS, witnessing the scale and impact of a BTS production provided more than just technical inspiration; it offered a glimpse into the psychological connection a performer can establish with a massive audience.
The members of TWS took to their community platform to share their reflections, stating that they attended the indicate together. Their message focused on the transformative power of live performance, emphasizing that the stage is not merely a place for choreography and music, but a medium for providing hope and empowerment to listeners worldwide.
The Impact of the ‘Sunbae’ Influence on Rookie Growth
For a group like TWS, who are currently navigating the high-pressure environment of a debut year, the influence of BTS—a group that redefined the global reach of K-pop—is significant. The “sunbae-hoobae” dynamic is a cornerstone of the industry’s social structure, where younger artists look to established predecessors for guidance on professionalism, stage presence, and managing the complexities of international fame.
By observing BTS, TWS members were exposed to the gold standard of stadium-level production. The group’s reflection on the “light” and “strength” provided by the performance suggests a focus on the emotional intelligence of artistry. This perspective is critical for rookies aiming to build a sustainable bond with their own fandom, known as 42, as they move beyond the initial novelty of their debut.
The experience comes at a pivotal time for TWS. Since their debut with the track “Plot Twist,” the group has focused on a “boyhood pop” aesthetic, blending youthful energy with polished synchronization. Integrating the lessons learned from a BTS performance—specifically the ability to communicate a message of resilience—could signal a maturation in their artistic direction.
Bridging the Gap Between Generations of K-Pop
The admiration shown by TWS is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend where the “Third” and “Fourth” generations of K-pop artists openly acknowledge the blueprint laid by BTS. This transparency helps foster a sense of community within the industry, shifting the narrative from one of fierce competition to one of mutual growth.
Industry analysts often point to the “BTS effect” as the catalyst for the current global infrastructure that supports newer groups. The ability for TWS to attend and be inspired by such a performance is a direct result of the expanded global market and the precedent of high-concept storytelling that BTS pioneered.
The specific mention of the stage being a “light” refers to the symbiotic relationship between the artist and the audience. In the context of K-pop, this often manifests in the “ocean” of lightsticks—a visual representation of the collective support that artists like BTS and TWS rely on to fuel their performances.
Analyzing the Trajectory of TWS in 2025
As TWS continues to establish their identity, the influence of their seniors will likely manifest in their upcoming conceptual shifts. The group is currently positioned as a refreshing, bright alternative in a landscape often dominated by “dark” or “girl crush” concepts. By studying the emotional depth of BTS’s stagecraft, TWS may find ways to add layers of sincerity to their bright image.
The following table outlines the current positioning of TWS relative to the industry standards set by their predecessors:
| Focus Area | Rookie Approach (TWS) | Industry Standard (BTS) |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | Boyhood Pop / Youthful | Universal Themes / Evolution |
| Audience Goal | Building Initial Connection | Global Community Sustenance |
| Stage Goal | Technical Precision | Emotional Resonance & Impact |
| Market Reach | Expanding Domestic/Regional | Established Global Dominance |
The members’ decision to share this experience publicly serves a dual purpose. First, it humanizes the idols, showing them as students of their craft. Second, it aligns TWS with the positive values of the BTS brand—namely, the idea that music should be a tool for empowerment and mental well-being.
The Role of Community Platforms in Fan Engagement
The use of community posts to share these reflections is a strategic element of modern idol management. By sharing their personal growth and inspirations, TWS creates a narrative of humility and ambition. This allows fans to feel invested in the group’s journey, transforming the act of watching a concert into a shared learning experience between the artist and the follower.
This level of transparency is essential in an era where authenticity is highly valued by Gen Z and Alpha listeners. When a group admits to being moved or inspired by another, it breaks the illusion of the “perfect, self-made idol” and replaces it with a more relatable image of an artist in pursuit of excellence.
The ripple effect of such a post often extends to the fandoms themselves. Fans of BTS (ARMY) and fans of TWS are likely to find common ground in this mutual respect, potentially leading to cross-fandom support and a more cohesive K-pop community.
As TWS prepares for their next series of promotional activities and potential tour dates, the lessons gleaned from the BTS stage will likely serve as a benchmark for their own growth. The group’s journey from admiring the “light” of others to creating their own will be a key narrative arc to watch throughout 2025.
The next confirmed milestone for TWS involves their continued rollout of new musical content and scheduled appearances at major music festivals, where they will apply these insights to their own live productions.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the influence of senior artists on new K-pop debuts in the comments below.
