The queens of K-pop reigned supreme in Belmont Park last week as TWICE electrified the UBS Arena with three jam-packed shows on their <THIS IS FOR> World Tour, proving why the nine-member powerhouse remains at the top of the global pop game.
Featuring NAYEON, JEONGYEON, MOMO, SANA, JIHYO, MINA, DAHYUN, CHAEYOUNG, and TZUYU, the veteran girl group is riding high following their 10-year anniversary celebration in October, a milestone marking a decade of chart-topping hits, era-defining concepts, and a plethora of firsts for a female K-Pop act.
<THIS IS FOR> world tour arrives at a moment when TWICE’s artistry feels sharper and more self-assured than ever. With a catalog that spans bubblegum pop anthems to rocking head bangers, the group delivered an immersive 30-plus song set enhanced by a 360-degree stage design this month, ensuring every seat in the house got the coveted K-pop “eye contact” experience.
amNewYork caught up with TWICE to talk about the tour, their evolution, and the bond they share with fans.
“It might sound obvious, but we would choose ‘THIS IS FOR,’” NAYEON said of the song that best represents this era. “Not simply because it’s the tour title, but because it represents where TWICE is right now. We’ve always wanted to return to our fans with something new — new sounds, new colors, new energy. It shows a different style and vibe compared to what we’ve done before, and that spirit of growth is exactly what this tour is about.”
Since debuting in 2015, TWICE has consistently shattered ceilings by becoming the first female K-pop group to headline North American stadiums, including SoFi Stadium and MetLife Stadium, the first K-pop girl group to headline Lollapalooza, and the first K-pop act honored at the Billboard Women in Music, where they received the Breakthrough Award.
But behind the accolades lies a sisterhood forged in rehearsal rooms and under arena lights. Having spent their formative years together, the members say their bond is deeper than most.
“We’ve been together for more than ten years if we include our training period,” MINA shared. “When we think about it, we’ve actually spent more time with each other than with almost anyone else — even our own families. So, when we say we are family, we truly mean it.”
“What we’ve learned over the years is the importance of respect and consideration for one another,” JEONGYEON added. “Despite our different personalities and backgrounds, we always try to understand, support, and look out for each other. That mindset naturally shows in our performances, and we believe it’s one of the reasons our chemistry feels genuine.”
Demand in the New York area was so overwhelming that TWICE added a third show at UBS Arena (Feb. 18, 20, and 21), turning Belmont Park into a sea of ONCE, the devoted fandom that has grown alongside them.
When asked what they hope ONCE takes away from the experience, JIHYO and SANA emphasized connection above all else.
“More than anything, we want fans to leave our concerts feeling fulfilled and happy,” TWICE Leader JIHYO said. “Each tour, we try to find new ways to show different sides of ourselves, so the experience feels fresh and memorable.”
“Our strongest connection with ONCE often comes from small, shared moments,” SANA added. “When the entire crowd moves together, when we make eye contact with fans, or when everyone sings along as one — those are the moments that remind us how special this relationship is.”
The setlist reflected that shared history, opening with the tour’s namesake “THIS IS FOR” and weaving through fan favorites including “Strategy,” “I CAN’T STOP ME,” “MOONLIGHT SUNRISE” and “CRY FOR ME.” They also performed “TAKEDOWN,” their high-energy collaboration featured in Sony Pictures Animation’s “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” further expanding their pop culture footprint and bringing awareness to Korean culture.
New York City has become a meaningful stop in TWICE’s story. From a past appearance on the Today Show and a visit to the Empire State Building to signing albums at Barnes & Noble, the group has steadily built a presence in the Big Apple. This time around, in tandem with the tour, they made a guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
“Because the city moves so fast and the energy is so intense, the audience reaction feels very direct and honest,” CHAEYOUNG said. “Fans in New York are incredibly expressive — you can feel their energy immediately, and that creates a very dynamic atmosphere on stage.”
“It’s also a place where we’ve had many memorable moments throughout our career,” TZUYU added. “Coming back feels both nostalgic and motivating at the same time. Every New York show feels like adding another meaningful chapter to our story.”
TWICE’s next stop will be in Montreal at the Bell Centre on March 3.
