TWICE "Like OOH-AHH": The Hidden Story Behind Their Career-Defining Debut

TWICE "Like OOH-AHH" defied expectations to become one of K-pop's most remarkable debut singles, setting unprecedented milestones that few could have predicted. Released by JYP Entertainment on October 20, 2015, this catchy track served as the lead single from their debut extended play "The Story Begins". The highly anticipated debut followed the formation of the nine-member group through the competition show "Sixteen".

What started with modest chart performance—reaching number 27 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and number 6 on World Digital Song Sales—eventually transformed into a historic achievement. On November 11, 2016, "Like OOH-AHH" hit 100 million YouTube views, making TWICE the first K-pop group with a debut music video to reach this milestone. The song's impact continued to grow over time, eventually surpassing 500 million views in July 2024, becoming the group's eighth music video to achieve this remarkable feat. Additionally, the track has accumulated over 91 million streams on Spotify, cementing its status as a cornerstone in TWICE's impressive discography.

The formation of TWICE and the road to debut

The journey of TWICE began long before their official debut, tracing back to December 2013 when JYP Entertainment announced plans to launch their first girl group since Miss A's 2010 debut. Initially planned for early 2014, the group's formation took an unexpected turn when JYP founder J.Y. Park decided to select members through a survival reality show.

The 'Sixteen' survival show and final lineup

"Sixteen" aired on Mnet from May 5 to July 7, 2015, pitting sixteen JYP trainees against each other in various challenges testing their performance abilities and charisma. The competition culminated in Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, and Chaeyoung securing spots in the final lineup. Surprisingly, J.Y. Park made a last-minute decision to expand the group from seven to nine members. Tzuyu joined as the "audience's pick" due to her overwhelming popularity, while Momo—previously eliminated—was added for her exceptional performance skills. This controversial decision sparked debate among viewers but ultimately shaped TWICE's distinctive nine-member dynamic.

Why 'Like OOH-AHH' was chosen as the debut song

Following the survival show, JYP Entertainment selected "Like OOH-AHH" as TWICE's debut single—described as a "color pop" dance track blending hip-hop, rock, and R&B elements. The song was strategically chosen to showcase the group's diverse talents and vibrant personality. Though the members later revealed their initial uncertainty about the song's potential success, with both Momo and Jihyo admitting they "had no expectations" after its release, the unique sound ultimately proved to be a cornerstone of TWICE's identity.

TWICE debut date and album release details

On October 7, 2015, JYP Entertainment launched TWICE's official website and announced their debut with the mini-album "The Story Begins". Subsequently, individual member teasers were released from October 12-14, building anticipation for their official debut. TWICE formally entered the K-pop scene on October 20, 2015, with both digital and physical releases of their debut EP alongside a live showcase featuring performances of "Like OOH-AHH," "I Think I'm Crazy," and "Do It Again". The group began promoting on music shows two days later, marking the beginning of their remarkable journey.

Breaking down 'Like OOH-AHH': Music, lyrics, and style

Beyond its captivating music video concept, "Like OOH-AHH" stands out musically as a bold artistic statement that established TWICE's distinctive sound from day one. The song's intricate composition and performance elements reveal thoughtful production choices that helped shape the group's enduring appeal.

Genre fusion and production team

"Like OOH-AHH" defies simple categorization, described officially as a "color pop" dance track that skillfully blends elements of hip-hop, rock, and R&B. This multi-dimensional approach created a sonic foundation that distinguished TWICE from other rookie groups of the era. The production team behind this innovative sound was headed by Black Eyed Pilseung, who had previously crafted successful releases including Miss A's "Only You". Notably, the composition team collaborated with lyricist Sam Lewis to create a track that would showcase the diverse talents of all nine members.

Lyrical themes and notable lines

At its core, "Like OOH-AHH" revolves around a confident protagonist waiting for someone who can make her feel special—someone who evokes the titular "ooh-ahh" reaction. The lyrics portray a self-assured woman who knows her worth: "People can't leave me alone for a single minute / I'm so pretty I make everyone smitten". Furthermore, the song cleverly incorporates wordplay referencing the group's name with the memorable line: "Let me see how you gon' treat me / I ain't no easy / Better think about it TWICE". This dual meaning creates an instant connection between the group's identity and their musical message.

Choreography and performance style

The choreography, created by Lia Kim of 1Million Dance Studio alongside JYP Entertainment choreographer Yun Hee-so, perfectly complements the song's energetic vibe. One particularly innovative aspect was the rotating dance breaks, where different members showcased unique solo moments during performances. Consequently, fans eagerly anticipated each performance to see which member would be highlighted. These varying dance breaks gave each performer an opportunity to shine, with Momo often standing out as the main dancer. This performance strategy kept the choreography fresh across multiple stages and allowed fans to appreciate each member's individual style.

The dance also incorporated playful elements that added personality, such as Sana's humorous moment "pretending to not be flexible". Indeed, these choreographic variations became one of the song's most beloved aspects, with fans noting that "all these little changes in the choreo really keeps it fun to watch". Through these creative performance choices, "Like OOH-AHH" established TWICE as a group that excelled not just vocally but visually as well.

The music video: Concept, visuals, and fan reactions

Directed by Kim Young-jo and Yoo Seung-woo of production team Naive, the "Like OOH-AHH" music video premiered on JYP Entertainment's YouTube channel on October 20, 2015. The visual masterpiece combined unexpected elements that would become a hallmark of TWICE's distinctive brand identity.

Zombie concept and symbolism

Rather than opting for a conventional cute concept typical of rookie girl groups, TWICE's debut surprised viewers with a zombie-themed narrative set in an abandoned school. The storyline follows the nine members confidently navigating through hordes of zombies while performing energetic choreography across various settings—hallways, rooftops, and even aboard a school bus. This juxtaposition of cheerful performances amidst apocalyptic surroundings created a memorable contrast. Interestingly, the video concludes with a zombie hearing his own heartbeat and gradually transforming back into a human, suggesting the members' irresistible charm can revive even the undead.

Member highlights and styling

The music video showcased each member's unique personality through carefully curated styling. Chaeyoung sported a street fashion look featuring a black vest belly top with denim shorts and a tartan padded jacket. Meanwhile, moments like Sana's humorous failed attempt to mimic Mina and Momo's flexible movements highlighted individual charms. The colorful outfits—ranging from academic attire to vibrant rooftop ensembles—complemented the video's energetic atmosphere while establishing distinct visual identities for each member.

Fan theories and interpretations

Despite mixed reactions to the zombie concept, fans developed intriguing interpretations. One popular theory suggests the zombies symbolize "mindless, soulless people who only see what they want and stop at nothing to get it". Others interpreted the story as representing TWICE's relationship with their fans—the zombies ultimately humanizing after experiencing the group's performances, mirroring how fans connect with artists.

Milestones in YouTube views

The "Like OOH-AHH" music video achieved remarkable milestones throughout its history. On November 11, 2016, it reached 100 million views, making TWICE the fourth K-pop girl group to achieve this milestone and the first debut music video to do so. By November 2017, it surpassed 200 million views, helping TWICE become the first K-pop female act with three music videos exceeding this threshold. Most recently, in July 2024, it joined seven other TWICE music videos in surpassing the 500 million view mark.

Chart performance and long-term success

Unlike many instant chart-toppers from established acts, "Like OOH-AHH" experienced a gradual climb to success, ultimately proving that TWICE's debut song had remarkable staying power across multiple metrics.

Initial chart rankings and slow rise

"Like OOH-AHH" made a modest entrance at number 22 on Gaon's Digital Chart upon release. In contrast to typical K-pop releases that peak immediately, the song gained momentum through positive word of mouth about the performances, climbing steadily for three months until reaching its peak position at number 10. According to Korean media, this unusual upward trajectory was particularly noteworthy for a rookie girl group. As Jihyo later reflected: "I had no expectations. I didn't imagine our future".

International chart performance

Beyond domestic success, "Like OOH-AHH" made impressive international inroads. The song peaked at number 6 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart and remained there for 11 weeks. Moreover, it reached number 27 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, maintaining its position for an impressive 36 weeks. Additionally, the track charted at number 49 on the Philippine Hot 100, establishing TWICE's international appeal from day one.

Certifications and streaming milestones

"Like OOH-AHH" achieved significant streaming milestones, surpassing 100 million streams on Gaon in February 2017 and accumulating over 91 million streams on Spotify. On the download front, it exceeded 2.5 million downloads by July 2018. The song's YouTube journey has been equally remarkable, reaching:

100 million views in November 2016 (first K-pop debut MV to do so)
200 million views by November 2017
500 million views in July 2024

Impact on TWICE's future releases

The long-term success of "Like OOH-AHH" established a pattern for TWICE's subsequent releases. Although their debut didn't immediately top charts, it built a foundation for future hits like "Cheer Up," which became 2016's best-performing single in South Korea. Ultimately, this debut helped TWICE achieve remarkable career milestones, including selling over 10 million albums across South Korea and Japan and becoming the first K-pop girl group to simultaneously hold platinum certifications for both an album and single in Japan within the same year.