TWICE With YOU-th Album: The Hidden Story Behind One Spark

TWICE's "With YOU-th" album made a remarkable impact on global charts, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with 95,000 album-equivalent units, including 90,000 physical album sales. This thirteenth extended play from the South Korean girl group has certainly captivated fans worldwide since its release.

Furthermore, the "TWICE With YOU-th" album achieved impressive success in South Korea as well, initially debuting at number two on the Circle Album Chart before topping the monthly chart with over one million copies sold. Consequently, it received Million certification from the Korea Music Content Association. The lead single "One Spark" from the album peaked at number 93 on the Billboard Global 200, while also charting in multiple Asian countries including Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Additionally, "One Spark" by TWICE features lyrics that speak to a unique, undeniable ally through an effervescent tempo-hopping pop jam. The album also includes the group's third original English-language single "I Got You," which was influenced by the members themselves.

The story behind TWICE’s With YOU-th album

The creation of "With YOU-th" marks a significant chapter in TWICE's musical journey, representing both artistic growth and a heartfelt connection with their fanbase. This mini-album, released as TWICE's thirteenth EP, showcases the group's evolving sound while maintaining their signature upbeat charm.

How the album was first teased

TWICE began dropping hints about their new project in January 2024, creating anticipation among fans worldwide. The first official teaser appeared on February 2, 2024, when JYP Entertainment released a mysterious graphic on social media platforms featuring a light blue background with subtle visual elements.

Following this initial tease, TWICE members gradually revealed more details through their personal social media accounts. Nayeon and Momo particularly fueled excitement by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of recording sessions. The group's approach to teasing "With YOU-th" differed from previous albums, as they incorporated more personal touches rather than following a strictly scheduled marketing plan.

The meaning behind the title 'With YOU-th'

The title "With YOU-th" carries a clever dual meaning that resonates deeply with both TWICE and their fanbase known as ONCE. First, it represents the concept of youth and the vibrant energy TWICE has maintained throughout their career. Moreover, the deliberate stylization creates a wordplay where "YOU" stands out, directly addressing fans.

This title reflects TWICE's desire to share their journey with supporters who have been there from the beginning. The members have explained in various interviews that the album celebrates the youthful spirit they experience together with fans. In essence, "With YOU-th" serves as both a declaration of TWICE's continuing freshness as artists and a thank you letter to those who walk alongside them.

Timeline of release and promotions

The full "With YOU-th" album dropped on February 23, 2024, preceded by the pre-release English single "I Got You" on February 2. This strategy allowed TWICE to build momentum before the complete album launch. The album features "One Spark" as the lead Korean single, accompanied by a visually stunning music video released simultaneously with the album.

TWICE's promotion schedule included appearances on music shows like Inkigayo, Music Bank, and M Countdown throughout late February and early March. The group balanced domestic promotions in South Korea with international appearances, including a special performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Despite their busy schedule, TWICE managed to connect with fans through a special showcase event and fan signing opportunities. Their promotional activities culminated in announcing their "Ready To Be" encore world tour dates, where they would perform tracks from "With YOU-th" alongside their other hits.

How 'One Spark' became the lead single

The journey of "One Spark" to becoming TWICE's standout track on their "With YOU-th" album has a fascinating backstory that few fans initially knew about. Behind this upbeat drum and bass track lies a story of second chances and collective decision-making.

Initial recording and re-selection

"One Spark" wasn't initially created for the "With YOU-th" album. The track was originally recorded for one of TWICE's previous albums but didn't make the final cut. When the group began assembling songs for their thirteenth EP, the unreleased track resurfaced. Upon selection as the lead single, "One Spark" underwent significant changes—both re-arranged and re-recorded to better fit the album's youthful concept.

This revival process gave the song a fresh identity while maintaining elements that made it special in its original form. The revamped version was officially released on February 23, 2024, as part of the "With YOU-th" EP.

Why it stood out among other tracks

"One Spark" captured attention through its musical connection to TWICE's earlier hits. The track draws inspiration from the bubblegum pop style reminiscent of their classic songs like "Cheer Up" and "TT". However, it blends this nostalgic sound with modern breakbeats and dance-inspiring rhythms.

Chaeyoung noted that performance possibilities played a crucial role in the song's selection: "Compared to, let's say, 'Set Me Free,' the choreo is a bit more complicated with a lot more movement". Despite being challenging, the faster pace and intricate choreography allowed the group to showcase their growth as performers.

Group vote and decision-making process

The final decision to make "One Spark" the title track came down to a group vote. As Tzuyu explained, "Actually, we were thinking a lot about which title song we should do between 'One Spark' and 'I Got You'".

The members' opinions heavily influenced their musical direction, with Tzuyu adding, "We voted between the two songs of what should be the title track single. I think 'One Spark' is actually a great song performance-wise and we can put on quite a powerful stage performance".

This democratic approach reflects TWICE's growing creative input in their career, though they jokingly mentioned they'll take "100 percent creative control at 10 years".

Breaking down the lyrics and message of 'One Spark'

At the heart of "One Spark" lies a powerful message about connection and lasting bonds. The track's lyrical depth reveals why it resonated so profoundly with both TWICE members and fans alike.

Themes of youth and unity

"One Spark" celebrates the enduring connection between kindred spirits. Notably, Jihyo revealed that the inspiration for the song came solely from "us and ONCE". This dedication to their fans underscores the album's central theme of shared youth and experiences.

The lyrics paint a picture of unwavering support: "If I lose my rhythm / Then your beat goes on and on". This metaphor beautifully captures how TWICE members rely on each other during challenging times. Indeed, the recurring line "Forever's here if you just stick with me" reinforces the message that genuine bonds create eternal flames.

Symbolism in the chorus and verses

Fire imagery dominates the song's symbolism. Lines like "Everybody wants that endless flame / Heatin' up like an everlasting blast" represent passion that never diminishes. Throughout the chorus, the repetition of "my heart is burning, burning, burning" emphasizes the intensity of these connections.

The song employs both Korean and English lyrics, creating a seamless bilingual expression of emotion. In fact, the Korean line "식지 않을 Everlasting blast" (an everlasting blast that won't cool down) enhances the fire metaphor.

How it connects to TWICE's journey

"One Spark" serves as a reflection of TWICE's nine-year journey. The lyrics "Crossing the time that shines / It doesn't set, there ain't no sundown" mirror the group's enduring presence in the industry.

Essentially, the song captures what Jeongyeon once expressed: "When ONCE says, 'TWICE was in my youth days,' I feel very happy and satisfied". This sentiment aligns perfectly with the album title "With YOU-th" – acknowledging both the literal youth they've shared and the fans who've accompanied them throughout their career.

Inside the 'One Spark' music video

The visual narrative of TWICE's "One Spark" music video unfolds as a dazzling spectacle that perfectly complements the song's energetic vibe.

Visual storytelling and key scenes

The music video presents a sophisticated and classy aesthetic throughout various sets—from a luxurious dining hall with glorious chandeliers to a minimalist white soundstage. These elegant settings create a perfect backdrop for the group's rapid dance breaks and costume changes. Throughout the video, an elevator serves as a central motif, with scenes showing the members together—highlighting how their collective passion brought them to this point in their careers.

Hidden references to TWICE's past

Uniquely, the elevator scenes contain deliberate references to TWICE's journey. The number 9 appears first, representing the nine members who have remained together since debut. Subsequently, the numbers change to show October 20, 2015 (their debut date), February 23, 2024 (the "One Spark" release date), ultimately concluding with the word "TIMELESS". Fans have spotted additional callbacks throughout the video, including scenes reminiscent of their previous hits like "What is Love?", "Kura Kura," and "Feel Special".

The emotional moment with Dahyun

Amid the glamour, a particularly moving scene shows Dahyun crying alone in a practice room before being comforted by other members. This poignant moment depicts the hardships the group endured during their trainee days, adding emotional depth to the otherwise vibrant video. Korean netizens especially praised Dahyun for her outstanding and deeply emotional acting in this scene.

Chuncheon Bridge and fireworks finale

The music video reaches its spectacular conclusion on Chuncheon Bridge, which was closed to traffic specifically for filming. Alongside dazzling fireworks illuminating the night sky, TWICE performs high-energy choreography, giving literal meaning to the song title "One Spark". This breathtaking finale effectively captures the essence of the lyrics "my heart is burning, burning, burning" through its visual grandeur.

Fan reactions and global impact

Upon release, "One Spark" made significant waves across international music markets, cementing TWICE's global presence beyond their established Asian stronghold.

Chart performance and streaming stats

"One Spark" peaked at number 93 on the Billboard Global 200, while establishing impressive positions in multiple Asian markets. In Taiwan, the song reached number 2 on the Billboard chart, showcasing TWICE's strong regional appeal. Throughout Japan, one of the group's strongest markets, the track achieved number 18 on the Japan Hot 100 and eventually earned a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan for surpassing 50 million streams.

On Spotify, "One Spark" accumulated over 98 million streams since its February 2024 release, demonstrating remarkable staying power. The track also performed well in Western markets, reaching number 30 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart and number 3 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart.

How ONCEs interpreted the song

Initially, fan reactions were mixed, with some Reddit users describing it as "boring" or "safe". Nevertheless, this perception quickly shifted as listeners spent more time with the track. As one fan noted, "I thought One Spark was incredibly boring. Cut to three days later I'm humming 'burninnn burninnnnn burninnnnnnnn' in the kitchen subconsciously".

Many ONCEs praised the song's production quality, with one fan giving it "a 10 on production". Others appreciated how the track balanced nostalgia with fresh elements, commenting that it had "old TWICE vibes all over it".

The role of English version in global reach

The English version of "One Spark" played a crucial role in expanding TWICE's international audience. Described as an "energetic upbeat-styled anthem", it helped the group connect with non-Korean speaking fans. The track charted in multiple Western countries including the United Kingdom, United States, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, Australia and Brazil, underscoring how language adaptation fostered wider accessibility.