Why TWICE's ME+YOU Is More Than Just Another K-pop Song

TWICE released "ME+YOU" as more than just another addition to their discography. The song stands as an actual fan tribute specifically designed to celebrate the group's tenth anniversary, making it a significant milestone in their journey.

Unlike typical K-pop releases, "ME+YOU" carries special meaning through its thoughtful references to old songs and the twice members' personal stories throughout the music video. Released on October 10, 2025, as part of their TWICE SPECIAL ALBUM TEN: The Story Goes On, the track arrives during what many consider a record-breaking year for the group. Furthermore, this carefully crafted song showcases how TWICE has maintained their connection with fans while evolving their sound throughout their career.

TWICE and Their Legacy of Fan Songs

Throughout their decade-long career, TWICE has consistently placed their fandom, affectionately named ONCE, at the center of their journey. Their commitment goes beyond mere acknowledgment—they've made concrete efforts to reach more fans by continuously expanding their tour destinations, notably becoming the first K-pop girl group to perform at Nissan Stadium in Japan.

The nine members demonstrate their dedication through small but meaningful gestures, such as their enduring pre-show ritual where they gather, join hands, and say, "TWICE, TWICE, let's get it together, let's go" regardless of the venue size.

Previous fan songs leading up to ME+YOU

TWICE has cultivated a special tradition of creating songs specifically dedicated to their supporters:

"One in a Million" - Their Korean fan song that gives members "chills and excitement" when performed live
"Be as One" - Created for Japanese ONCE
"Candy" - Dedicated to English-speaking fans
"21:29" - Another heartfelt tribute to their global fanbase

Additional tracks like "Depend On You," "Talk That Talk," and "Feel Special" also contain messages of gratitude. Nayeon recalls performing "One in a Million" at concerts, where members would "walk around on stage and get really close with fans, face to face," creating unforgettable connections.

"ME+YOU" now joins this meaningful collection as their definitive 10th anniversary "love letter" to ONCE.

The Message Behind ME+YOU

Beyond catchy melodies, "ME+YOU" conveys profound messages that run deeper than typical K-pop releases. The song serves as an emotional bridge connecting TWICE and their fans through carefully crafted lyrics.

Lyrics that celebrate friendship and unity

"ME+YOU" embraces the essence of genuine friendship with heartfelt lyrics. Lines like "I'm grateful that you're my best friends until the end" and "Nothing's ever gonna come between us" showcase the unbreakable bond. The R&B pop track blends sensuous melodies with refreshing grooves, creating a perfect backdrop for these declarations of loyalty.

Key lyrical themes include:

Unwavering support: "I'll be there come rain or shine"
Deep understanding: "One look in my eye and you read my mind"
Lasting connection: "We got a connection that gets stronger every time"

A tribute to 10 years of shared memories

Indeed, the song poignantly reflects on their journey together—"Feels like only yesterday, guess the memories never fade away". The members themselves contributed ideas to infuse authenticity into the lyrics, making it genuinely representative of their collective experience.

Why this song resonates with ONCEs

For many fans, "ME+YOU" isn't merely entertainment; it's a reciprocation of their own feelings. As one fan expressed, "This isn't simply a music video, it's a moment and a gift to all ONCE". The emotional impact is profound, with reactions ranging from "I cried so much" to "I love TWICE honestly and this MV was so them".

Moreover, the song represents the continuing story that began with their 2015 debut album "THE STORY BEGINS", emphasizing that even after a decade, their journey together continues.

Musical Style and Production Choices

The production choices in "ME+YOU" showcase a deliberate musical direction that connects with TWICE's past while highlighting their evolution. This fan tribute doesn't just speak through lyrics—it communicates through careful sonic decisions as well.

Throwback to 90s R&B/pop influences

"ME+YOU" draws heavily upon the bubbly R&B/pop sounds that defined the late 1990s, continuing a stylistic direction established in their previous mini album. The production team crafted a sound that replicates the futuristic, skittering She'kspere/Darkchild style found in many late-90s classics. Although some critics note it feels like a "knockoff" of that era, the nostalgic warmth it creates perfectly complements the song's sentimental message.

Smooth melodies and vocal layering

One standout production element is the layered vocal approach. The track features beautiful, airy vocal arrangements with multiple layers creating depth. This technique gives "ME+YOU" a full, rich sound despite its overall simplicity. As one reviewer noted, TWICE "works best with simple sweet songs", and this approach allows each member's voice to blend harmoniously.

How the sound fits into TWICE's discography

Despite claims about TWICE losing their signature sound, "ME+YOU" demonstrates they've maintained their core identity throughout their evolution. The group consistently incorporates retro and disco elements into their productions, yet this track represents "grown-up TWICE" rather than abandoning their roots. Their sound has matured alongside the members themselves—no longer making songs like "Likey" or "Cheer Up," yet remaining unmistakably TWICE.

Visual Storytelling in the Music Video

The "ME+YOU" music video stands as a visual love letter to TWICE's journey, packed with nostalgic elements that celebrate their decade-long career.

References to past TWICE songs and eras

The music video cleverly incorporates numerous callbacks to TWICE's previous works, particularly their debut "Like Ooh-Ahh." Fans immediately noticed the members recreating iconic scenes with identical outfits. Additional references include the original school bus from their debut, complete with zombie callbacks. Eagle-eyed viewers spotted nods to "What is Love?" in the scenes where members gather around a TV set. Additionally, certain doorway scenes evoke memories of their "Knock Knock" era.

How the MV connects with long-time fans

For long-time ONCEs, the video feels like watching "TWICE's Private Life" – their early variety show where all nine members lived together in one dormitory. The entire concept pays homage to their evolution from "The Story Begins" (debut album) to "The Story Goes On" (10th anniversary album). First-generation fans particularly appreciate how the video combines fun-filled moments with meaningful nods to their shared history.

Symbolism and emotional callbacks

The symbolism runs deep throughout the 4-minute runtime. The storm scenes metaphorically represent hardships TWICE has faced, yet even in these moments, the members remain together, finding joy in each other's company. The imagery of members entangled together – Mina and Chaeyoung embraced, Jihyo and Jeongyeon sharing headphones – illustrates their unbreakable bond. This visual storytelling perfectly complements the song's message of eternal friendship.