Photo Credits: NME. Pledis Entertainment

The British music magazine NME, a long-standing authority in the global music scene since its founding in 1952, has once again demonstrated its influence by featuring the K-pop boy group TWS on the cover and in a pictorial for its 30th June 2025 issue. NME, originally known for championing rock and alternative music, has evolved over the decades to embrace a wider spectrum of genres, including the burgeoning global phenomenon of K-pop. This shift reflects the magazine’s commitment to spotlighting emerging artists who are reshaping contemporary music culture.

TWS, a six-member group consisting of Shin Yu, Do Hoon, Young Jae, Han Jin, Ji Hoon, and Kyung Min, debuted just last year but quickly rose to prominence with their authentic and heartfelt approach to music. Unlike many K-pop acts known for extravagant concepts and high-energy performances, TWS has distinguished themselves by exploring themes of youth and modern masculinity with sincerity and emotional depth. Their debut track “Plot Twist” resonated deeply with audiences, topping South Korea’s Melon annual chart in 2024 and earning them 13 awards, including seven rookie of the year honors at major ceremonies.

The group’s appeal extends beyond Korea, with international media outlets such as NME, Billboard, and Dazed recognizing their music among the best K-pop songs of 2024. NME notably included TWS as the sole K-pop boy group in its “NME 100: Essential Emerging Artists for 2025,” highlighting their potential to influence the global music landscape. This recognition underscores the growing popularity of K-pop worldwide and NME’s role in bridging Western audiences with this vibrant genre.

NME’s coverage of TWS is emblematic of the magazine’s increasing engagement with K-pop culture, which has garnered a massive and dedicated fanbase internationally. K-pop fans and groups alike frequently turn to NME for insightful features, reviews, and interviews, appreciating its blend of critical analysis and cultural appreciation. The magazine’s embrace of K-pop reflects a broader trend of Western media acknowledging the genre’s artistic and commercial impact.

The timing of TWS’s feature coincides with their first fan meeting event, “42: Club in Seoul,” held at Seoul’s Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium. The event’s rapid sell-out across all sessions is a testament to the group’s expanding influence and the fervor of their fan community. This milestone, coupled with NME’s endorsement, positions TWS as a compelling new voice in the global music scene, embodying the dynamic evolution of K-pop as it continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Words: Tássia Assis / @_tassia_a⁣
Photography: Yoon Songyi / @songgge⁣
Makeup: Lee Nakyeum / @nakyeum⁣

⁣Hair: Han Mirae (ODD) / @odd_mirae, Park Yu Jin (ODD) ⁣
Styling: Hyup Kim (Madecompany) / @hyupkkim⁣
Label: Pledis Entertainment

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