TWICE teams up with Megan Thee Stallion for 'STRATEGY'

By Pyo Kyung-min

K-pop powerhouse TWICE is ready to deliver another hit with its new mini-album "STRATEGY," which hit the shelves Friday, featuring a title track collaboration with Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion.

JYP Entertainment, the label behind the nine-member girl group, described the new release as "exploring TWICE’s strategic take on love," with the seven songs listed in the album spanning themes from playful seduction tactics to heartfelt expressions of emotion.

The eponymous title track, a collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, brings the girl group together with the Grammy, American Music Award and Billboard Music Award-winning artist for the second time. TWICE had previously joined Megan for a remix of her hit "Mamushi" in November.

Ahead of this exciting comeback, TWICE members offered a glimpse into the making of the album in a written interview provided by JYP Entertainment. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q. How do you feel about this comeback with "STRATEGY" and can you provide an introduction to the new album and its title track?

Nayeon: It’s been a while since our last comeback in February, so I hope ONCE (TWICE’s official fandom) really enjoys it. The title track, "Strategy (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)," reflects our unique style of presenting a love strategy. Please do look forward to it!

Momo: We're returning as a complete group after a while and I'm most curious about our fans' reactions. I think "Strategy" gives off the most hipster vibes out of any song we've done so far. The choreography is equally incredible, so be sure to catch our performances!

Sana: The production process for this album was especially fun. It's the first time we've chosen a featured song as the title track and we experimented with many new ideas. The choreography reflects a lot of our input, and we're incredibly proud of the final result.

Q. What led to the collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion and are there any memorable moments from the recording process or filming of the music video?

Jeongyeon: We all thought working with Megan would create great synergy. She even flew to Korea to shoot the music video, and it was such a fun experience. She even complimented us, saying, "You all are the cutest and prettiest beings in the world," which really boosted our confidence on set!

Jihyo: Megan tried so hard to learn Korean. I remember how she really loved the way Jeongyeon shouted "Gwiyeowo!" (meaning "cute" in Korean) in our previous collaboration on the remix version of "Mamushi."

Q. The album also includes tracks like "Sweetest Obsession," previewed at your ninth-anniversary fan meeting and the winter season song "Magical." Could you share tips for listening to these tracks?

Nayeon: "Magical" is perfect for reminiscing about happy times with loved ones on snowy or cold winter days.

Jihyo: Tracks included in this album like, "Kiss My Troubles Away" and "Like It Like It," are great for energizing your morning commute. "Sweetest Obsession" pairs well with a warm coffee and dessert, while "Keeper" suits a relaxing walk. "Magical" is ideal for snowman-building days!

Q. With collaborations like Megan Thee Stallion, an Amazon Music Live appearance and your upcoming guest star gig for Coldplay's concert in Korea, TWICE is making waves on the global stage. How does it feel to expand your presence worldwide?

Jeongyeon: We never imagined we’d perform on such grand stages, but we’ve gained confidence as we’ve grown with each album. We’re excited and ambitious about TWICE’s future.

Mina: We’ve received more love than we ever dreamed of, opening up incredible opportunities. We’re so grateful and hope to share even more with ONCE in 2025.

Q. What do you think is the secret or turning point that led to your global success?

Nayeon: The immense love for K-pop, both in Korea and abroad, has certainly opened doors for TWICE to expand our influence. I think people appreciate how consistently and earnestly we’ve worked on our music over the years.

Sana: As we look back on our 10-year journey, I believe it’s the natural relationships between our members and the genuine connections we share that have shaped TWICE’s unique identity. I think that authenticity resonates with people.

Chaeyoung: The friendship among the TWICE members and the sincerity in everything we do seem to have reached our fans in a heartfelt way. I believe that’s allowed us to naturally convey a sense of joy and positivity.

Q. As the year 2024 comes to a close, what does this album mean to you and your fans?

Jihyo: Since this album marks the year's end, we chose red as the album’s main color. We hope the album brings joy and helps everyone create warm, festive memories.

Chaeyoung: We want this album to reveal a new side of TWICE while letting fans feel like they're drawing a close to 2024 on a good note with our music.

Tzuyu: By choosing a featured song as the title track for the first time, this album marks a big, bold step for us. We hope it feels like a gift from TWICE to our fans.

Q. Finally, please share a message for ONCE, who have shown relentless support throughout 2024.

Nayeon: We’ve received so much love from ONCE this year that I sometimes wonder how we could possibly repay it all. I think the best way is to continue working hard and showing you how much we enjoy what we do. Please look forward to what’s next!

Sana: The courage to take on diverse challenges this year came from having ONCE by our side. Thank you for always being our source of strength and pride. I’m so excited for all the days we’ll share together in the future.

Mina: The year 2024 has been such a meaningful and fulfilling year, all thanks to ONCE’s love and support. I hope to see you even more often next year. Please wrap up this year beautifully and let’s spend another healthy, happy year together!

Tzuyu: Thank you for always cheering us on. I think we’ve all done our best this year. I’m curious about what’s ahead, but one thing’s certain: I hope we can continue this journey together. Let’s end the year on a happy note and welcome the new year with joy and excitement!