TWS was selected as one of the essential emerging artists by NME. Courtesy of Pledis Entertainment

K-pop group TWS has been selected as one of the must-listen-to artists in the global music scene this year.

British music magazine NME announced "The NME 100: essential emerging artists for 2025" list on its official website Wednesday.

Each year, NME collaborates with music critics and journalists worldwide to choose 100 rising artists expected to make an impact on the global music scene. Among them, TWS was the only K-pop boy group to be included in this year's list.

"K-pop boy bands might be best known for larger-than-life concepts and bombastic songs — but not TWS," NME said. "The six-member group are taking a more grounded approach by exploring what it means to be a young man in the modern world. The fledgling idols won the hearts of South Koreans in 2024 with their earnest, endearing sound, and it's only a matter of time before they charm the socks off the rest of the world."

TWS, since its deubt last year, has gained immense popularity with its refreshing melodies and lyrics that evoke the emotions of youth. Its debut song, "Plot Twist," topped the 2024 Melon annual chart. The group has also won 13 awards, including seven rookie of the year titles at major music award ceremonies.

Foreign media have also spotlighted TWS. The band's music was recognized as one of the best K-pop songs of 2024 by NME, U.S. Billboard and British pop culture magazine Dazed. American music outlet Consequence named it "Breakout Act of the Year" and introduced it as one of the next-generation leaders of K-pop.

Amid the growing global attention, TWS is set to hold its first fan meeting, "42: Club in Seoul," from Friday to Sunday at the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in Songpa District, Seoul. All three sessions sold out rapidly in presales, proving its strong ticket power.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.