K-pop boy band TWS, winner of the Best New Male Artist at the 2024 MAMA Awards, released their 1st Single "Last Bell” on Nov. 25.
Alluding to the sentimental and yet hopeful sound of the school bell rung on the last day of school, the new song serves to close out the big year TWS has had since their breakout debut in January this year, imbued with nostalgia for the past year as well as excitement for new beginnings.
A well-crafted storyline drives the three-track release, emulating the experience of watching a coming-of-age film.
With graduation fast approaching, TWS begins to feel things they have never felt before towards a friend that has always been around in the first track “Highlight.”
TWS (Pledis Entertainment)
They then prepare one last performance dedicated to this special person in the lead single “Last Festival,” with mixed feelings of nervous excitement and the sadness of parting.
In the final track “Comma,” the boys part ways with the friend they have spent everyday around over the years, as they imply this is the start of a new phase of their relationship.
“Last Festival” features TWS’ signature refreshing vibe with a sense of refined finesse. The melody is layered over dreamy synths and the sound of fireworks, amplifying the atmosphere of festivities and nostalgia that surround the holiday season.
The music video for the single places TWS in a school theater club, intimately following the members of the club as they prepare their final show before graduation under the influence of newly found feelings for a special someone.
The scenes and powerful choreography serve as a visual reflection of the intricate feelings that permeate “Last Festival,” capturing the thrill and allure of being on stage, the bustle of the backstage area and the memories of hours spent in rehearsal.
During a media showcase on Nov. 25, TWS said, “As the story goes in ‘Last Festival,’ we want to perfect each movement and deliver each performance like it’s our last. We believe it would allow us to capture the emotions and life of the song in full.”
With their Best New Male Artist award at the 2024 MAMA Awards, they solidified their position as the K-pop rookie of the year.
TWS' Dohoon (Pledis Entertainment)
TWS' Hanjin (Pledis Entertainment)
TWS' Jihoon (Pledis Entertainment)
TWS' Kyungmin (Pledis Entertainment)
TWS' Youngjae (Pledis Entertainment) 
TWS' Shinyu (Pledis Entertainment)