TWS Earns First 'Gold' Certification from RIAJ, Making K-Pop History in Japan

Global sensation TWS (투어스) has achieved a significant milestone, securing their first 'Gold' certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) in the streaming category.

According to the RIAJ's announcement on the 31st, TWS's debut mini-album 'Sparkling Blue' and its title track 'First Meeting: None of My Business' surpassed 50 million streams as of September, earning them the prestigious 'Gold' status.

This achievement marks the first time a K-pop boy group debuting in 2024 has received such recognition from the RIAJ for streaming, solidifying TWS's position not just as a rookie breakthrough but as a major force in the Japanese music market.

'First Meeting: None of My Business,' TWS's debut song released on January 22nd last year, captivated audiences with its bright, refreshing energy and the members' pure, youthful charm, creating a sensation. The track also topped Melon's annual chart for 2024, laying a crucial foundation for TWS's growing public recognition.

Building on this momentum, TWS officially debuted in Japan in July and successfully concluded their activities. Their Japanese debut single 'Nice to see you again' (original title: はじめまして) exceeded 250,000 cumulative sales, earning a 'Platinum' certification from the RIAJ. Furthermore, their first local tour, '2025 TWS TOUR ‘24/7:WITH:US’ IN JAPAN,' sold out across six cities, drawing approximately 50,000 fans.

TWS is garnering attention as a powerhouse performer set to lead the next generation of K-pop, gracing major Japanese festival stages. Following their appearance at 'ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2025,' they are slated to perform at the year-end festival 'COUNTDOWN JAPAN 25/26' on December 27th.

Currently, TWS is actively promoting their fourth mini-album 'play hard,' with the title track 'OVERDRIVE.' The song's 'puppy whine challenge,' featuring charming gestures expressing a fluttering heart, has gone viral, earning praise as a 'must-do idol challenge.' 'OVERDRIVE' has also topped Instagram Reels' 'Trending Audio' chart.

Fans are expressing their excitement, commenting, "TWS is truly amazing! So proud they're recognized in Japan too," "'First Meeting: None of My Business' finally got Gold certification! It's a masterpiece," and "I'm even more excited for their future, their Japan activities were a total success."