In January 2024, Pledis Entertainment proceeded with their plans to launch TWS, the entertainment label's first boy group in nine years, since Seventeen's debut in 2015.[2] The music video for the song "Oh Mymy: 7s" served as the first preview for TWS' EP a few days before its official release.[2] Several teasers and activities, including a highlight medley,[3] a product endorsement deal with Lotte Chilsung's Milkis,[4] and cover features on Japanese magazines Ray and ViVi,[5] were also revealed to promote and build anticipation for TWS' first EP.
On January 22, 2024, Sparkling Blue, a five-track EP that embodied the sound of "boyhood pop", was released alongside the music video for its lead single "Plot Twist".[6]
Critical reception
Writing for Osen, Kyung Jimin commented that the EP was "impressive", remarking on its natural and friendly musical tone and likening it to "a conversation with friends during break time".[7]
^Lee, Min-ji (January 19, 2024). "'세븐틴 동생그룹' TWS, 데뷔 전 탄산음료 광고 모델 발탁" ['Seventeen's younger brother group' TWS, selected as carbonated beverage advertisement model before debut]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 15, 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
^Kyung, Ji-min (January 19, 2024). "TWS, 데뷔도 전에 日 잡지 표지 장식..역대급 행보" [Before their debut, TWS graces the cover of Japanese magazines… an unprecedented move]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 15, 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024 – via Naver.
^Kyung, Jimin (January 23, 2024). "TWS, 데뷔 동시에 앨범 차트 1위 직행..발매 당일 20만 장 판매고" [TWS, debuted and went straight to #1 on the album charts.. 200,000 copies sold on the day of release]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 15, 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024 – via Naver.