Words by Mike White / Photos by Terence Rushin
When the invitation arrived to cover TWICE’s stop in Atlanta on their THIS IS FOR World Tour, I didn’t hesitate. My musical tastes usually lean toward rock, post‑punk, and indie, but I’ve always tried to stay open to new genres—and the global wave of K‑pop felt like something I needed to experience firsthand.
The moment I stepped into State Farm Arena, I knew I was in for something completely different. Towering banners of each of TWICE’s nine members—Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu—lined the concourse. Fans eagerly posed in front of their chosen “bias,” the K‑pop term for your favorite member. Dahyun was absent due to injury, and Mina had only just returned after missing the Philadelphia show due to illness, bringing the performing lineup to eight.
One thing I immediately loved about K‑pop culture: no opening acts. As much as I enjoy discovering new bands, going straight to the headliner felt refreshingly efficient. By showtime, the arena was packed, and nearly everyone held a TWICE lightstick—an essential part of the K‑pop experience. These aren’t just souvenirs; they sync with the lighting production, turning the entire arena into a coordinated visual instrument.
The stage itself was massive, stretching almost the full length of the arena floor. Three interconnected stages, two pit sections, and TWICE’s backing band framed the performance space. The centerpiece was a towering jumbotron structure containing nine cube‑screens that rose and fell throughout the night. Beneath it, nine hydraulic platforms—yes, everything comes in nines—lifted the members into view as they launched into the title track “This Is For.” The crowd’s reaction was deafening. Even in the nosebleeds, fans danced and waved their glowing lightsticks in perfect rhythm. The positivity was immediate and infectious.
The first act delivered seven songs, including the explosive “I Can’t Stop Me,” complete with confetti blasts and backup dancers, and the dreamy “Moonlight Sunrise,” which transformed the arena into a star‑filled sky. The members introduced themselves one by one, each greeted with cheers from fans supporting their chosen bias.
A beautifully choreographed tapestry‑style dance routine bridged the transition into ACT II, which opened with “Mars” from the 2025 album This Is For and the fan‑favorite “I Got You” from With You‑th. TWICE paused to thank the crowd and reminisce about their rain‑soaked 2023 Atlanta show at Truist Park—grateful, this time, to be performing on a dry stage.
Before ACT III, the backing band delivered an impressive prog‑rock jam, showcasing their musicianship. Then came my favorite segment: each member performing a solo track from TEN: The Story Goes On. These songs revealed their individual personalities and musical styles. Nayeon’s “MEEEEEE” and Chaeyoung’s “SHOOT (Firecracker)” were standouts for me, with Jeongyeon’s country‑tinged “Fix a Drink” earning an honorable mention.
Just when the crowd thought another intermission was coming, the jumbotron flashed “TAKEDOWN,” a track from hit movie K‑Pop Demon Hunters from Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung. The arena erupted—easily the loudest moment of the night.
After a brief rest, the final act kicked off with “Fancy,” followed by hits like “Yes or Yes” and “Dance the Night Away.” Each member rose on individual hydraulic platforms, a moment that made me appreciate the sheer precision required to execute choreography while being lifted into the air. It also made Dahyun’s earlier injury feel all the more understandable.
Before the encore, the Dance Cam Showdown turned the audience into performers, with fans enthusiastically recreating TWICE’s choreography. TWICE then returned with “Feel Special,” followed by a touching compilation of fan‑submitted videos from the Atlanta area expressing what the group means to them.
For the final song, the group looked to the crowd for suggestions—an impossible task in a roaring arena of 16,000—until someone held up a sign requesting “Talk That Talk.” TWICE obliged, closing the night with one last burst of energy before taking a selfie with the crowd.
If you’ve never been to a K‑pop show, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s part Disney spectacle, part rock concert, part sporting event, and entirely fueled by joy. The energy, the choreography, the production, the fan engagement—it all warmed my old rock‑dude heart. By the end of the night, I even had a bias: Chaeyoung. Something about her vibe felt the most “punk” to me, and I found myself drawn to her performances again and again.
TWICE didn’t just put on a concert—they created an experience I’ll never forget.
SETLIST:
Act I
THIS IS FOR
Strategy
MAKE ME GO
SET ME FREE
I CAN’T STOP ME
OPTIONS
MOONLIGHT SUNRISE
Act II
MARS
I GOT YOU
The Feels
Play Video
Gone
CRY FOR ME
HELL IN HEAVEN
RIGHT HAND GIRL
Act III
DIVE IN (Tzuyu solo)
STONE COLD (Mina solo)
MEEEEEE (Nayeon solo)
FIX A DRINK (Jeongyeon solo)
SHOOT (Firecracker) (Chaeyoung solo)
ATM (Jihyo solo)
DECAFFEINATED (Sana solo)
MOVE LIKE THAT (Momo solo)
TAKEDOWN (Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung)
Act IV
FANCY
What is Love?
YES or YES
Dance the Night Away
ONE SPARK
Encore:
Feel Special
Talk That Talk
