REVIEW: TWICE @ TD Garden 4/3

Photography by JYP Entertainment, Brent Goldman

Review by Sol Kim

On an unusually warm Friday night in Boston, April 3, TWICE transformed TD Garden into more than just a concert venue. It became an immersive spatial experience. Their “THIS IS FOR” world tour, named after their fourth full-length album released in July 2025, was built around the identity and message of the record and carried its themes consistently throughout the performance. As the group’s sixth world tour, it began in Asia and Australia before expanding into North America and Europe, with Boston marking one of its key stops in this second leg.

The defining feature of the show was its 360-degree stage design. A large central platform, flanked by two smaller stages and connected by extended walkways, created a dynamic performance environment that allowed the audience to engage with the show from all directions. This configuration was more than a visual spectacle. It enabled the members to remain in constant interaction with the crowd, regardless of where they were seated. A central lift system further enhanced this experience by rising and lowering individual members during vocal-focused segments. Even in moments with minimal choreography, the stage retained a strong sense of movement and tension.

There were, however, unavoidable absences. Chaeyoung was unable to attend due to back pain prior to departure, while Dahyun was sidelined by an ankle injury. Despite performing as a seven-member lineup, the group maintained a high level of cohesion and delivered a polished and stable performance throughout the night.

The opening track, “THIS IS FOR,” set the tone immediately. As both the album’s title track and the name of the tour itself, it served as a fitting introduction. It quickly built energy and drew the audience into the show’s momentum. Rather than presenting a simple sequence of songs, the setlist unfolded with careful attention to pacing and balanced intensity with release.

One of the standout performances came with “TAKEDOWN,” originally performed by Jihyo, Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung. Although the full lineup was not present, Jihyo and Jeongyeon carried the stage with strong live vocals. Jihyo, in particular, stood out for her ability to engage the audience and actively draw out crowd responses. This elevated the atmosphere. The performance was driven more by vocals, but it never lost its sense of energy.

The latter portion of the concert featured a string of TWICE’s defining hits, including “What is Love?,” “FANCY,” “YES or YES,” and “Dance the Night Away.” These songs, largely released between 2018 and 2019, represent the group’s core identity, rooted in bright pop sound and highly interactive performances, and their impact was evident. During this segment, the members spread across all three stages and shifted the focus from choreography to vocals and audience interaction. Although the arena was filled with official lightsticks, what stood out most was the collective sing-along. Even those without lightsticks joined in, creating a shared chorus that extended beyond the fandom. It clearly demonstrated TWICE’s broad cultural reach.

Audience interaction played a central role throughout the show. While the members delivered simple phrases in English, much of the communication was supported by a live interpreter. From a bilingual perspective, both the nuance of the members’ original Korean and the accuracy of the interpretation were impressive. However, the need to pause for translation occasionally disrupted the natural flow of conversation. This was especially noticeable when multiple members were speaking. Still, TWICE found effective ways to maintain connection with the crowd.

A recurring call-and-response moment exemplified this. Before transitioning into the next set, the group would prompt, “This is for ONCE,” to which the audience responded, “This is for TWICE.” This exchange, built around the name of their fandom, reinforced a sense of mutual presence and shared experience. The members also playfully pushed the audience to respond louder and continuously built the energy in the room.

Visually, the production further amplified the performance. A 360-degree screen alternated between revealing and obscuring the stage, creating layered visual effects. Space-themed graphics expanded the scale of the show, while laser lighting added intensity at key moments. The finale, marked by a burst of confetti, provided a striking conclusion and heightened the celebratory atmosphere.

One of the most memorable moments came during the encore selection. The members proposed several songs and gauged the audience’s reaction before making a final decision. When “TT” was mentioned, the overwhelming response made the choice clear. This outcome varies from show to show and emphasizes the participatory nature of a concert; it allows the audience to shape their experience in real time.

TWICE’s performance ultimately went beyond a collection of hit songs. Through its spatial design, interactive structure and consistent live delivery, the concert functioned as a cohesive and immersive experience. It was not limited to a specific fanbase but instead opened itself to anyone willing to participate in the moment. On an early April night that was already warmer than expected, TD Garden felt even hotter, charged with energy that extended far beyond the stage.