TWICE’s Tzuyu Breaks New Ground with Bold Collaboration in "Blink"

Tzuyu Steps Into a New Era

Chou Tzuyu, the youngest member of the globally renowned K-pop group TWICE, is stepping into uncharted territory with her latest feature in the single "Blink." Released on September 26, 2025, the track has already ignited conversations across Asia and beyond. The Taiwanese-born singer, typically known for her soft-spoken demeanor and polished idol image, takes a daring leap with this collaboration alongside American artist Corbyn Besson.

"Blink" marks a notable departure from Tzuyu’s previous work with TWICE. Known for bright, polished, and family-friendly pop anthems, the group has historically avoided explicit themes in their music. In contrast, this collaboration showcases Tzuyu delivering lines in the chorus with a sharper, bolder edge, using explicit language for the first time in her career. The decision signals not just an artistic experiment, but an evolution in her role as a performer seeking to define her individual identity beyond her group activities.

A Striking Visual Concept

The music video snippet for "Blink" was filmed across Seoul’s bustling neighborhoods, with neon city lights and electric nightlife creating a striking backdrop to the song’s urban soundscape. Tzuyu’s performance is juxtaposed against flashing billboards, crowded intersections, and modern street culture, emphasizing a more mature and edgier tone.

Fans described the aesthetics as a far cry from TWICE’s pastel-heavy, high-energy visuals. Instead, the imagery embraces the vibrancy of South Korea’s capital while matching the rhythm of a track that blends pop melodies with R&B influences. To many viewers, the video represents both a cultural and personal turning point for Tzuyu—her chance to step away from the innocence often associated with her public image and into something distinctly more independent.

The Collaboration with Corbyn Besson

Corbyn Besson, best known as a member of the American pop group Why Don’t We, adds an international layer to the project. His smooth R&B delivery pairs with Tzuyu’s light yet assertive vocals, creating a dynamic contrast that appeals to both Western and Asian audiences.

The collaboration highlights an ongoing trend of K-pop idols working with international artists to expand their global reach. Korean acts such as BTS, BLACKPINK, and SEVENTEEN have seen success by bridging cultural boundaries through such partnerships. For Tzuyu, this release represents not just artistic experimentation, but also strategic positioning in an increasingly competitive international market.

Chart Success in Asia

Within hours of its release, "Blink" climbed to the top of Taiwan’s iTunes chart, solidifying Tzuyu’s enduring popularity in her home country. She remains one of Taiwan’s most prominent idols in global entertainment, and her visibility has often sparked national pride.

The single also entered the top rankings in Singapore and the Philippines, two countries where TWICE and Tzuyu command large fanbases. In both markets, the track’s blend of English-language lyrics and polished production style gives it an edge in reaching bilingual and younger audiences who consume a mix of Western and Asian pop music. Analysts have noted that such regional performance could foreshadow wider charting potential across Asia and possibly in Western territories.

Historical Context: Tzuyu’s Image Evolution

Since her 2015 debut with TWICE under JYP Entertainment, Tzuyu has been portrayed as the group’s visual centerpiece, often admired for her elegance and reserve. TWICE’s discography has largely revolved around upbeat, radio-friendly songs with universal appeal. Over the past decade, the group has maintained enormous commercial success, cementing itself as one of K-pop’s most recognizable acts.

But as K-pop idols mature, many often branch out into solo projects or collaborations that push the envelope for their personal branding. Comparable shifts happened when former Girls’ Generation members pursued solo careers or when BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Rosé released individual tracks that diverged from their group’s signature style. For Tzuyu, embracing explicit language and a more mature sound follows this trajectory of evolution and reinvention.

Economic and Industry Impact

The release of "Blink" underscores a growing economic pattern in the global music industry: the rising demand for cross-border collaborations. Streaming platforms have facilitated faster international exposure, making it easier for artists from different regions to find shared audiences. By pairing with Corbyn Besson, Tzuyu taps into a U.S. fanbase while introducing her image to western listeners who may be less familiar with TWICE’s catalog.

The song’s early performance on iTunes charts suggests a strong commercial impact, particularly in Southeast Asia where music consumption trends often influence broader industry strategies. Record labels are increasingly investing in projects that appeal to multicultural audiences, bridging linguistic differences with polished production and bilingual songwriting.

Music industry commentators suggest that Tzuyu’s embrace of more daring lyrical content could pave the way for her to expand into solo territory or even establish herself as a crossover act. While "Blink" is billed as a collaboration, its reception may impact her career trajectory in much the same way that successful solo debuts have redefined other idols’ paths.

Regional Comparisons and Reception

Taiwanese audiences have long celebrated Tzuyu as one of their most successful exports in the entertainment sector. Her presence in "Blink" reinforces this cultural tie and positions her as a figure of national pride. Compared to other Taiwanese-born entertainers who gained international fame, such as Jay Chou or Wang Leehom, Tzuyu represents a new generation—one molded by the global K-pop system.

In South Korea, reactions are mixed but generally intrigued. Fans are expressing both admiration and some surprise over her decision to embrace stronger lyrical content, something rarely associated with her carefully cultivated image. Online forums reflect both excitement over her bold experimentation and curiosity about how it might shape TWICE’s group activities in the future.

Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, where K-pop fandoms maintain a powerful presence, "Blink" is being embraced enthusiastically, particularly among younger listeners who see the collaboration as a natural progression for Tzuyu’s career on the international stage.

Broader Cultural Significance

The single also raises broader questions about the changing image of K-pop as a whole. Traditionally, idols were expected to maintain a squeaky-clean persona, avoiding themes or language that could be considered controversial. However, as the genre matures and artists seek to expand globally, boundaries are increasingly pushed.

By participating in a track that includes explicit lines, Tzuyu not only challenges those long-held expectations but also contributes to the conversation about how K-pop idols balance authenticity with public image. This shift reflects a global music industry less bound by old taboos and more attuned to diverse expressions of artistry.

The Road Ahead for Tzuyu

Looking forward, industry analysts will be watching closely to see whether Tzuyu pursues additional collaborations or prepares for a solo release. If "Blink" continues to gain traction internationally, it could solidify her position as more than TWICE’s visual centerpiece, instead carving out her identity as a versatile artist capable of stepping confidently into global trends.

For TWICE fans, this collaboration will likely stand as a milestone moment, marking a distinct turning point in Tzuyu’s career. For the global music industry, "Blink" serves as another reminder that the world of K-pop continues to evolve, blending cultures, languages, and sounds in ways that reflect an increasingly interconnected artistic landscape.

As the single continues to chart across Asia and gather streaming momentum, it is clear that Tzuyu has opened a new chapter—one that signals both risk and reward, but above all, bold artistic growth.