Why TWICE's "Set Me Free" Became Their Most Powerful Comeback Yet

TWICE's "Set Me Free" single from their "Ready To Be" album peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Global 200, cementing itself as one of the group's most impactful releases to date. The track not only entered charts across multiple countries including Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, and Vietnam, but also made it to the top ten in Singapore and Taiwan.

Released on March 10, 2023, after being officially announced a month earlier, "Set Me Free" arrived as part of TWICE's mini-album that had accumulated an impressive 1.7 million pre-orders. This remarkable achievement made "Ready To Be" only the fifth record by a K-pop girl group to surpass 1 million pre-orders. Furthermore, the release came approximately eight months after their previous mini-album "Between 1&2", following the group's contract renewal with JYP Entertainment. Notably, this comeback occurred during a significant period for TWICE, as they had recently made history by becoming the first K-pop group honored at Billboard's Women in Music event, where they received the Breakthrough Award.

The creative vision behind 'Set Me Free'

As TWICE's first comeback of 2023, "Set Me Free" represented a bold artistic direction for the group. The track emerged as the lead single from their 12th mini album "READY TO BE," alongside the pre-release English single "MOONLIGHT SUNRISE".

How the song fits into the 'Ready To Be' album

"Set Me Free" serves as the cornerstone of what many consider one of TWICE's strongest mini albums to date. The song takes a retro-futuristic approach characterized by groovy synth elements and a powerful bass line. This disco-influenced track maintains cohesion with the album's mature sound, creating a well-structured listening experience that feels both familiar yet evolved.

TWICE's intention to show a new side

Having prepared diligently during their seven-month hiatus, TWICE aimed to showcase a fresh concept with this comeback. "We prepared hard to show our fans a new side of us," Nayeon explained, "I am excited because I think I will be able to show a different concept and performance from my previous work". Consequently, the group delivered a more mature, confident vocal performance throughout the release.

The meaning behind the lyrics

Leader Jihyo articulated the core message: "'SET ME FREE' holds the meaning of 'Let's break away from everything that binds us and love freely, to our heart's content'". Essentially, the lyrics revolve around finding courage to confess hidden feelings with lines like "I've been hiding how I feel for you forever". This theme of liberation and emotional honesty permeates the entire track, reinforcing the album's overarching concept of being true to oneself.

Musical composition and lyrical depth

"Set Me Free" stands out with its distinct musical framework, built upon a groovy bass line that evolves throughout the song. The track presents a punchier workout than TWICE's previous singles, blending disco-funk elements with modern pop sensibilities.

Retro disco influences and synth elements

The song embraces a retro-futuristic approach, characterized by gurgling electro bass and textured disco strings that create a suspenseful yet enjoyable instrumental backdrop. These synth strings burst dramatically throughout the chorus, reminiscent of 'Thriller'-esque dramatic orchestration. The deep house synth that opens the track immediately hooks listeners, establishing the song's dance-pop foundation.

Set Me Free Twice lyrics English meaning

Lyrically, "Set Me Free" revolves around finding courage to express hidden feelings. The protagonists in the song seek freedom from emotional constraints with lines like "I've been hiding how I feel for you forever" and "Now that it's off my chest there's room for you and me". This message of emotional liberation resonates through lyrics such as "I bet everything on me, risk it all / Except for this love, fade out / Gonna set me, set me, set me free".

How the song differs from previous TWICE tracks

Unlike their earlier work, "Set Me Free" showcases the members' expanded vocal ranges—a technique they've been developing since 2021's "Scientist". While maintaining TWICE's signature title track formula with a rap verse before the final chorus, the song features less rap content than typical TWICE releases. Moreover, their voices sound more mature and confident, reflecting their growth as artists.

Visual storytelling in the music video

The music video for "Set Me Free" creates a striking visual narrative through carefully crafted imagery. The explosive opening sets an immediate tone of liberation that carries throughout the visual storytelling.

Outer space and small-town duality

The video alternates between two distinct settings: a desolate planet in outer space where the members perform choreography and a soundstage designed as a small town. This duality creates a visual representation of both cosmic freedom and earthly constraints. The glacial landscape of the planet contrasts with the urban cityscape filled with neon lights and debris, establishing a visual metaphor for the song's themes.

Symbolism of freedom and transformation

Throughout the video, members perform gestures symbolizing liberation—removing makeup, ripping off tight necklaces, and breaking through metaphorical frames. In one particularly powerful scene, Tzuyu appears tied up in red wires, representing confinement, before they dramatically burn away to reveal a new outfit—a direct visual representation of transformation. Additionally, the members are shown driving away, escaping holographic containments, and performing magic tricks to free themselves from binding strings.

Outfits and styling choices

The styling progresses through three distinct phases, each representing different aspects of freedom. Initially, the members wear earth-toned street-style outfits with winter elements like fluffy jackets. This evolves into action-ready biker-influenced looks combining denim and leather. For the finale, they appear in sleek, tailored suits projecting confidence and control—what fans have called "girl boss energy". Jihyo's fake lip piercing in the opening shots adds to the edgy aesthetic.

False ending and cinematic twist

A clever false ending occurs three-quarters through the video when the music stops abruptly and the JYP Entertainment logo appears on screen. This reveals the members watching themselves in a movie theater, suggesting a meta-narrative. Subsequently, the city set explodes into flames and fireworks, with Tzuyu turning a shop sign to "closed," symbolizing their completed transformation. This "movie within a movie" concept adds a bold layer to the video's meaning.

Global reception and performance impact

Released on March 10, 2023, "Set Me Free" demonstrated TWICE's international appeal despite mixed reception in their home market. The track peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Global 200 and entered charts across multiple countries including Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, and Vietnam, alongside reaching the top ten in Singapore and Taiwan. In the United States, it debuted at number 7 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.

TWICE Set Me Free release date and chart performance

The "Ready To Be" mini-album showcased impressive commercial success, earning 153,000 equivalent album units in its first week. Nevertheless, on domestic Korean charts, the song faced unexpected challenges—leaving the top 100 of MelOn, Genie, Bugs, and FLO just over a day after release. This contrasting performance highlighted TWICE's evolving fanbase demographics.

Live debut on The Tonight Show

First performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on release day, TWICE completely disregarded the usual staging constraints. The performance featured strobing blue lights as members delivered their choreography, commanding attention that foreshadowed their upcoming stadium tour.

Awards and nominations

"Set Me Free" won Top 20 Songs of the Year (Overseas) at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards. Additionally, TWICE received nominations for Top Global K-Pop Artist and Top K-Pop Album at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards.

Fan response and social media buzz

Although some Korean netizens criticized the track as "rough and not up to par with trends", global reception remained enthusiastic. TWICE's dedicated fanbase coordinated voting efforts for music shows, demonstrating continued support that helped establish "Set Me Free" as a pivotal release in their artistic evolution.