Heart Shaker
A fizzy, confession-ready pop anthem about mustering the courage to tell your crush they've shaken your heart.
"Heart Shaker" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Twice. It was released by JYP Entertainment on December 11, 2017, as the lead single from *Merry & Happy*—the group's reissue of their first studio album, *Twicetagram*. The song was composed by David Amber and Sean Alexander, with lyrics by production team Galactika. Billboard described it as a "bright pop song [that] incorporates funky guitar riffs, twinkling synths, and soft harmonizing to create a vintage wintertime feel, but with an upbeat melody and impish delivery of the verses and the energetic chorus." Lyrically, it captures the fluttering anxiety of a girl who's finally ready to confess to the one who's stolen her heart.
- Type
- Core narrative phenomenon / power expression
- Universe
- Twice (Korean webtoon)
- Thematic role
- Emotional catalyst and turning-point device
- Fan significance
- Frequently cited as the series' emotional centerpiece
- Status in story
- Recurring motif with escalating stakes
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
JYP Entertainment first teased "Heart Shaker" inside the music video for "Likey" — the phrase appears on a street advertisement and an arch, and the official Instagram post for "Likey" was hashtagged #HeartShaker. On November 27, 2017, JYP announced the Christmas-themed reissue of *Twicetagram*, titled *Merry & Happy*, set for December 11. The lead single's title was revealed three days later. From December 4–11, a drip-feed of teasers and lyric previews built anticipation. The album and its music video dropped on December 11, along with digital release on major platforms. A Japanese-language version, penned by Risa Horie, Na.Zu.Na, and Yu-ki Kokubo, later appeared on the compilation *#Twice2* (March 6, 2019). On November 7, 2023, Twice released "Heart Shaker" (Galactika Holiday Remix) as part of Amazon Music Originals' holiday soundtrack.
In Their Own Story
A minute-long music video teaser for "Heart Shaker" dropped on December 4, 2017, showing Twice in white long-sleeved tees and jeans performing the chorus on a store-like set. The full, heart-themed video premiered on December 11. Unlike their previous Korean singles, this one leans heavily into dance, bouncing through vibrant, retro-inspired sets. It climaxes with a mirrored choreography sequence that visually doubles the members, creating an eighteen-member Twice. On January 22, 2018—just 41 days after upload—it surpassed 100 million YouTube views. It hit 200 million on July 11, becoming Twice's fifth music video to do so, and crossed 400 million on December 10, 2021, their seventh. On release day, Twice celebrated with a live broadcast on Naver V Live, where they unveiled the full choreography. Three days later, they performed the song live for the first time at SBS Love FM's Family Concert, followed by appearances on music shows like *Music Bank*.
Reader's Guide
The song debuted atop Gaon's Digital Chart and Billboard Korea's Kpop Hot 100. It also peaked at No. 2 and 4 on Billboard charts' World Digital Song Sales and Billboard Japan Hot 100, respectively. "Heart Shaker" surpassed 100 million streams in September 2019 and 2,500,000 downloads in March 2020 on Gaon Music Chart.
Did You Know?
- "Heart Shaker" was first teased in the music video for "Likey" — the words appeared on a street advertisement and an arch.
- The music video ends with a mirrored choreography sequence that doubles the members, creating an eighteen-member Twice.
- The music video surpassed 100 million views on YouTube in just 41 days after upload.
- A Japanese-language version of "Heart Shaker" was included on Twice's compilation album #Twice2, released on March 6, 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heart Shaker?
Heart Shaker is the lead single from TWICE's December 2017 reissue album Merry & Happy, an expanded version of their debut studio album Twicetagram. It was released on December 11, 2017, through JYP Entertainment.
What does Heart Shaker sound like musically?
The track layers funky guitar riffs and shimmering synth textures over soft vocal harmonies to create a nostalgic, wintery atmosphere. Beneath that cozy backdrop, the verses carry a playful, mischievous delivery that builds into a high-energy, upbeat chorus.
What is the Heart Shaker lyric about?
The song follows a young woman gathering the courage to finally confess her feelings to someone she cares about. It captures the nervous excitement and vulnerability of a love confession in a bright, feel-good pop package.
Who wrote and produced Heart Shaker?
David Amber and Sean Alexander composed the track, while the production team Galactika penned the lyrics. JYP Entertainment handled the release and distribution.
Which album does Heart Shaker appear on?
It is the title track of Merry & Happy, the reissue that expanded TWICE's first full-length album Twicetagram with additional new songs. The reissue kept all original Twicetagram material while adding Heart Shaker and other tracks.
More in Lore & History
Elsewhere in the Twice universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record