I noticed that there are many Jo Twins shipper here in AFF. To be honest, since I first fell in love with this super adorable pair of twins, I’ve been obsessed with multiples! I did a lot of research about them in order to understand them better (also to help me write better). I was thinking of sharing the information I got with those who are interested in learning more about twins. We could never really understand how they work… I know, like, three sets of twins (plus Misakilovessnow make it four!) but growing up with them for years still leave many of my questions unanswered.

I just want to remind you guys that the information below explains the common things about twins, but then again, everyone is different! So there’s no guarantee that this applies to every twins or 100% accurate. I tried my best using the simplest language to make this easy to understand and even added my opinion and some related facts regarding Jo Twins. Check it out! ^^

Frequently Asked Questions

1.       Why some twins don’t look alike?

There are two types of twins: identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic).

Monozygotic twins form from a single fertilized egg (zygote). The zygote splits into two parts after conception, resulting in the development of two individual embryos. Because the two embryos are the result of a single egg/ combination, they have the same genetic origins. They have the same DNA (the concordance is said up to 99%). Monozygotic twins are genetically nearly identical and they are always the same .

Meanwhile, dizygotic twins are the result of two eggs fertilized by two separate . Although most women only release a single egg in an ovulation cycle, sometimes multiples eggs are released. Dizygotic twins share about 50% of their genetic traits, the same as any other siblings born at different times. They may be of different es or the same . Therefore, fraternal twins are simply considered as siblings who happen to be the same age.

So if you see twins who don’t look alike, they’re most likely fraternal (dizygotic) twins. If they’re of different es, then no doubt, they must be fraternal.

So, are Jo Twins identical? Yes, they obviously are.

But note that even identical twins don’t always look alike! There are many factors that affect twins’ epigenetic differences, mostly caused by differing environmental influences throughout their lives. A study also shows that number of the differences increases with age.

No wonder when you look at Jo Twins’ pre-debut photos, it’s hard to distinguish them! They look remarkably similar when they were kids. But now it’s not hard to tell them apart, yes? I bet even if Youngmin and Kwangmin have the same hairstyle and hair color, true Bestfriend would be able to distinguish them.

2.       Do identical twins have the same fingerprints?

NO.

Fingerprints are not an entirely genetic characteristic. Fingerprinting, along with other physical characteristics, is an example of a phenotype—meaning that it’s determined by the interaction of an individual’s genes and the developmental environment in the uterus. Even in a small space inside the womb, people have contact with different parts of this environment, which gives small variations in the same digital, making them unique.

3.       Do birth order takes role in twins’ behavior?

Common misconception: “You were born first, you should act older.”

Birth order simply is not relevant with twins. Even siblings who were born years apart don’t always act like their age, although they are expected to. For example, the elder of two brothers should be more independent and the younger brother is usually portrayed as the spoiled one.

However, by expecting a firstborn multiple to ‘act’ older, we unreasonably place expectations on them. Every set of twins will establish their own relationship dynamic. One may assume the role of a leader, but it really has nothing to do with who was born first. Besides, the difference is only minutes apart, for God’s sake!

I still find it very weird why Kwangmin’s expected to call Youngmin ‘hyung’ (though I believe he doesn’t do that when the camera is off). All twins that I know never call their elder co-twin with honorific. I’m also an Asian, yes, so I’m quite positive it has nothing to do with etiquette whatsoever. No one will think you’re rude just because you call your elder co-twin with his/her name. Most people, in fact, wouldn’t know who was the older between the two unless you know them very well.

Even so, I do realize that Youngmin is quite aware of his position and ‘responsibility’ as the elder twin. He once said in an interview: “…I feel that Kwangmin is still young, and need me to take care of him more.” (Inkigayo Magazine)

Donghyun, however, stated in another interview: “…Youngmin is easy-going and smooth, while Kwangmin is masculine. Kwangmin is like the hyung, but at the end of the day, Youngmin steps up as the real hyung when he has to.” (Newsen)

So I think there are times when one of them will act more mature than the other, depending on the situation. Isn’t it good if they just grow up hand in hand, helping each other like that? I personally think that they’re both still young and somewhat childish. Besides, when it comes to maturity, the twins still have a lot to learn from their leader. Haha.

4.       Do identical twins run in family?

NO.

There’s no hereditary trait that influences a predisposition to having identical twins. Monozygotic twinning appears to be a random event, and all parents have a reasonably equal chance of conceiving identical twins. Although there are families with high incidence of identical twins, it is due to chance, coincidence, or plain good luck.

However, studies show that there is a genetic basis for dizygotic twinning called hyperovulation, though it only runs on the mother’s side. Hyperovulation is the tendency to release multiple eggs during ovulation, increasing the chances of conceiving fraternal twins. So, in families where the women have a gene for hyperovulation, genetics would sufficiently explain an increased presence of fraternal twins.

5.       Do twins have telepathy?

One of the magical mysteries associated with multiples is that they share a special connection between that of ordinary siblings. Many people believe that twins sometimes can read each other’s mind or have this ‘sensor’ where they would know if their co-twin is in danger.

There is no scientific evidence to confirm the concept. In her book, Entwined Lives, Dr. Nancy L. Segal, a preeminent twin researcher, says, “There is no evidence that twins’ similarities are caused by mental communication between them.” Dr. Eileen Pearlman, another twin expert, concurred in an interview, saying, “There has been no scientific evidence to support ESP (extrasensory perception) in twins.” There simply isn’t any empirical proof that twins have ESP or that twin telepathy exists. It can’t be substantiated in a scientific environment.

But of course, we often hear about these uncanny connections between twin siblings. Nearly every set of twins can relate a story. Sometimes, one twin experiences a physical sensation of something that is happening to their twin. Other times they will find that they perform similar actions when they’re apart. They may appear to know the other’s thoughts, by speaking simultaneously or finishing each other’s sentences.

For example, twin sisters who live in different continents discovered during an online video chat they had purchased the exact same pair of pants, in the same color, from the same store, on the same day. As a child, she remembers feeling physical pain when her sister was spanked for faking a report card grade. She also experienced a cramping sensation the moment her sister went into labor, while her sister dreamt she was holding a baby at the exact moment that her twin gave birth to her daughter.

Despite the lack of scientific proof, those personal experiences can’t be denied. It’s generally accepted that such incidents are signs of a deep emotional connection, that produces an intense sense of empathy, strong enough to generate physical sensations, such as feeling pain when a co-twin is hurting. Twins also know each other so intimately that they can often predict how their twin will speak or behave. This phenomenon can also be observed between two non-twin people in a close relationship, such as husband and wife who have been married for many years.

[Click here to watch Jo Twins’ ‘telepathy’ video]

Things Twins Hate to Hear

1.       If I pinch you, does your twin feel it?

Some twins do report experiencing unusual physical sensations in response to their twin’s condition. For example when one is in pain, the other will feel it, too. However, most twins don’t encounter such a situation. If they do, they’ll tell you about it. No need to inquire.

2.       I like you better than your twin.

I suppose this is kinder than telling someone, “I like you twin better than you.” But this type of statements makes twins very uncomfortable. They don’t like to be compared—favorably or unfavorably. Like them for who they are, not how they stack up against each other.

Sure, when it comes to Jo Twins, everyone has their own preference. I’ve been asked many times who I like better between the twins, and each time I’ll answer honestly that I like Youngmin better. He is my main bias in Boyfriend. But generally, I like and admire both twins for who they are. True Bestfriend wouldn’t say that they like Youngmin and dislike Kwangmin or vice versa. We support them both, and Boyfriend in general, okay?

3.       Which one is older?

This question is an attempt to categorize twins by birth order. In the case of some twins, they don’t know or care who is older. And if they do know, having to repeat it often brings up sensitive or irrelevant stereotypes.

I know the hosts ask this question to Jo Twins all the time. Can’t blame them, though.

4.       I wish I had a twin.

Maybe you do. But truly, you have no idea what it is like, and if you did, you wouldn’t make that statement. People are fascinated with the idea of twins, but the reality of being a twin is often much more complicated than you’d imagine.

5.       Can you read each other’s mind?

Although there are plenty incidences—and coincidences—where twins seem to know what the others are thinking, there is little scientific proof to support that twins have superior telepathic powers. In general, they just know each other very well and tend to have similar thought patterns, just like any two people who spend a lot of time together.

6.       Do you do everything together?

Twins are individuals who have their own identities and their own interests. Most young twins might do everything together, but as they grow up and choose for themselves, most seek their own path. It insults twins to assume that they do everything together; it diminishes their individuality.

7.       I thought you were a package deal.

Many people assume that twins are a package deal and don’t make an attempt to get to know them as individuals. When it comes to issue invitations or make selections, they choose to forsake both twins rather than single out just one. It’s insulting to twins when people refuse to acknowledge them as individuals and assume that they only exist as a pair.

8.       What’s it like to be a twin?

This is kind of a silly question to ask. It would be like asking a singleton, “What’s it like not to be a twin?” or “What’s it like to breathe?” Twins don’t know any other way of life; they’ve always been twins, and they always will be.

Things to Note about Twins

• Twins hate to be compared.

Comparisons between twins can’t be avoided. For example, if one twin is smarter than the other, their parents will ask, “Why can’t you be more like your twin?” If one is physically attractive or outstandingly talented, the other is often expected to be the same. If there is a significant contrast between them, people will raise their eyebrow and start talking negatively. People do that every time, to almost every pair of twins.

But even identical twins are two distinct, unique individuals. Although they’re often expected to be the same in every way, that’s an unfair expectation. Appreciate them for who they are, and don’t ask them to measure up to each other. Each will have their own strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to appreciate each twin as a unique individuals rather than evaluating him or her in relation to a co-twin.

It seems natural for people to want to contrast two identical siblings at the first sight. Admit it, when you first found out about Jo Twins, the first thing that you did was asking yourself which one between them that captured your heart. It’s true that Youngmin and Kwangmin are both equally handsome and talented, but they sure also have some differences that we have to understand. For example, Kwangmin is a good rapper but Youngmin admits that he can’t rap as good as his twin. To expect them to be the same in every way is really out of the question.

• Twins Sibling Rivalry

One of the best things about being born as twins is probably the fact that you’ll always have a readily available companion. But spending too much time together, sharing almost everything, being matched up all the time, and having to deal with constant comparison will result in unexpected resentment between twin siblings. Besides, the fact that both twins are of the same age (meaning that both are probably still emotionally unsteady) and get to go through the same phase of growing up don’t help at all.

Most twins fight a lot during their childhood; they bicker about the simplest things up to the more serious rivalries. Wanting to be individually recognized, they strive to outshine their co-twin and can’t help but worrying that the other might get something better. My friends, two identical twin brothers, whom I’ve been growing up with for years, also spent some years separately during their childhood. When I asked them the reason, they simply answered, “We couldn’t stop fighting.”

Twins sibling rivalry seems inevitable, but triggering their ferocity of emotion toward each other should be avoided. There are some things that we unconsciously do that irritate twin siblings, or even worse, could lead them to a fight, such as constantly comparing them. Often rivalry between twins is actually caused by the way they’re treated by people around them.

But, like any other normal siblings, this is just a phase that will pass eventually. As twins grow up, they’ll realize how blessed they are to have each other and learn to treasure each other.

I think I understand why sometimes Youngmin and Kwangmin don’t seem to be on good terms. Like, when they had different opinions about their mother in one of Boyfriend’s W Academy episodes. Their face said it all. LOL.

Finally, some quotes from Jo Twins’ birthday party video ♥

(In the letter they wrote for each other…)

[Youngmin]

“Many people think that we’re not close… But I think it’s the fact that we’re family makes it harder for us to express ourselves in front of each other. Spending 18 years together lead to a situation that even without words, even not being in the same place, we will still think of each other.”

[Kwangmin]

“There were times when we hurt each other’s feelings. But together, we did create a lot of beautiful and valuable memories as well. Many people thought that our relationship wasn’t that close, but that’s not true. Because we’ve already been family before becoming members, so let’s continue supporting each other in the future just like always!”

And then these words that Pamela Prindle Fierro told her twin daughters:

“…Even Bill Gates, the richest man in the world, can’t buy himself a twin. Even Barack Obama, the president of the United States, can’t give himself a twin brother. God has given you this incredible gift…”

I hope you all enjoy reading this! If you have questions about twins, feel free to message me or post on my wall. I’ll try to look it up for you :)

By the way, since my laptop is broken, I will be on a hiatus from writing stories until I get a new one... >,< (or if my brother is kind enough to lend me his)

However, I'll still be around, so talk to me to anytime, okay? ^^

Sources:

Wikipedia

Multiples.about.com