The difference is The Yellow circle shown have extra 3 small holes at the uppers for breathability. The RED is shown the place where you insert your shoelace. I prefer the new one.. might feel tighter if the shoelaces is inserted this way.
Basically the New mens version color is more striking.. than the old one. Where they twist system yellow color is more revealing with the dark mesh beneath it.
Ants, that's weird. My 89 has the 3 holes in the front (TW shoes are imported from JP directly) and the only difference I see is the color difference. Check out my pic
I think probably KR is too cold.....so they thought it's a better idea not to open the holes (and TW is too hot....so they opened 3 holes)
You wear both ladies and mens shoes? That's interesting, seems like KR is the only place without the holes.
Think about it this way Without holes: more materials involved, and the cost of making one is higher. With holes: more labor jobs required (drilling holes.... ) So, maybe the one without holes cost higher?