ITZY Discusses WANNABE Comeback Success and Travel Aspirations During Appearance on SBS Power FM Love Game

The South Korean girl group ITZY made a highly anticipated appearance as featured guests on the March 17 broadcast of SBS Power FM’s popular radio program, Park So Hyun’s Love Game. During the session, the quintet—comprising Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna—engaged in an in-depth discussion regarding their latest musical release, the creative processes behind their signature sound, and their experiences filming their dedicated reality travel series. The appearance came at a critical juncture in the group’s career, as they continued to solidify their reputation as leaders of the fourth generation of K-pop following the release of their second mini-album, IT’z ME.

The broadcast served as both a promotional vehicle for their title track, "WANNABE," and a reflective look at the group’s rapid ascent since their 2019 debut. Host Park So Hyun, known for her extensive knowledge of the idol industry, guided the members through a series of questions that highlighted their growth as performers and their personal interests outside the high-pressure environment of music production and choreography rehearsals.

The Evolution of ITZY’s Sound and the Production of WANNABE

When the conversation turned to the group’s initial impressions of "WANNABE," the members shared candid thoughts on the pressure of following up their previous hits, "DALLA DALLA" and "ICY." Yeji, the group’s leader, noted that the preparation for this comeback felt distinct from their debut period. She explained that the members felt a complex mixture of anxiety and excitement, realizing that expectations from the public and their fandom, MIDZY, had increased significantly. According to Yeji, the feeling was "completely different" from their debut, suggesting a transition from the "monster rookie" phase to a more established artistic identity.

A particularly technical detail revealed during the interview concerned the song’s unique sonic landscape. The members recalled that when they first listened to the demo of "WANNABE," the iconic sound of a doll’s spring being wound up—a motif that plays into the "mechanical to human" theme of the music video—was absent. It was only after the recording sessions were completed that the production team, led by the songwriting duo Galactika *, decided to insert the sound effect. The group collectively agreed that this addition "breathed new life" into the track, providing a thematic anchor that emphasized the song’s message of breaking free from societal expectations and being one’s own person.

Chaeryeong expressed a deep sense of professional fulfillment regarding the lyrical content of "WANNABE." The song’s core message—"I don’t wanna be somebody, just wanna be me"—has resonated widely with audiences. Chaeryeong noted that she feels the most pride when she hears from listeners who have regained their self-confidence and personal pride after engaging with the song. This sentiment aligns with ITZY’s overarching "Teen Crush" concept, which prioritizes self-love and individuality over traditional romantic themes often found in pop music.

Insights from Paris et ITZY and Global Travel Experiences

Beyond their musical achievements, the radio appearance delved into the group’s reality show, "Paris et ITZY," which aired on Mnet. The show documented the members’ journey through France, providing fans with a glimpse into their group dynamics and individual personalities in a non-performance setting. When asked about their favorite memories from the filming process, the members highlighted contrasting experiences that reflected their personal preferences.

Chaeryeong identified the Eiffel Tower as her personal highlight, citing its iconic status and the atmosphere of Paris as particularly memorable. Lia, on the other hand, recalled a more serene experience during their travels. She spoke fondly of a beachside residence they occupied while transitioning between locations in Paris and eventually heading toward Germany. Lia described the house as being "literally right in front" of the water, offering stunning ocean views and a calming atmosphere that provided a necessary reprieve from their demanding schedules. This segment of the interview highlighted the importance of "healing" content in the K-pop industry, where idols are increasingly filmed in domestic or travel settings to foster a deeper connection with their global audience.

The discussion of travel prompted host Park So Hyun to ask where the group would like to film if a second season or a similar project were to be greenlit. Yuna, the group’s youngest member, expressed an enthusiastic desire to visit Spain. Her vision for a Spanish excursion was detailed and romanticized, involving morning coffees and pasta at local cafés. Yuna emphasized that she would value the opportunity to go shopping and spend quality leisure time with her fellow members, reinforcing the narrative of the group’s close-knit sisterhood.

Statistical Context and Market Impact of IT’z ME

The timing of ITZY’s appearance on SBS Power FM coincided with the significant commercial success of their mini-album IT’z ME. Released on March 9, 2020, "WANNABE" quickly climbed the domestic charts in South Korea, securing top positions on platforms such as Melon, Genie, and Soribada. Internationally, the track made a significant impact on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, further cementing ITZY’s status as a global phenomenon.

The "WANNABE" music video, famous for its "shoulder dance" choreography performed by Ryujin, also saw explosive growth on YouTube, reaching millions of views within the first 24 hours. Industry analysts point to ITZY’s ability to maintain a consistent brand identity—centered on self-reliance and high-energy performance—as a key driver of their sustained success. The collaboration with Galactika *, who also produced their debut hit "DALLA DALLA," proved to be a strategic move by JYP Entertainment to refine the group’s specific "fusion groove" genre.

Chronology of ITZY’s Early 2020 Activities

To understand the significance of the March 17 radio appearance, it is helpful to look at the group’s timeline during this period:

• February 2020: JYP Entertainment begins releasing "IT’z ME" teaser images and tracklists, building anticipation for the group’s first comeback of the year.
• March 9, 2020: ITZY officially releases the mini-album IT’z ME and the music video for "WANNABE." They hold a live showcase to introduce the new tracks to fans.
• March 12–15, 2020: The group begins their music show promotions, appearing on Mnet’s M Countdown, KBS’s Music Bank, and SBS’s Inkigayo. "WANNABE" starts collecting music show trophies almost immediately.
• March 17, 2020: The group appears on SBS Power FM’s "Park So Hyun’s Love Game," providing the behind-the-scenes insights discussed in this article.
• Late March 2020: ITZY continues to dominate social media trends, with "WANNABE" dance challenges going viral on platforms like TikTok, significantly expanding their reach to non-K-pop fans.

Broader Implications for JYP Entertainment’s Strategy

ITZY’s activities during this era illustrate a broader shift in the K-pop industry toward integrated multi-platform storytelling. By combining high-budget music releases with variety show content like "Paris et ITZY" and intimate radio appearances, JYP Entertainment successfully created a multi-dimensional public image for the group. This strategy not only promotes the music but also builds a "lifestyle brand" around the idols, which is essential for long-term loyalty in a highly competitive market.

The radio interview also touched upon the group’s maturity. Yeji’s admission of feeling "worried" indicates a level of professional awareness that is common among top-tier idols who understand the volatility of the music industry. By discussing these feelings openly, ITZY humanizes themselves to their audience, which paradoxically strengthens their "Teen Crush" image of being confident yet relatable young women.

Conclusion and Fan Expectations

The interview on Park So Hyun’s Love Game provided a comprehensive look at ITZY’s mindset during one of the most successful periods of their early career. The technical insights into the production of "WANNABE," combined with personal anecdotes from their travels in Europe, offered a balanced view of the members as both dedicated professionals and young individuals with a passion for exploration.

Following the broadcast, fan communities and social media platforms saw a surge in discussions regarding a potential "ITZY in Spain" season for their next variety project. While no official plans for a Spanish sequel to "Paris et ITZY" were announced immediately following the show, the members’ clear interest in international travel continues to fuel expectations for future global content. As ITZY continues to break records and influence the global pop landscape, their ability to remain grounded and share their journey with fans through platforms like SBS Power FM remains a cornerstone of their enduring popularity.