ITZY Shares Insights on WANNABE Creative Process and European Travel Experiences During SBS Power FM Guest Appearance

Members of the South Korean girl group ITZY appeared as featured guests on the March 17, 2020, broadcast of SBS Power FM’s popular radio program, Park So Hyun’s Love Game, to engage in an in-depth discussion regarding their recent musical comeback and their foray into reality television. The appearance coincided with the promotional cycle for their second mini-album, IT’z ME, which was released on March 9, 2020. During the broadcast, the quintet—comprising Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna—provided listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the production of their hit title track, "WANNABE," and shared personal anecdotes from the filming of their Mnet reality series, Paris et ITZY.

The radio appearance served as a pivotal moment for the group to reflect on their rapid ascent in the K-pop industry since their debut in early 2019. Host Park So Hyun, known for her extensive knowledge of the idol industry, guided the conversation through the technicalities of their latest music and the personal growth the members have experienced as they transitioned from highly successful rookies to established figures in the "Teen Crush" genre.

The Evolution of ITZY and the Production of WANNABE

When prompted by Park So Hyun to describe their initial reactions to "WANNABE," the group’s leader, Yeji, articulated a sense of professional evolution. She noted that the release of this track felt significantly different from their debut with "DALLA DALLA." Yeji explained that while the group was naturally excited, there was a heightened sense of responsibility and worry, as they aimed to meet the growing expectations of their global fanbase, known as MIDZY. This emotional duality reflects the pressure often faced by sophomore-year artists attempting to solidify their sonic identity.

A particularly technical detail emerged when the members discussed the song’s arrangement. They revealed that the iconic sound of a doll’s spring being wound up—a motif that frames the beginning of the track and reinforces the "doll-like" imagery they ultimately reject in the lyrics—was not present in the initial demo version. The members recalled that the sound was inserted after the vocal recording sessions were completed. According to the group, this specific post-production addition "breathed new life" into the song, providing a narrative texture that emphasized the theme of breaking free from societal molds.

"WANNABE" was produced by the acclaimed songwriting team Galactika *, who also helmed the group’s debut hit. The track is characterized by a fusion of house, hip-hop, and bubblegum pop, centered on the empowering message of "I don’t wanna be somebody, just wanna be me." Chaeryeong emphasized the importance of this message during the broadcast, stating that her greatest sense of fulfillment comes from hearing fans say they have regained self-confidence and personal pride after listening to the song. This reception aligns with JYP Entertainment’s strategic branding of ITZY as a group that champions individuality and self-love.

Behind the Scenes of Paris et ITZY

The conversation shifted from the recording studio to the group’s travel experiences in Europe, specifically regarding their reality show Paris et ITZY. The program, which aired on Mnet, documented the members’ 100-hour journey through Paris and its surrounding regions, filmed during their visit for Paris Fashion Week in September 2019. The show was designed to provide fans with a more intimate look at the members’ personalities outside of their highly choreographed stage performances.

Chaeryeong highlighted the Eiffel Tower as her personal favorite landmark, noting the profound impact of seeing the architectural icon in person. Lia, on the other hand, focused on the atmosphere of their accommodations. She spoke fondly of a beachside residence they stayed in during the transition period of their journey between Paris and the German border. Lia described the "gorgeous ocean views and calming atmosphere" of the house, which was situated literally steps from the shoreline. This segment of the radio show highlighted the contrast between the group’s high-energy professional lives and their appreciation for moments of tranquility and natural beauty.

Future Aspirations and the Spain Proposal

Building on the theme of travel, Park So Hyun inquired where the group would like to film a potential second season of their travel series. Yuna, the group’s youngest member, expressed a strong desire to visit Spain. Her vision for a Spanish excursion was notably detailed and romanticized, involving morning coffee and pasta at local cafes. Yuna expressed that the opportunity to go shopping and explore a new culture with her fellow members would be an ideal way to bond and create lasting memories.

This public expression of interest immediately sparked discussions among the fanbase and online communities. Given the success of Paris et ITZY in terms of viewership and brand engagement, the prospect of a "Spain et ITZY" sequel became a point of significant anticipation. Industry analysts note that travel-based reality shows are a key component of K-pop marketing, as they humanize idols and provide a "lifestyle" element that strengthens the emotional connection between the artist and the audience.

Statistical Context and Market Impact

The timing of ITZY’s radio appearance on SBS Power FM is significant when viewed through the lens of their commercial performance. At the time of the broadcast, "WANNABE" was performing exceptionally well on domestic and international charts. The IT’z ME mini-album debuted at number one on South Korea’s Gaon Album Chart and reached number five on the Billboard World Albums chart.

Furthermore, the "WANNABE" music video had already begun its viral trajectory, largely driven by the "shoulder dance" choreography performed by Ryujin in the song’s intro. This specific dance move became a global trend on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, contributing to the music video surpassing 100 million views in record time for the group. The success of the "WANNABE" era solidified ITZY’s position as a leading force in the fourth generation of K-pop, demonstrating their ability to maintain momentum following a highly decorated rookie year.

The Broader Implications of ITZY’s Messaging

The discussion on Park So Hyun’s Love Game highlights a broader trend in the K-pop industry where artists are increasingly involved in the narrative and thematic direction of their work. By discussing their "worries" and the specific technical additions to their tracks, ITZY portrays a level of artistic maturity that resonates with a Gen Z demographic that values authenticity.

The group’s focus on travel and global experiences also reflects JYP Entertainment’s "Globalization by Localization" strategy. By sending the group to major European hubs like Paris and expressing interest in Spain, the label is effectively positioning ITZY as a global brand rather than a strictly domestic one. This approach has proven successful, as ITZY continues to command a massive international presence, with significant touring potential in both the Western and Asian markets.

Conclusion and Outlook

ITZY’s guest appearance on SBS Power FM provided a comprehensive look at the group’s current state in March 2020. Between the technical breakdown of "WANNABE" and the lighthearted travel stories from France, the members demonstrated a balance of professional rigor and youthful charm. The "winding spring" anecdote serves as a metaphor for the group itself—a finely tuned machine that, once set in motion, brings a vibrant and distinct energy to the music industry.

As the promotional period for IT’z ME continued, the insights shared on Love Game remained a touchstone for fans seeking to understand the intentions behind the group’s art. With Yuna’s aspirations for Spain now on the record, the expectation for further international content remains high. For now, ITZY remains focused on the message of self-assurance, a theme that has not only defined their latest comeback but has also become the cornerstone of their identity as the premier "Teen Crush" ensemble of their generation. The success of "WANNABE" and the warm reception of their variety content suggest that the group’s trajectory will continue to point toward global expansion and creative exploration.