ITZY Discusses WANNABE Success and European Travels on SBS Power FM Love Game

The globally acclaimed South Korean girl group ITZY made a highly anticipated appearance 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—shared intimate details regarding their recent musical comeback with the EP "IT’z ME" and their experiences filming their dedicated travel variety show, Paris et ITZY. The appearance served as a significant touchpoint for fans, providing a deeper look into the group’s artistic evolution and their personal dynamics following their meteoric rise in the K-pop industry.

The broadcast occurred during a pivotal moment for ITZY, as they were in the midst of promoting their title track "WANNABE." Released on March 9, 2020, the song quickly became a cultural phenomenon, further solidifying the group’s signature "teen crush" concept. Host Park So Hyun, known for her deep knowledge of the K-pop industry, guided the members through a series of questions that touched upon the technical production of their music, the emotional weight of their growing fame, and their aspirations for future international ventures.

Artistic Evolution and the Production of WANNABE

A primary focus of the interview was the members’ initial reactions to "WANNABE." When asked about their first impressions of the track, leader Yeji offered a candid perspective on the pressure of maintaining momentum after a successful debut year. She noted that the group felt a mixture of anxiety and excitement, highlighting a shift in their mindset. According to Yeji, the feelings surrounding this comeback were markedly different from their debut with "DALLA DALLA," as the group now faced the challenge of meeting high public expectations while refining their unique musical identity.

The members also delved into the technical nuances of the track’s production. They revealed an interesting detail regarding the song’s intro: the distinctive sound of a doll’s spring being wound up was not present in the initial demo. It was only after the vocal recording process that the production team, led by the composing duo Galactika, decided to insert the mechanical sound effect. The members collectively agreed that this addition "breathed new life" into the track, providing a metaphorical layer to the song’s theme of breaking free from societal expectations and being one’s own person.

Chaeryeong expressed particular pride in the song’s lyrical message. "WANNABE" emphasizes self-love and individuality, with lyrics like "I don’t wanna be somebody, just wanna be me." Chaeryeong shared that her greatest sense of fulfillment comes from hearing fans say they have regained their confidence and self-esteem after listening to the song. This sentiment aligns with ITZY’s overarching brand, which focuses on empowering the youth to embrace their authentic selves.

Reflections on Paris et ITZY and European Travels

Beyond their musical achievements, the radio appearance provided an opportunity for the members to reflect on their variety show, Paris et ITZY. The program, which aired on Mnet and M2, documented the group’s journey through France, capturing both their professional engagements at Paris Fashion Week and their private moments of leisure.

When asked about her favorite memories from the trip, Chaeryeong highlighted the iconic Eiffel Tower. Her appreciation for the landmark was rooted in its grandeur and the romantic atmosphere of the French capital. Lia, on the other hand, recalled a more serene experience. She spoke fondly of a beachside residence where the group stayed during their transition from Paris toward Germany. Lia described the house as being "literally right in front of the beach," noting that the breathtaking ocean views and the calming environment provided a much-needed respite from their rigorous training and performance schedules.

These travel experiences are often vital for K-pop groups, as they offer a rare chance for team bonding outside the confines of the practice room. The show allowed fans to see the individual personalities of the members in a non-performance setting, contributing to the strong parasocial connection that defines the group’s relationship with its global fanbase, known as MIDZY.

Future Aspirations: The Dream of Spain

Looking toward the future, host Park So Hyun inquired about potential locations for a second season of their travel show. Yuna, the group’s youngest member, was quick to express her enthusiasm for Spain. She painted a vivid picture of what a Spanish getaway might look like for the group, describing a romantic morning spent enjoying coffee and pasta at a local café.

Yuna’s desire to visit Spain included a mix of cultural immersion and leisure, mentioning her interest in shopping and simply enjoying quality time with her fellow members. This public expression of interest immediately sparked excitement among fans, leading to online discussions and social media campaigns advocating for a "Spain et ITZY" follow-up series. Such variety content is increasingly used by entertainment agencies like JYP Entertainment to maintain engagement between album cycles and to expand the group’s international appeal.

Background Context: ITZY’s Rapid Ascent

To understand the significance of this radio appearance, it is essential to look at ITZY’s trajectory leading up to March 2020. Since their debut in February 2019, ITZY had achieved what is colloquially known as a "Rookie Grand Slam," winning New Artist of the Year awards at every major Korean music award ceremony, including the Melon Music Awards, Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), and the Golden Disc Awards.

Their debut single "DALLA DALLA" broke records for the most-viewed K-pop debut music video within 24 hours, and their follow-up "ICY" continued the trend of chart-topping success. "WANNABE" was the culmination of this early momentum. By the time of the radio interview, the song was performing exceptionally well on digital charts and had already begun its streak of wins on weekly music programs like M Countdown and Inkigayo.

The "IT’z ME" album itself represented a growth in the group’s discography, featuring collaborations with international producers and exploring genres ranging from EDM to hip-hop and rock. The success of "WANNABE" was bolstered by a viral choreography point—the "shoulder dance" performed by Ryujin—which became a massive trend on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, further driving the song’s popularity.

Industry Implications and Analysis

The group’s participation in "Park So Hyun’s Love Game" highlights the enduring importance of radio promotions in the South Korean music industry. Despite the rise of digital streaming and social media, radio remains a key medium for artists to engage in long-form storytelling and to reach a broader domestic audience. For ITZY, these appearances humanize the performers, transforming them from polished idols into relatable young women with personal tastes and shared memories.

Furthermore, the emphasis on travel variety shows like Paris et ITZY reflects a broader trend in the Hallyu wave. As K-pop groups become global brands, their content must cater to an international audience. Travel shows serve as a bridge, showcasing the members’ interactions with different cultures and languages. This not only broadens the group’s marketability but also positions them as global ambassadors of South Korean youth culture.

The interview also underscored the psychological shift that occurs when a group moves past its "rookie" phase. Yeji’s admission of feeling a different type of worry suggests that the group was acutely aware of the "sophomore slump" trap and was working diligently to avoid it. Their focus on the specific "winding spring" sound in their music shows a high level of involvement in their creative output, suggesting that ITZY was moving toward more significant artistic autonomy.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

ITZY’s appearance on SBS Power FM provided a comprehensive look at a group at the height of its early powers. From the technical intricacies of "WANNABE" to the personal anecdotes of their time in Europe, the members displayed a level of maturity and professionalism that explained their rapid rise to the top of the industry.

As the group continued their promotions for "WANNABE," the expectations from both the public and the industry remained high. The "WANNABE" era eventually became one of their most successful, with the music video surpassing hundreds of millions of views and the song remaining a staple in K-pop playlists years later.

Yuna’s hope for a trip to Spain remains a point of interest for fans, symbolizing the group’s ongoing desire to explore the world and share those experiences with their supporters. As ITZY continues to evolve, their ability to balance high-energy performances with sincere, grounded communication—as seen in their interview with Park So Hyun—will likely remain a cornerstone of their enduring global success. Through their music and their media appearances, ITZY continues to reinforce its core message: that being oneself is the most powerful thing one can be.