On March 17, 2020, the globally acclaimed K-pop quintet ITZY made a highly anticipated appearance as special guests on the SBS Power FM radio program “Park So Hyun’s Love Game.” During the broadcast, the members—Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna—engaged in an in-depth discussion regarding their latest musical comeback, the creative processes behind their chart-topping discography, and their experiences filming their dedicated variety program. The appearance came at a pivotal moment in the group’s career, as they were actively promoting their second mini-album, "IT’z ME," featuring the lead single "WANNABE."
The Evolution of ITZY and the Creative Process of WANNABE
The transition from a rookie group to an established presence in the competitive K-pop industry is often marked by a shift in artistic perspective. When host Park So-hyun inquired about the group’s initial impressions of their title track "WANNABE," leader Yeji provided a candid reflection on the group’s growth. She noted that the release of this track brought about a complex mixture of anxiety and excitement, distinct from the raw nerves experienced during their 2019 debut with "DALLA DALLA." This emotional shift underscores the increasing pressure on the group to maintain their "Monster Rookie" status while evolving their signature "teen-crush" sound.
A fascinating technical detail emerged during the discussion regarding the song’s production. The members revealed that the final version of "WANNABE" differed significantly from the initial demo they first reviewed. Specifically, the iconic sound of a mechanical doll’s spring being wound—a motif that appears at the beginning of the track—was a late addition to the arrangement. According to the members, this specific sound effect was inserted after the vocal recording sessions were completed. They credited this production choice with "breathing new life" into the composition, as it provided a thematic anchor for the song’s message of breaking free from societal expectations and being one’s own person.
Chaeryeong further elaborated on the emotional resonance of the track. As a group whose brand is built on themes of self-confidence and individuality, ITZY has consistently aimed to empower their audience. Chaeryeong expressed that her greatest sense of professional fulfillment comes from hearing fans testify that "WANNABE" helped them regain their self-esteem and pride. This feedback loop between the artists and their "MIDZY" fanbase highlights the cultural impact of K-pop beyond mere entertainment, positioning the music as a vehicle for personal growth and mental well-being.
Reflections on Paris et ITZY and Global Travel Experiences
Beyond their musical endeavors, the broadcast delved into the group’s foray into travel reality programming with "Paris et ITZY." The show, which documented the members’ journey through France, allowed fans to see a more relaxed and personal side of the idols. When asked about their favorite memories from the filming process, the members highlighted contrasting experiences that showcased their individual personalities.
Chaeryeong identified the Eiffel Tower as her personal highlight, citing the landmark’s aesthetic beauty and the atmosphere of Paris as a major source of enjoyment. In contrast, Lia shared a more tranquil memory from their travels. She recalled a specific residence located on the border between Paris and Germany—a beachside house that offered immediate access to the ocean. Lia emphasized the "calming atmosphere" and the "gorgeous ocean views," suggesting that these moments of serenity provided a necessary reprieve from the group’s rigorous training and performance schedules.
The conversation naturally turned toward future aspirations for the group’s travel content. Yuna, the group’s youngest member, expressed a fervent desire to visit Spain should the show be renewed for a second season. Her vision for a Spanish excursion was notably romantic and leisure-oriented, involving morning visits to local cafés for coffee and pasta, followed by shopping and quality time with her fellow members. This segment of the interview sparked significant interest among fans, leading to social media discussions and high expectations for a potential "Spain et ITZY" sequel in the future.
![[NEWS] ITZY talks about “WANNABE” and their “Paris et ITZY” Show](https://unitedkpop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ITZY-IMAGE.png)
Statistical Context and Market Impact of the IT’z ME Era
To understand the significance of ITZY’s radio appearance, one must look at the data surrounding their "WANNABE" comeback. Released on March 9, 2020, "WANNABE" was produced by the acclaimed songwriting team Galactika, who also helmed the group’s debut hit. The song’s success was immediate and measurable:
- Digital Performance: Upon release, "WANNABE" soared to the top of major Korean real-time charts, including Melon, Genie, and Soribada. The track demonstrated remarkable longevity, remaining in the upper echelons of the Gaon Digital Chart for several months.
- YouTube Milestones: The music video for "WANNABE" became a viral sensation, largely due to Ryujin’s "shoulder dance" during the intro, which sparked a global dance challenge. Within the first 24 hours, the video garnered millions of views, eventually surpassing the 100 million mark in record time for the group.
- Physical Sales: The mini-album "IT’z ME" saw a significant increase in first-week sales compared to their previous release, "IT’z ICY," indicating a rapidly expanding domestic and international fanbase.
- International Recognition: The track debuted at number four on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, cementing ITZY’s position as a global force in the fourth generation of K-pop groups.
The Strategic Importance of Radio Promotions in K-pop
The appearance on "Park So Hyun’s Love Game" is emblematic of a broader promotional strategy employed by JYP Entertainment. While television music shows provide a platform for performance, radio appearances allow for long-form storytelling and personality-driven content. Host Park So-hyun is well-known in the industry for her deep knowledge of K-pop idols, often referred to as an "idol encyclopedia." This creates an environment where artists feel comfortable sharing "behind-the-scenes" anecdotes that are not typically captured in 30-second social media clips.
For ITZY, these interviews serve to humanize the members. In an industry where idols are often perceived as highly curated figures, hearing Yeji discuss her anxieties or Lia describe her love for a quiet beach house builds a stronger emotional connection with the audience. This transparency is crucial for maintaining brand loyalty in an era where "authenticity" is a highly valued commodity among Gen Z and Millennial consumers.
Analysis of Implications: The Future of ITZY’s Narrative
The insights shared during this radio broadcast offer a glimpse into the trajectory of ITZY’s career. The group’s focus on the "self-love" narrative, as discussed by Chaeryeong, has become their definitive calling card. However, the mention of their travel show suggests a desire to expand their brand beyond the stage. By venturing into variety and travel content, ITZY is following in the footsteps of senior JYP groups like TWICE and GOT7, who successfully leveraged non-musical content to build "lifestyle" brands.
Furthermore, Yuna’s mention of Spain reflects the group’s global outlook. As K-pop continues to penetrate Western markets, European tours and filming locations have become increasingly common. The "Paris et ITZY" project was not just a vacation for the members but a strategic move to strengthen their presence in the European market, which has traditionally been more difficult for K-pop acts to break into compared to Asia and North America.
Conclusion
ITZY’s guest appearance on SBS Power FM’s “Park So Hyun’s Love Game” provided more than just promotional soundbites; it offered a comprehensive look at the group’s artistic evolution and personal growth. From the technical nuances of the "WANNABE" production to the group’s aspirations for international travel, the interview highlighted the multifaceted nature of modern K-pop stardom.
As the group continues to navigate the complexities of the music industry, their ability to balance high-energy performances with vulnerable, relatable storytelling remains their greatest strength. The success of the "WANNABE" era, supported by strategic media appearances such as this one, has solidified ITZY’s role as leaders of the fourth generation, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next move—whether it be on the music charts or on the streets of Spain.