ITZY Shares Insights on WANNABE Comeback and Global Travel Experiences During SBS Power FM Appearance

On March 17, 2020, the South Korean girl group ITZY appeared as featured guests on the popular SBS Power FM radio program, Park So Hyun’s Love Game. The broadcast served as a platform for the quintet—comprising Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna—to provide an in-depth look into their latest musical endeavors, specifically their second mini-album "It’z Me" and its lead single "WANNABE." Beyond their musical promotions, the members shared personal anecdotes regarding their recent reality television venture, "Paris et ITZY," and discussed their aspirations for future international travels.

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

During the interview, the members reflected on the creative process behind "WANNABE," a track that solidified their "teen-crush" concept and emphasized themes of individuality and self-reliance. When host Park So Hyun inquired about their initial impressions of the song, group leader Yeji articulated a complex mix of emotions. She noted that the experience of preparing for this comeback felt significantly different from their debut with "Dalla Dalla" or their first comeback with "ICY." According to Yeji, the group felt a heightened sense of responsibility, leading to a state of being "both worried and excited at the same time." This sentiment reflects the common "sophomore slump" pressure faced by breakout artists, though ITZY’s subsequent success suggests they navigated these anxieties effectively.

A particularly technical detail emerged when the members discussed the song’s production. The group recalled that the initial demo of "WANNABE" lacked one of its now-signature auditory elements: the mechanical sound of a doll’s spring being wound up. This sound effect, which opens the track and serves as a metaphorical anchor for the song’s theme of breaking free from societal expectations, was only added after the vocal recording sessions were completed. The members collectively agreed that this addition "breathed new life" into the composition, providing a distinct sonic identity that complemented the high-energy choreography and the "shoulder dance" that would eventually go viral on social media platforms.

Chaeryeong expressed deep personal satisfaction regarding the public’s reception of the song’s message. She highlighted that the most rewarding feedback she receives is from listeners who claim to have regained confidence and a sense of pride after engaging with "WANNABE." This aligns with JYP Entertainment’s strategic positioning of ITZY as a group that champions self-love, a theme that has resonated strongly with Gen Z audiences globally.

Contextualizing the Success of the It’z Me Era

To understand the significance of ITZY’s radio appearance, one must look at the statistical performance of the "It’z Me" album. Released on March 9, 2020, just eight days prior to the broadcast, "WANNABE" was already showing signs of becoming a massive commercial success. Produced by the songwriting team Galactika, the track combined elements of house and hip-hop with a pop sensibility.

At the time of the interview, "WANNABE" had already secured multiple wins on domestic music programs, including Mnet’s M Countdown and SBS’s Inkigayo. The music video for the track reached 50 million views on YouTube in record time for the group, eventually surpassing hundreds of millions. Furthermore, the album "It’z Me" debuted at the top of the Gaon Album Chart, marking ITZY’s first number-one album in South Korea. This commercial momentum provided the backdrop for the group’s confident yet humble demeanor during the radio broadcast.

Reflections on Paris et ITZY and International Experiences

The conversation shifted from music to the group’s variety show appearances, specifically "Paris et ITZY." The reality show followed the members during their trip to France, where they attended Paris Fashion Week as guests of the luxury brand Louis Vuitton. This trip was a significant milestone for the group, as it marked their first collective experience in Europe and showcased their status as emerging fashion icons.

Chaeryeong shared her fondness for the iconic landmarks of the French capital, stating unequivocally that the Eiffel Tower was her favorite part of the journey. Her appreciation for the architectural landmark underscored the group’s transition from local trainees to global stars experiencing the world’s most famous sights.

Lia provided a more tranquil perspective on their travels, focusing on the period before they transitioned from Paris to Germany. She described a stay at a beachside house that left a lasting impression on her. "The beach was literally right in front of our house," Lia recalled, emphasizing how much she appreciated the "gorgeous ocean views and calming atmosphere." This anecdote offered fans a glimpse into the group’s life outside of the rigorous schedules of the K-pop industry, highlighting the importance of restorative environments during their international tours.

Future Ambitions: A Potential Journey to Spain

Looking toward the future, Park So Hyun asked the members where they would like to film a subsequent season of their travel reality show. Yuna, the group’s youngest member, responded with enthusiasm for Spain. Her vision for a Spanish excursion was detailed and romanticized, focusing on the lifestyle and culinary culture of the Mediterranean country.

"I have fallen in love with Spain!" Yuna exclaimed, describing a desire to experience a "romantic" morning at a cafe, consuming coffee and pasta. While the choice of pasta—a dish more traditionally associated with Italy—noted her youthful excitement, her desire to go shopping and enjoy leisure time with her groupmates reflected the strong bond between the members. Yuna’s comments sparked immediate interest among the group’s fanbase, known as MIDZY, who began speculating on social media about the possibility of a "Spain et ITZY" season.

Analysis of ITZY’s Strategic Trajectory in 2020

The timing of ITZY’s appearance on SBS Power FM was crucial for their long-term branding. In early 2020, the K-pop industry was facing unprecedented challenges due to the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the cancellation of live audiences and international tours. Radio appearances became one of the primary ways for artists to maintain a direct connection with their audience.

ITZY’s focus on travel and international experiences during the interview served a dual purpose. First, it humanized the members, allowing them to share personal tastes and memories. Second, it reinforced their image as a "global" girl group. By discussing Paris and expressing interest in Spain, JYP Entertainment signaled that ITZY’s horizons extended far beyond the domestic market.

From a musical standpoint, the discussion of the "winding spring" sound effect in "WANNABE" highlights the meticulous attention to detail that goes into K-pop production. This specific sound serves as a sonic metaphor for the "doll" trope often used to describe female idols; by "winding up" and then launching into a high-octane anthem about being oneself, ITZY effectively subverted traditional expectations.

Broader Implications for the K-pop Industry

The "WANNABE" era, as discussed on Park So Hyun’s Love Game, marked a shift in the 4th generation of K-pop. ITZY’s success demonstrated that there was a massive appetite for the "teen-crush" and "girl power" concepts. Their ability to balance commercial viability with empowering messages allowed them to capture a diverse demographic.

Furthermore, the integration of fashion and travel into their brand identity—as seen in "Paris et ITZY"—set a blueprint for other groups of their generation. The synergy between their musical releases and their variety content ensured that the members’ personalities were as well-known as their songs.

As the interview concluded, it was evident that ITZY was no longer just a "rookie" group. Their reflections on the anxiety of a comeback, their technical insights into song production, and their clear visions for their future travels portrayed a group that was maturing both artistically and personally. The "WANNABE" promotions ultimately served as a definitive statement of ITZY’s place in the industry: they were not just another group following a formula, but a collective of individuals committed to the message of their music.

The fans’ expectations for a Spanish trip, while based on a casual radio comment, reflect the high level of engagement the group maintains with its audience. Whether or not a trip to Spain would eventually materialize, the interview succeeded in deepening the narrative surrounding ITZY’s "It’z Me" promotions, ensuring that "WANNABE" would be remembered as a pivotal moment in their career. Through this blend of professional achievement and personal aspiration, ITZY continued to solidify its reputation as a leading force in the global music scene.