ITZY Shares Insights on WANNABE Comeback and Travel Experiences During Appearance on SBS Power FMs Park So Hyuns Love Game

On March 17, 2020, the globally acclaimed South Korean girl group ITZY appeared as featured guests on the popular radio program "Park So Hyun’s Love Game," broadcast via SBS Power FM. The appearance served as a key promotional stop for the quintet following the release of their second mini-album, "It’z Me," and its chart-topping lead single, "WANNABE." During the broadcast, members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna engaged in an in-depth discussion regarding the creative evolution of their music, the emotional weight of their "teen-crush" concept, and personal anecdotes from their recent travel-themed variety show, "Paris et ITZY." The interview provided fans and industry observers with a closer look at the group’s transition from high-profile rookies to established leaders of K-pop’s fourth generation.

The Evolution of the ITZY Sound: Behind the Scenes of WANNABE

The central focus of the broadcast was the group’s latest musical offering, "WANNABE," a high-energy track that blends elements of house, hip-hop, and bubblegum pop. When host Park So Hyun inquired about the group’s initial reactions to the song, leader Yeji provided a candid reflection on the pressures of a sophomore-year comeback. She noted that the feeling was markedly different from their debut with "DALLA DALLA" in early 2019. Yeji explained that while their debut was defined by a sense of raw excitement and the novelty of entering the industry, "WANNABE" brought a complex mix of "worry and excitement." This sentiment reflects the "sophomore slump" pressure often felt by K-pop acts who achieve immediate massive success; ITZY felt the weight of maintaining their momentum while refining their artistic identity.

A particularly technical detail emerged when the members recalled the song’s production process. The group revealed that the signature "winding up a doll’s spring" sound effect, which serves as a thematic bookend to the track, was not present in the initial demo. It was only after the members completed their vocal recording sessions that the production team at JYP Entertainment inserted the mechanical sound. According to the members, this addition was transformative, "breathing new life" into the composition and reinforcing the song’s lyrical theme of breaking free from the "doll-like" expectations of society to embrace one’s true self.

Chaeryeong elaborated on the emotional resonance of the track, stating that her greatest satisfaction comes from hearing that listeners have "regained confidence and pride" after engaging with "WANNABE." This aligns with the group’s consistent messaging of self-actualization and independence, a hallmark of their discography that has resonated deeply with a global Gen Z audience.

Statistical Context and Market Reception

To understand the significance of ITZY’s radio appearance, it is essential to look at the commercial performance of "WANNABE" at the time of the broadcast. Released on March 9, 2020, "WANNABE" achieved immediate domestic and international success. In South Korea, the track secured top positions on major real-time charts including Melon, Genie, and Bugs. Globally, the music video for "WANNABE" achieved a staggering 60 million views within just one week of its release, eventually surpassing 100 million views in record time for the group.

The album "It’z Me" also marked a significant milestone for ITZY on the Billboard charts. It debuted at number five on the World Albums chart, while "WANNABE" entered the World Digital Song Sales chart at number four. These figures underscore the group’s rapid expansion into the Western market, a feat supported by their successful "ITZY? ITZY!" premiere showcase tour in the United States earlier that year. The radio interview on "Park So Hyun’s Love Game" acted as a bridge between these international achievements and their domestic fan engagement efforts.

Reflections on Paris et ITZY and European Travels

Beyond their musical endeavors, the members discussed their experiences filming "Paris et ITZY," a reality variety program produced by Mnet that followed the group during their time in France. The show was a departure from their rigorous performance schedules, allowing the members to explore European culture and strengthen their internal bonds.

Chaeryeong shared her fondness for the iconic landmarks of the French capital, specifically highlighting the Eiffel Tower as her favorite location. Her appreciation for the architectural landmark was echoed by fans who followed the group’s social media updates during the filming period. Meanwhile, Lia provided a more intimate look at their travel logistics, describing a memorable stay in a beachside house during their transition from Paris to Germany. Lia noted that the proximity to the water—with the beach "literally right in front of our house"—offered a "calming atmosphere" and "gorgeous ocean views" that provided a necessary respite from their high-paced lifestyle as idols.

These travel variety shows have become a staple of the K-pop industry, serving multiple purposes: they humanize the performers, provide "lifestyle" content for fans, and often serve as a soft-marketing tool for the destinations involved. For ITZY, "Paris et ITZY" was an opportunity to showcase their individual personalities outside of their synchronized stage personas.

Future Aspirations: The Vision for a Spanish Expedition

When the conversation turned to future travel prospects, the youngest member, Yuna, expressed a fervent desire to visit Spain for a potential second season or a personal holiday. Yuna’s vision of Spain was notably romantic and cinematic. She described a desire to "have a coffee and eat pasta at a café in the morning," emphasizing a wish to enjoy leisure activities such as shopping and socializing with her teammates in a Mediterranean setting.

Yuna’s comments sparked immediate interest among the "MIDZY" (ITZY’s official fandom) community, with many taking to social media to speculate on a "Spain et ITZY" sequel. From a strategic perspective, the group’s interest in Spain reflects the growing importance of the Spanish-speaking market in the K-pop ecosystem. With Latin America and Spain representing some of the fastest-growing demographics for K-pop consumption, a variety show set in the region would likely yield high engagement and further solidify ITZY’s global footprint.

Chronology of ITZY’s Rise (2019–2020)

To contextualize the March 17 radio appearance, one must look at the group’s rapid trajectory leading up to this point:

• February 12, 2019: ITZY debuts with the single "DALLA DALLA," which breaks the record for the most-viewed K-pop debut music video within 24 hours.
• July 29, 2019: The group releases their first EP, "It’z Icy," featuring the hit "ICY," and secures multiple music show wins.
• Late 2019 – Early 2020: ITZY sweeps "Rookie of the Year" awards at major South Korean ceremonies, including the Golden Disc Awards, Seoul Music Awards, and Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA).
• January 2020: The group completes the U.S. leg of their showcase tour, visiting cities like Los Angeles, Houston, and New York.
• March 9, 2020: "WANNABE" is released, signaling a more mature and sonically diverse direction for the group.
• March 17, 2020: The appearance on "Park So Hyun’s Love Game" serves as a mid-promotion check-in with fans.

Broader Industry Implications and the "Self-Love" Movement

The themes discussed by ITZY on SBS Power FM reflect a broader shift in the K-pop narrative. Throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s, the industry moved away from traditional themes of unrequited love and toward "self-empowerment." ITZY has been at the forefront of this movement. By discussing how they felt "worried" about their comeback, the members humanized the idol experience, acknowledging the mental and emotional toll of the industry while simultaneously promoting a song about self-confidence.

Furthermore, the group’s discussion of their variety show highlights the importance of multi-platform content. In the modern K-pop era, a group’s success is no longer tied solely to music sales or radio play; it is built through a multifaceted presence across variety television, YouTube reality series, and social media interaction. ITZY’s ability to pivot from discussing the technicalities of a sound effect to the aesthetics of a Spanish café demonstrates the versatile branding required of top-tier idols today.

As ITZY continues their promotional cycle for "WANNABE," their appearance on "Park So Hyun’s Love Game" remains a significant moment for the group. It captured a snapshot of a group in transition—moving from the "monster rookies" of 2019 to the global icons of the new decade. The interview not only satisfied fans’ curiosity regarding their recent travels but also reinforced the group’s commitment to a message of individuality and strength, ensuring that "WANNABE" would be remembered as more than just a catchy song, but as a cultural touchstone for their generation.