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

The South Korean girl group ITZY, under the management of JYP Entertainment, made a highly anticipated guest appearance on the SBS Power FM radio program “Park So Hyun’s Love Game” on March 17, 2020. During the broadcast, the quintet—comprising Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna—engaged in an in-depth discussion regarding their recent musical comeback with the EP It’z Me and their experiences filming the travel-themed reality series Paris et ITZY. The interview provided a rare glimpse into the members’ evolving perspectives on their careers, their creative contributions to their discography, and their personal aspirations as they navigate their second year in the global music industry.

The radio appearance comes at a pivotal moment for the group, following the release of their lead single "WANNABE" on March 9. As the group transitioned from "monster rookies" to established leaders of the fourth generation of K-pop, the members expressed a mix of professional maturation and the inherent pressures of maintaining a successful trajectory. Yeji, the group’s leader, articulated this sentiment when asked about her initial reactions to "WANNABE." She noted that the group felt a combination of anxiety and excitement that differed significantly from the emotions surrounding their 2019 debut with "DALLA DALLA." This shift highlights the group’s growing awareness of public expectations and their own artistic development.

The Sonic Evolution of WANNABE and the "Doll" Concept

A significant portion of the interview was dedicated to the technical and creative nuances of "WANNABE." The members shared a fascinating anecdote regarding the song’s production, specifically focusing on the atmospheric sound effects that define the track’s intro. According to the members, the initial demo of the song did not feature the now-iconic sound of a mechanical doll’s spring being wound up. It was only after the vocal recording sessions that the production team decided to insert this specific audio element.

The group collectively agreed that the addition of the winding spring sound "breathed new life" into the track, providing a conceptual anchor for the song’s theme of breaking free from societal expectations and being oneself. This creative choice aligns with the music video’s narrative, which depicts the members shedding restrictive roles—symbolized by mannequins and rigid choreography—to embrace their authentic identities.

Chaeryeong expressed her personal satisfaction with the public’s reception of the song’s message. She stated that her greatest sense of achievement comes from hearing fans report that "WANNABE" helped them regain their self-confidence and personal pride. This feedback underscores the group’s "Teen Crush" concept, which prioritizes self-love and independence over traditional romantic themes often found in pop music.

Reflecting on Paris et ITZY and European Travels

Beyond their musical endeavors, ITZY discussed their recent foray into reality television with Paris et ITZY, a program produced by Mnet’s digital studio M2. The show followed the members as they explored the cultural landmarks of France, marking a departure from their rigorous training and performance schedules.

Chaeryeong highlighted her fondness for the Eiffel Tower, describing it as her favorite part of the trip. Her appreciation for the landmark suggests a focus on the classic, aesthetic experiences of European travel. In contrast, Lia shared a more secluded and tranquil memory. She recounted the group’s stay in a beachside house while traveling between Paris and Germany. Lia emphasized the "gorgeous ocean views" and the "calming atmosphere," noting that the proximity of the beach to their residence provided a much-needed respite from their high-energy professional lives.

The discussion of their travels revealed the individual personalities of the members, showing a balance between a desire for grand sightseeing and a need for quiet reflection. These experiences, documented in the reality show, have been instrumental in humanizing the group to their international fanbase, showcasing their camaraderie outside of a studio environment.

Future Aspirations: The Dream of Spain

Host Park So Hyun inquired about future travel destinations should the group have the opportunity to film a 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 detailed and romantic, involving morning coffee and pasta at local cafes. Yuna’s interest in Spain extends beyond leisure; she expressed a wish to engage in shopping and quality time with her bandmates in a new cultural setting.

This aspiration resonated with the group’s fans, many of whom have expressed interest in seeing the members navigate different global environments. The prospect of a "Spain trip" has since become a point of speculation and excitement among the group’s followers, known as MIDZY, who look forward to seeing how the group’s chemistry translates to different international backdrops.

Chronology of the WANNABE Comeback and Context

To understand the significance of this radio appearance, it is essential to look at the timeline of ITZY’s activities leading up to March 2020:

1. February 12, 2019: ITZY debuts with "DALLA DALLA," setting records for the fastest K-pop girl group to win a music show trophy.
2. July 29, 2019: The group releases their first EP, It’z Icy, with the title track "ICY," further cementing their "Teen Crush" identity.
3. January 2020: ITZY concludes their "ITZY? ITZY!" premier showcase tour in the United States, visiting cities such as Los Angeles, Houston, and New York.
4. March 9, 2020: The EP It’z Me is released, featuring "WANNABE." The song immediately tops major Korean real-time charts including Melon, Genie, and Bugs.
5. March 17, 2020: The group appears on "Park So Hyun’s Love Game" to promote the album and discuss their travel show.

The release of It’z Me was a critical juncture. After a year of immense rookie success, the industry was watching to see if ITZY could maintain their momentum. "WANNABE" was produced by Galactika, the same team behind their debut hit, ensuring a sonic continuity that fans had come to expect.

Supporting Data and Market Impact

The impact of "WANNABE" and the It’z Me era can be quantified through several key metrics. Upon its release, the music video for "WANNABE" garnered over 11 million views within the first 24 hours on YouTube, a testament to the group’s massive digital reach. Furthermore, Ryujin’s "shoulder dance" in the song’s intro became a viral sensation on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, spawning countless "WANNABE Challenge" videos.

In terms of physical sales, It’z Me recorded significant numbers for a girl group at the time, reflecting a loyal and growing domestic and international fanbase. The group’s appearance on radio shows like "Love Game" is a traditional yet vital part of the South Korean promotional cycle, allowing artists to connect with the general public through long-form conversation, which complements the visual-heavy nature of music shows and social media.

Broader Implications and Analysis

ITZY’s discussion on SBS Power FM highlights a broader trend in the K-pop industry where idols are increasingly involved in the narrative of their own growth. By discussing their "worries" alongside their "excitement," the members of ITZY are moving away from the perfectly curated image of the past and toward a more relatable, transparent form of celebrity.

The group’s focus on self-confidence and pride, as mentioned by Chaeryeong, aligns with a global shift in pop culture toward themes of empowerment. This has allowed ITZY to transcend the "idol" label and become role models for a generation that values authenticity and self-assurance.

Furthermore, the integration of travel variety shows like Paris et ITZY into their promotional strategy demonstrates how JYP Entertainment is diversifying the group’s content. Travel shows serve as an effective marketing tool, showcasing the members’ natural charms and strengthening the emotional bond between the artists and their audience. The desire to visit Spain, as voiced by Yuna, suggests that the group and their management are looking toward a future of global engagement, recognizing that their appeal is not limited by geographic or linguistic boundaries.

As ITZY continues their promotional activities for It’z Me, their appearance on "Park So Hyun’s Love Game" remains a standout moment where the members could articulate their artistic philosophy and personal dreams. The combination of technical insight into their music and lighthearted stories from their travels provides a comprehensive picture of a group that is both professionally driven and personally grounded. For fans and industry observers alike, the interview serves as a reminder of ITZY’s unique position in the music world—a group that is not just a "wannabe," but a definitive force in their own right.