On March 9, 2020, ITZY released their second mini-album IT’z ME, their first Korean release since July 2019’s IT’z ICY. The seven tracks feature a combination of dance, hip-hop, and rock, with title track “WANNABE” embracing house and hip-hop with a shot of bubblegum pop. “WANNABE” was written and produced by GALACTIKA, who also produced ITZY’s debut track “DALLA DALLA,” while penomeco wrote the lyrics for “TING TING TING” and “24HRS.”

The Music Video

The “WANNABE” music video features each of the five members escaping from conformity and what is expected of them. The video opens with Lia sitting on the floor, surrounded by dolls and plastic tea party treats, where she attempts to wind up one of the dolls before snapping the piece off. Along the way, we see Chaeryeong being chased by drones in a “Big Brother is watching you” setting, Ryujin cutting her hair in a bathroom, Yeji in a crowded party where everybody is dressed in bright colors and crazy patterns except for her, and Yuna working the catwalk sans the silver heels the other models are wearing. Once each girl sheds whatever is holding them back and embraces the thing that makes them unique, their scenes take a turn for the better, showing that it’s okay to be different and that life can be so much happier once you do.

The Comeback Performance

ITZY had their comeback performance on M!COUNTDOWN on March 12, 2020. For their comeback performance, the girls wore outfits from the “WANNABE” music video, specifically the black outfits seen in the ballroom setting. The stage design even resembled the music video setting, with a marble-like floor pattern, columns, and a staircase entryway. During the dance break, the lights went from bright white to colorful strobing, confetti erupting at the beginning of the final chorus.

The Legacy

ITZY’s comeback for “WANNABE” granted the girl group eight music show trophies, taking home three from M!COUNTDOWN on March 19, March 26, and April 2; three from Inkigayo on March 22, March 28, and April 5; and two from Show Champion on March 25 and April 1. The music video for “WANNABE” garnered 11 million views on YouTube in the first 24 hours after its release and currently has almost 250 million views.

IT’z ME debuted at No. 1 on the Gaon Weekly Albums Chart and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard U.S. World Albums Chart and No. 4 on the Gaon Monthly Albums Chart. “WANNABE” debuted at No. 6 on the Gaon Weekly Digital Songs Chart, giving them their third top ten song, and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard U.S. World Digital Songs Chart and No. 13 on the Gaon Monthly Digital Songs Chart. “WANNABE” also peaked at No. 92 on the Canadian Hot 100 Chart, making them the sixth female K-Pop act to make it onto the chart (including CL’s feature on PSY’s “DADDY,” Red Velvet, multiple appearances by BLACKPINK, Jennie’s “SOLO,” and TWICE).

“WANNABE” was nominated for “Best Dance Performance - Female Group” and “Song of the Year” at the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards but unfortunately did not win. However, ITZY won “Hot Issue Award” and “Choice Award” at the 2020 Asian Artists Awards and “Best Performer” at the 2020 Fact Music Awards.