TWICE member Sana recently revealed she once planned to run away from her trainee life before debut. The Japanese-born idol shared this surprising story on SBS’s variety show Whenever Possible. Her honest confession about nearly quitting her K-pop dream has gone viral among fans.
Sana appeared on the May 20 episode alongside fellow TWICE member Jihyo. The show, which highlights everyday heartwarming moments, has become a ratings hit. It scored a 5.8% nationwide viewership, making it the top Tuesday night variety program.
During the episode, Sana opened up about her struggles as a trainee. At just 17, she moved from Japan to South Korea alone to pursue her dream. The pressure and homesickness made her consider escaping.
“Back then, I used to think about sneaking out in the early hours,” Sana admitted. “I even wondered how to quietly wheel out my suitcase without making the front door creak.”
Her plan never happened for a simple reason. “My passport was at the company,” she said with a laugh. “To escape, I would have had to break into the company, which wasn’t exactly realistic.”
The idol also revealed she wasn’t alone in her thoughts. She and fellow Japanese member Momo had discussed running away together. “TWICE could have ended up as seven members instead of nine,” she joked.
The idol’s natural humor shone throughout the episode. When asked if people from Osaka are known for exaggerated reactions, she replied, “I used to, but in Korea it became a thing… so I decided not to be ‘one of them.’ I don’t react like that anymore.” Her witty response had hosts Yoo Yeon Seok and Yoo Jae Suk laughing.
In a game segment, Sana accidentally created a new viral moment. She shouted “Yangnyeom gejang (marinated crab),” which fans say could rival her famous “cheese kimbap” meme. After the game, she admitted, “That was seriously nerve-racking,” making Yoo Jae Suk laugh even more.
Sana debuted with TWICE in 2015 after surviving the tough competition on Sixteen. Her journey from a homesick trainee to a global K-pop star inspires many. Fans praised her honesty, with one saying, “It’s amazing how she pushed through those hard times.”
The episode also featured Sana and Jihyo bringing good luck to Seoul’s Geumho-dong neighborhood. Their cheerful energy and funny moments made the show even more entertaining.
Sana’s story highlights the challenges many K-pop trainees face. Long hours, strict training, and being away from family can be overwhelming. Yet, her perseverance paid off, making her one of TWICE’s most beloved members.
TWICE continues to be one of the biggest girl groups in K-pop. Their recent activities include subunit promotions and solo projects. Sana, Momo, and Mina debuted as the subunit MISAMO in 2023.
Sana’s candidness on Whenever Possible gives fans a deeper look into her pre-debut struggles. Her journey proves that even the brightest stars had moments of doubt.
Sources: allkpop, TWICE Wiki, Sana Wikipedia
