TWICE’s Sana Opens Up About Almost Quitting Her Idol Dream on SBS Hit Variety Show

SBS’s popular variety show ‘Whenever We Can’ made a sensational comeback with Season 3, delivering record-breaking viewership from its premiere episode. Securing a nationwide rating of 5.8% and dominating the 2049 demographic, the show confirmed its status as a Tuesday night staple for Korean entertainment fans.

Episode 23 featured a special appearance from TWICE members Jihyo and Sana, stirring excitement throughout the Kumho-dong neighborhood. Notably, Sana candidly shared a personal story about the time she nearly gave up on her dream of becoming a TWICE member. Reflecting on her early idol training, she revealed, “There was a time in my teenage years when I seriously considered sneaking back to Japan at dawn.”

“I stayed up late thinking about how I could take my luggage out quietly without alerting anyone,” Sana added, recalling her days as a 17-year-old trainee in a foreign country. But her dream escape plan hit one major roadblock—her passport was stored at the agency. “I would’ve needed to sneak into the company building to retrieve it. Realistically, it was impossible,” she said with a laugh.

Sana also confessed that fellow TWICE member Momo considered bolting with her, which might have left TWICE with only seven members instead of nine—a revelation that both surprised and amused fans.

Living up to her Osaka-born variety show flair, Sana charmed hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok with her quick wit and larger-than-life reactions. When Yoo Yeon-seok asked about the famous energetic reactions of Osaka natives, Sana playfully responded, “I did that when I was younger. But after becoming famous in Korea, I decided not to be one of ‘those people’ anymore.”

During a hilarious game segment, Sana boldly shouted the word “Seasoned Crab Roe,” creating a memeable moment that could rival her legendary “Cheese Kimbap” clip. After the first round, she exclaimed, “This game is scary… seriously,” sending Yoo Jae-suk into fits of laughter.

As Sana continues to dominate in laughter and charm on ‘Whenever We Can’, fans are eagerly watching to see whether her presence will be lucky for the “gap master” of the episode. One thing is certain—her comedic timing and raw honesty are unmistakably winning hearts once again.