TWICE’s Sana reveals she once plotted to run away before debut

TWICE’s Sana reveals she almost gave up debuting in Korea on ‘Whenever Possible’.

On the May 20th KST episode of SBS’s variety show ‘Whenever Possible’, airing at 9 p.m. KST, TWICE member Sana opens up about a time she nearly gave up on her K-pop dream.

The show, which explores heartwarming moments in everyday life, has soared in popularity since its Season 3 premiere, topping Tuesday night variety ratings with a 5.8% nationwide viewership and No.1 rankings across key demographics.

In episode 23, TWICE’s Jihyo and Sana appear as “Gap Friends” and bring waves of luck to Seoul’s Geumho-dong neighborhood.

During the show, Sana candidly recalls a moment from her trainee days when she contemplated escaping back home to Japan. “Back then, I used to think about sneaking out in the early hours,” she said. “I even wondered how to quietly wheel out my suitcase without making the front door creak.”

At just 17, Sana had moved to Korea alone to pursue her dream. But despite her secret plans, they never came to fruition. “My passport was at the company,” she revealed with a smile. “To escape, I would have had to break into the company, which wasn’t exactly realistic.”

Sana also confessed that she planned to run away with fellow member Momo, adding with a laugh, “TWICE could have ended up as seven members instead of nine.”

Later in the episode, Sana shows off her natural sense of humor, rooted in her Osaka upbringing. When Yoo Yeon Seok asked whether Osaka natives are known for big reactions, Sana responded, “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 quick wit drew big laughs from both Yoo Yeon Seok and Yoo Jae Suk.

During a game segment, Sana blurted out “Yangnyeom gejang (marinated crab),” sparking what fans say could become a new meme, rivaling her iconic “cheese kimbap” moment. After the game, she admitted nervously, “That was seriously nerve-racking,” sending Yoo Jae Suk into fits of laughter.