H.O.T., one of K-pop’s earliest and most influential idol groups, reunited as a full five-member act at the Hanteo Music Festival in Incheon, performing on Nov. 22 and 23 at Inspire Arena.
The first-generation group, which helped define the sound and structure of modern K-pop in the late 1990s, headlined the event alongside younger artists who credit them as inspirations.
After the performance, member Kangta said it was rare to see idol groups from different eras share the same stage, noting that the moment felt “meaningful and emotional.”
The festival’s multigenerational lineup highlighted H.O.T.’s enduring influence, particularly when members of the rookie group Identity stayed in the arena to watch the veteran act.
Cameras captured the rookies reacting enthusiastically to the performance, prompting brief but widely noticed interactions between the two groups.
Moon Hee-jun said hearing Identity call out “Please look after us!” reminded him of his own early days in the industry.
He added that the group was polite and well-prepared when they met backstage.
Tony Ahn echoed the sentiment, saying the rookies reminded him of his younger self and praising their talent and stage presence.
H.O.T.’s influence extends beyond the festival stage and into contemporary pop culture.
Maggie Kang, director of Netflix’s animated hit “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” revealed in recent interviews that the show’s demon boy band, the Saja Boys, drew inspiration from H.O.T.
Kang recalled her teenage years as a devoted H.O.T. fan, with her bedroom walls covered in their posters and VHS tapes of music shows she watched repeatedly.
That fandom experience, she explained, shaped both the passionate fan characters in the film and the charismatic demon boy band they pursue.
