First-gen K-pop legends H.O.T. appeared together on JTBC’s "Newsroom" to mark their 29th anniversary―sharing how it feels to reunite and what’s on deck next.
With their classic “Hello, we’re H.O.T.” greeting, the five looked visibly moved to be back in the same room. “It almost feels like AI,” Moon Hee-jun joked, breaking the tension with a laugh.
The group turns 29 this year and is already eyeing a milestone 30th in 2026. Asked about moments that defined their career―million-selling albums, five grand prize trophies, even schools reportedly banning early dismissal because students flooded the gates―the members still picked their debut stage as the one they can’t forget. “It’s been nearly 29 years, but it still pops up in my dreams. I can still feel the heat from that day,” Moon said. Jang Woo-hyuk quipped that he feels time pass “every time I check the monitor and spot a new wrinkle,” drawing more laughs.
As they prep for their first full-group concert in six years this November, stamina became a running joke. “There’s one member who actually collapsed during practice―some things never change,” Jang teased. Tony leaned into it: “I’m kind of in charge of low stamina,” he cracked.
The members also reacted to the Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," where the in-show boy band “Saja Boys” was modeled after H.O.T. They admitted they hadn’t known at first and were genuinely surprised. “We never expected director Maggie Kang to say outright that she was a huge H.O.T. fan,” they said. “We’re incredibly grateful―and we’d love to meet her.”
H.O.T. stages their long-awaited full-group concert in November. “We’ve always wanted to be active together, but our individual schedules made it tough,” Lee Jae-won shared. “This time, everything aligned, and we’re thrilled to make it happen.”
Looking ahead, the group is aiming for a celebratory 30th year. Moon floated a plan fans will love: “It’s just a personal wish, but since everyone has their own lives and careers, how about one show a year? I think that could work.”
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)