The legends of first-generation K-pop are back—H.O.T. (High-five Of Teenagers) will be reuniting as a full group for the first time in six years, making an iconic return to the stage at the upcoming Hanteo Music Festival this September.
The reunion will mark their first official performance together since 2019 and is expected to be a historic moment for K-pop fans worldwide, especially for those who grew up idolizing the group’s groundbreaking artistry and unmatched influence.
The reunion will take place during the Hanteo Music Festival, scheduled for September 6 and 7 at Seoul World Cup Stadium, a venue fitting of H.O.T.’s legendary status.
“A Representative Legend of Korean Music” Takes the Stage
Earlier teasers from the Hanteo Music Festival hinted at a major headlining act—a group that has left an indelible mark on the Korean music industry.
Now confirmed, that act is none other than H.O.T., one of the most important names in K-pop history.
Their return is not just a reunion—it’s being hailed as a symbolic celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future.
Fans and media outlets alike have described this comeback as a “landmark project in K-pop history,” and expectations are sky-high for what is sure to be an emotional and unforgettable stage.
A Legacy of Firsts: H.O.T.’s Pioneering Journey
Debuting in 1996 under SM Entertainment, H.O.T. quickly rose to superstardom with hit songs like “Candy,” “Warrior’s Descendant,” “Light,” “Happiness,” and “We Are the Future.”
They weren’t just popular—they were trailblazers, laying the foundation for idol fandom culture, fan chants, lightsticks, and large-scale concerts.
Many modern K-pop groups, from EXO and BTS to NCT and Stray Kids, cite H.O.T. as a major influence.
H.O.T. was also one of the first idol groups to achieve massive success outside of Korea, helping to pave the way for the Korean Wave (Hallyu) that would later sweep across Asia and the world.
At the peak of their popularity, they filled massive venues like the Seoul Olympic Stadium and sold over a million albums—figures that were almost unheard of at the time.
Despite disbanding in 2001, their legacy continued to grow. Their reunion in 2018 via MBC’s “Infinite Challenge” marked the beginning of a new era of nostalgia and reconnection with fans.
That same year, they performed two monumental solo concerts: one at the Seoul Olympic Stadium and another in Gocheok Sky Dome in 2019.
Six Years in the Making: The Road to Reunion
Since their last performance together, fans have patiently waited for a full-group return. Hints have come and gone.
In a 2023 interview, Lee Jaewon expressed that the members had been “always thinking about performing together again” and emphasized their shared desire to reconnect with fans.
Similarly, Jang Woo Hyuk spoke on MBN’s variety show Let’s Go Season 3, teasing,
“We’ve been discussing it. I think something really good will happen next year.”
ow, with 2025 underway, that hopeful vision has finally become a reality.
While each member has pursued individual activities—ranging from solo music and acting to variety show appearances—the group’s enduring bond and love for their fanbase has remained unwavering.
What to Expect from the Hanteo Music Festival Performance
Though no official setlist has been confirmed yet, fans are expecting a greatest-hits showcase filled with classic H.O.T. anthems and nostalgic stages.
Given the festival’s large scale and prestige, the production value is anticipated to be high, possibly featuring reimagined versions of legendary performances or even new content to celebrate their legacy.
With a capacity crowd expected at Seoul World Cup Stadium and global livestream options being discussed, the reunion is set to reach not only longtime Korean fans but international audiences who have discovered H.O.T. through retrospectives, variety shows, and K-pop history deep dives.
A Legacy That Lives On
As one of K-pop’s original “idol groups,” H.O.T.’s return is a poignant reminder of how far the genre has come.
They symbolize the roots of idol fandom, artistry, and innovation that continue to evolve today.
Their reunion at the Hanteo Music Festival will not only be an emotional moment for those who grew up with their music, but also a rare chance for new-generation fans to witness history unfold.
This isn’t just a performance—it’s a celebration of K-pop’s generational continuity and a nod to the pioneers who made the industry what it is today.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Comeback
H.O.T.’s upcoming reunion is more than a nostalgic throwback—it’s a powerful cultural moment. In a fast-moving industry that often looks forward, it’s rare to pause and honor the past with such impact.
But with this reunion, H.O.T. reminds us that true legends never fade—they only wait for the right moment to shine again.
As the countdown to September begins, the energy surrounding H.O.T.’s return grows stronger.
For fans old and new, this will be a performance that bridges eras—and leaves a lasting mark on K-pop history once again.
