Incheon: First-generation K-pop idol group H.O.T. reunited for its first full-member performance in six years over the weekend, ahead of the 30th anniversary of its debut next year. The veteran boy band headlined the Hanteo Music Festival, held from Saturday to Sunday at Inspire Arena in Incheon, 30 kilometers west of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the event's organizer, Hanteo Global, confirmed on Sunday that the performance marked H.O.T.'s first time performing as a full five-member act since its solo concert at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome in September 2019. The festival lineup also included groups 2AM and Teen Top, Solar of Mamamoo, Oh My Girl, fromis_9, tripleS, and rookie boy band Identity.
H.O.T. member Kangta expressed his feelings about the reunion, stating, "It's not easy for idols from different generations to come together on the same stage. I felt grateful and deeply moved to perform with our juniors."
Debuting in 1996 under SM Entertainment, H.O.T. is widely regarded as one of the pioneering groups that helped shape modern K-pop. The Hanteo Music Festival was launched this year by Hanteo Global, which operates the Hanteo Chart.