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Legendary K-pop group H.O.T. made a rare full group appearance, delighting fans on the October 27, 2025, episode of the YouTube talk show “Jjanhanyeong Shin DongYup.” All five members—Kangta, Moon HeeJun, Jang WooHyuk, Tony An, and Lee JaeWon—gathered to reminisce, sharing a particularly memorable K-pop trainee story that highlighted the extreme discipline they faced before their debut.
The “Japchaebap Incident”: A Strict K-pop Trainee Story
The members recalled their grueling trainee days, when their diet was strictly controlled by their agency. They were only allowed to eat basic Chinese food dishes like Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles), Jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup), and fried rice. However, one day, the menu choice of member Tony An led to an unforgettable incident for the entire group, a classic example of a challenging K-pop trainee story.
A Punishment for a Simple Meal Choice
Tony An, who had recently moved from the United States, found the standard Korean food too harsh on his stomach. He decided to order Japchaebap (stir-fried glass noodles with rice), a milder option. This seemingly innocent deviation from the rules prompted a severe reaction from an engineer in charge of their discipline. The engineer scolded the entire group, angrily stating they were “changing” before they had even debuted and questioning how they could “taste japchae before tasting success.” As punishment, all the members were forced to do a headstand, a story that showcases the intense environment of the Korean entertainment industry during that era.
From Punishment to Celebration with H.O.T.’s First Win
The story of the forbidden dish came full circle after H.O.T. achieved massive success. The members recounted the emotional moment after they secured their first-ever number-one win on a music show. To celebrate their achievement, producer Lee Sooman took the group out for a meal. In a symbolic gesture, he finally allowed them to order Japchaebap, signifying that they had now “earned” the right to enjoy it. This anecdote provides a fascinating glimpse into the methods of SM Entertainment: Pioneering K-pop and Shaping the Future.
Enduring Camaraderie in Korean Entertainment
Adding a touch of humor to the poignant memory, Moon HeeJun jokingly clarified that even while being punished, he never held a grudge against Tony An for the incident. This story, shared during the highly anticipated H.O.T. full group reunion, underscores the deep bond forged through shared hardships. Their appearance on the YouTube talk show has been celebrated by fans as a significant event, further detailed in reports like the H.O.T. Full Reunion on Jjanhanyeong Shin DongYub Ahead of Festival. The anecdote serves as a powerful testament to their journey and lasting friendship within the demanding world of Korean entertainment.
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