Many fans may not realize that there is a powerful wave of young, new-generation idols entering the entertainment industry not only driven by artistic pαѕѕion, but also by deep admiration for their seniors. A significant number of Gen 4 and Gen 5 idols originally began as devoted fans of first- and second-generation K-pop artists. It is precisely this pure love for music and for their idols that has become the greatest motivation, pushing these young men and women to train tirelessly day and night with the dream of one day achieving the same level of success as those they admire.
Among the figures most revered by younger idols, Jungkook stands out as an ideal role model—the quintessential “idol of idols.” He boasts a long list of K-pop idols who have openly expressed their admiration for him, including Ni-ki and Heeseung of ENHYPEN, Bang Chan of Stray Kids, Taehyun of TXT, Jongho of ATEEZ, and many others. Jungkook’s talent, visuals, and admirable qualities are not only beloved by fans worldwide but also serve as a guiding beacon, encouraging younger idols to grow and develop in a positive direction.
Recently, fans discovered that this list has grown to include another fifth-generation female idol—Ian of Hearts2Hearts, one of the most prominent rookies of 2025. Notably, she also serves as the group’s center and visual, making it easy to understand why she is considered one of the most closely watched new-generation female idols today.
Ian quickly became a hot topic on social media after netizens υиєχρє¢тє∂ly discovered that she is a longtime Jungkook fan, thanks to a pre-debut photo. In one widely circulated image from before her debut, netizens noticed the phone popsocket she used as a child. The image featured none other than Jungkook during BTS’s MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA era. The appearance of the “Golden Maknae” in the frame of a Gen 5 rookie left many people genuinely surprised.
Following this, fans also began paying attention to the idol’s stage name—Ian. Interestingly, Jungkook had previously revealed on several occasions that “Ian” nearly became his own debut stage name, as he greatly admired Ian Anthony Eastwood (born in 1993), a Chicago-born αмєяι¢αn dancer, choreographer, director, and actor, who later went on to collaborate with Jungkook on “Standing Next to You.”
Some fans jokingly suggested that the Hearts2Hearts member may have drawn inspiration from Jungkook’s “forgotten” stage name. In reality, however, Ian’s stage name is derived from her real name, “Lee An,” making it nothing more than a fun coincidence. Still, it is not impossible that, when choosing her stage name, she may have had a fleeting thought connected to her idol—especially given that she has clearly been a hardcore Jungkook fan from an early age.
After Ian’s photo was revealed, online communities were flooded with excited reactions, with comments such as:
- Bangtan Jungkook is basically the general public's pickㅋㅋㅋ That's actually cute
- It was his concept photo for Persona. Everyone was an ARMY back then
- Was there even one girl who didn't like Jungkook back then? Every girl was a fan of him. Ian is cute for being a fan
- There's a bunch of 4th-5th gen female idols who were fans of Jungkook when they were in middle-high school
- Ian is a fan of Ian. This is too adorable
- Being a Jungkook fan is a green flag at this point
- Ian being a fan of Jk whose stage name was almost Ian
- Aww this is adorable!! May she grow up to have a bright career ahead of her!
- So she’s a Jungkook fan since before debut? That’s actually so cute and wholesome
- Another idol inspired by Jungkook… ‘idol of idols’ really isn’t an exaggeration
- The fact that she had a Jungkook popsocket as a kid makes this 10x more unreal
- Center, visual, AND a hardcore Jungkook fan? I get the hype now
- This is why Jungkook’s impact is insane—he’s literally inspiring the next generation of idols
- Not Ian almost sharing the same stage name Jungkook once wanted… this is fate
