As the most iconic K-pop boy group of the 21st century, it comes as no surprise that BTS are often referred to as “idols of idols.” This is not merely an emotional compliment, but a reality proven by the profound and far-reaching influence these top-tier superstars have had on successive generations of artists across every aspect of the industry.

Countless young K-pop artists regard BTS as their ideal role models and a major source of inspiration in their careers. Beomgyu of TXT has shared that V (Kim Taehyung) is the idol who inspires him the most, particularly because of the help V gave him during his trainee days and after watching his performance of “Singularity.” Martin also told W кσяєα that BTS—and RM in particular—had a significant influence on him, saying, “I’ve always looked up to RM as my role model… I first discovered BTS through my older sister’s recommendation… Watching them solidified my vision for what kind of music I want to make.”

Meanwhile, the group Newkidd stated that BTS serve as a role model for them thanks to their positive influence in promoting K-pop globally, commenting, “BTS are a good influence, and they’re spreading knowledge about кσяєα abroad through K-pop. We want to become artists like that as well… we respect them.”

With their global impact, all-around talent, and inspiring success story, it is hardly surprising that BTS are widely praised by their juniors. However, an interesting twist is that it is not only younger idols who look to BTS as a benchmark—even their parents have begun holding BTS up as the ultimate standard for their children’s careers. This amusing story was revealed by fourth-generation idol Wonjin of CRAVITY on the popular YouTube talk show The K-Star Next Door.

In the episode, Wonjin highlighted his father’s sharp sense of humor and love for joking—often at his own expense. More importantly, Wonjin himself frequently becomes the main character in his father’s jokes. For instance, whenever someone asks his father about his eldest son, he dramatically replies, “He ran away from home.” Host Jonathan couldn’t help but burst out laughing, exclaiming, “You sound like a delinquent,” —to which Wonjin cheekily replied, “I’ve become a brat.”

But that wasn’t even the biggest twist. Wonjin then shared a memory he said he would never forget. He once jokingly told his father that his dream was to be the son of a wealthy family and complained that his father hadn’t tried hard enough to make that dream come true. Surprisingly unfazed by his son’s remark, his father shot back bluntly, “I also want a son like BTS.” The savage response instantly sent Jonathan—and everyone on set—into fits of laughter.

With that single line, Wonjin’s father turned the idol’s playful complaint into a perfect case of self-inflicted damage. While Wonjin dreamed of being born rich, his father dreamed of… having a son like BTS—a swift and devastating counterattack delivered without even raising his voice. Fans found the moment deeply relatable, realizing that even after becoming an idol, the pressure of being compared to “other people’s children” never truly goes away. And in this modern version of the story, that “perfect child” has clearly been upgraded to… BTS.

But honestly, being measured up against BTS isn’t the bad thing. After all, they are the gold standard of the K-pop world—icons that every aspiring idol dreams of emulating.

The clip quickly went viral online, drawing a wave of amused reactions from fans such as:

- BTS is that one cousin with multiple degrees that every Asian family talk about

- I would k word myself if I was a cousin of any BTS member. Can you imagine the family gatherings??? Particularly, Asian parents! "So what has your kid been up to?" No thank you!!!!

- If my parents tell me that we're gonna have serious issues

- How cute is this guy. And funny. Don’t worry son you’ll make it your own way

- When asian parents start quoting you as a standard for their kids, you know you have made it

- he openly roasted his father on a show. hahaha it's so cute

- father and son match each other’s energy

- 'I want a son like BTS.' wonjin's dad is so funny 

- he got humor from his dad, his dad is really funny just like the son

- BTS setting standards everywhere

- son and dad dissing each other

- i’d leave the house immediately if i were wonjin

- man his father is savage. he could be an ARMY actually