Yi Chen, a Chinese trainee on JTBC's audition show Project 7, recently caught fans’ attention by sharing that BTS member V is his role model.

What surprised viewers even more was Yi Chen’s connection to Korean history—he's a descendant of the famous independence activist Ahn Jung Geun.

During his introduction, he explained, “My great-great-grandfather is Ahn Myeong-geun, who fought for independence alongside Ahn Jung Geun.”

Born in 1998, Yi Chen has also impressed viewers with his fluent Korean, despite being a Chinese national. V, known as the "idol of idols," has inspired countless trainees and idols in the K-pop industry.

Members of popular groups like ENHYPEN and NEXZ, as well as new rookies from the fifth generation, often cite him as a major influence.

Among ENHYPEN members, Sunghoon, Jay, Sunoo, and Jake have named V as their inspiration, with Jungwon recently going blonde after being inspired by V's style, saying, “He looked so handsome; I wanted to try it too.”

Even rising rookie idols dream of following in V’s footsteps. Sogeon from NEXZ and Rihito Ikezaki from the Japanese group INI both shared V is the artist they hope to emulate.

Sophia, the leader of HYBE’s new girl group KATSEYE, also declared herself a huge fan of V after her group’s formation through Dream Academy, a global girl group audition program.

Olympic silver medalist Huh Mimi, known for her success in judo at the 2024 Paris Olympics, also admires V. As a descendant of independence activist Huh Seok, she dreams of meeting him one day, humorously wondering, “Will a silver medal be enough, or do I need a gold to meet him?”

Yi Chen’s admiration for V adds him to the long list of idols inspired by V’s charm and artistry, showing just how much V continues to influence the next generation.

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Former S.E.S member Shoo (Yoo Soo Young) warmed hearts as she shared a touching moment with her twin daughters—taking them to the same wholesale market where she once worked during a difficult time in her life.

On May 8, Shoo posted several photos on Instagram showing her spending time with her twin daughters, Ra Hee and Ra Yul, at the Dongdaemun wholesale market. In the caption, she wrote, “Did everyone enjoy the holiday? I feel like I made a memory I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.”

The photos showed Shoo and her daughters smiling brightly while eating and shopping together. Her daughters, now visibly grown up, were even seen wearing similar shoes and clothes as their mom.

Shoo opened up about a painful chapter in her past. “When I was struggling, I once sold clothes I got from Dongdaemun with the help of a friend,” she shared. “I used to go there from night to early morning, picking up fleece clothes, hairpins, and shoes, thinking, ‘My kids would love this if I brought them here.’”

Now that her daughters are older, Shoo finally fulfilled that dream. “We laughed so much while shopping. We bought hairpins, socks, and clothes together,” she said. “They’ve grown so much—they can even wear the same things as me.”

Reflecting on the experience, she added, “Memories of my past flashed before my eyes. I told them how I used to work late at night, carrying heavy bags and walking around for 10 hours straight.”

Shoo emotionally concluded, “I was so happy to show my kids the nighttime world I once worked in.”

Fans who remember Shoo’s twins from The Return of Superman were touched to see how much they’ve grown. Shoo, now a proud mom of three, continues to update fans through her TV appearances and social media, showing her strength as both a mother and former idol.

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