If you’ve been a K-pop fan long enough, you would know that some girl groups are famous for becoming “phenomena” in the military. Songs like “Cheer Up” (TWICE), “Rollin’” (Brave Girls), “LOVE DIVE” (IVE), and “Dumhdurum” (Apink) once became “military нιтs,” considered the most powerful form of emotional support for sol∂ιєrs during their mandatory service.

The reason these girls are so beloved by sol∂ιєrs is because, during the long period of being cut off from the outside world—with limited access to phones, restricted internet, and only selected TV content—entertainment featuring adorable, charming, and energetic female idols helps reduce the stress and monotony of army life.

Almost every sol∂ιєr has their favorite girl group songs or sees certain female K-pop idols as their personal “goddess” or “muse” throughout their service. And j-hope is no exception! He, too, held a special affection for a girl group that happened to be particularly popular at his base.

During his appearance on a spin-off program of SBS’s Inkigayo, j-hope revealed the girl group that helped him get through the difficult times in the military, surprising and delighting fans.

In addition to j-hope, the episode also featured two special MCs: Leeseo (IVE) and Han Yujin (ZEROBASEONE), two rising stars of the new generation who are gaining a lot of attention. During a segment where they reviewed snacks, all three chatted casually and humorously, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for viewers.

j-hope was then asked whether he had listened to IVE’s songs, to which he honestly replied that the group was his biggest source of emotional support during military service. He even expressed pride in being able to sit next to one of the members of the group that many of his fellow sol∂ιєrs dreamed of meeting.

“I listened to a lot of IVE’s songs while I was in the military. My military juniors are probably going crazy right now. They are going to be surprised to see IVE sitting next to me. Are you guys watching? This is the type of person I am!” j-hope said, unable to hide his humor and joy.

Even before this episode aired, his fellow sol∂ιєrs were likely already “jealous” seeing j-hope and IVE taking photos together backstage at Lollapalooza Berlin 2025. At that time, j-hope also went viral for enthusiastically cheering on “the military’s goddess,” IVE, from the au∂ιєnce.

Moreover, aside from mentioning that IVE helped soothe his spirits during his service, j-hope also picked “Off the Record” as his favorite IVE song. He even surprised Leeseo by confirming once again, “For sol∂ιєrs, IVE is the real king.”

Responding to the love from sol∂ιєrs, goddess Leeseo, representing IVE, also “granted a blessing”: “Good luck with your military service,” which surely left many sol∂ιєrs sleepless after watching.

In reaction to the moment, netizens also left many amused comments such as:

- First, we got EXO Kai saying IVE is military queen. Now, Hobi also said the same

- off the record’s supremacy. global kpop star verifies it

- Hobi cheering for IVE during his service and now sitting next to them? That’s full-circle energy

- J-Hope calling IVE ‘the real kings’ is the cutest thing ever. He’s such a respectful sunbae!

- Imagine being a fellow sol∂ιєr of j-hope and seeing your favorite goddess sitting next to him. I'd cry 

- IVE being the ‘emotional support group’ for our Hobi. That’s so heartwarming!

- This explains why Hobi looked extra hyped at Lollapalooza when IVE performed

- Leeseo wishing luck to sol∂ιєrs after hearing j-hope’s story is so wholesome. I love this interaction!

- This moment feels like K-pop history. One of the biggest idols showing love to one of the hottest girl groups — ICONIC

Aside from praising IVE, j-hope also took the opportunity to mention the senior artists who influenced his musical style, including BIGBANG, BoA, and TVXQ. “Growing up, I listened to many senior artists’ songs, including BIGBANG, BoA, and TVXQ,” j-hope said sincerely.

While j-hope’s words may have been humorous, his recognition of IVE is seen as a credible “nod,” showing the group’s growing influence in the current K-pop scene. With нιтs like “ELEVEN,” “After LIKE,” “LOVE DIVE,” and more recently “Off the Record,” IVE continues to win the hearts of fans.