대중음악 평론가 9人이 응시한 H.O.T. 데뷔 30주년 - 뉴시스

In its September 6, 2026 report, Newsis quoted nine music critics reflecting on H.O.T.'s 30th debut anniversary (debuted September 7, 1996), saying the group functioned as a formative blueprint for the K-pop industry. Critics pointed to the five-member positioning, character-driven promotion, organized white-fan culture, and signature songs (e.g., 'Warrior's Descendant' and 'Candy') as concrete reasons for H.O.T.'s lasting influence.