Hearts2Hearts' Ian Won a Quiz Show — and Was Edited Out

Before she was a member of SM Entertainment's chart-topping girl group Hearts2Hearts, Ian had a brush with Korean television that nobody knew about — until now. During the March 14 episode of JTBC's popular variety show "Knowing Bros," the rookie idol revealed that she once appeared on Yoo Jae-suk's beloved program "You Quiz on the Block" as a child, aced the quiz, took home the prize money, and then watched in disbelief as the entire segment was edited out of the broadcast.

The confession drew roars of laughter from the "Knowing Bros" cast and audience alike, instantly becoming the standout moment of an episode billed as a "5th Generation Girl Group Battle" between Hearts2Hearts and fellow rookie act KiiiKiii. But it was more than just a funny anecdote — it was a window into the winding, unpredictable paths that today's K-pop idols walk before they ever step onto a stage under the spotlight.

From Child Star to Chart-Topper

Ian explained that she had been unable to contain her overflowing charisma even as a young child, which led her into careers as a content creator and kids' model long before her trainee days at SM Entertainment. One of those early adventures brought her to a street filming for "You Quiz on the Block," the tvN program hosted by national MC Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho that has become one of Korea's most beloved talk shows.

"I appeared on the street interview segment, answered the quiz correctly, and even won the prize money," Ian recounted to the Knowing Bros cast. "But when the episode aired, I was completely edited out." The revelation prompted Seo Jang-hoon, one of the show's regular cast members, to quip: "You're lucky you ran into Jae-suk. If you'd met Kang Ho-dong instead, he would have held you hostage for a two-hour interview."

The irony was not lost on fans watching the broadcast — the girl who was once deemed unworthy of airtime on a variety show is now one of the most recognized faces in fifth-generation K-pop. Hearts2Hearts debuted under SM Entertainment in 2025 and has since been riding an extraordinary wave of commercial success, occupying the upper echelons of Korean music charts and establishing themselves as the spiritual successors to SM's legendary girl group lineage that includes Girls' Generation, Red Velvet, and aespa.

Fifth-Gen Showdown on 'Knowing Bros'

The March 14 episode of "Knowing Bros" was positioned as a showcase for two of the most prominent acts in K-pop's emerging fifth generation. Hearts2Hearts — comprised of members Carmen, Jiwoo, Yuha, Stella, Jueun, Aina, Ian, and Yeon — squared off against KiiiKiii, the Starship Entertainment girl group that has drawn comparisons to their senior labelmates IVE since before their debut.

The episode was packed with the kind of unscripted entertainment moments that have made "Knowing Bros" a proving ground for K-pop groups looking to demonstrate their variety show chops. Both groups showcased an impressive range of hidden talents: ventriloquism performances, a speed contest to tie a messy bun in three seconds, juggling routines, and a low-voice battle against the show's veteran hosts. The segments highlighted a key evolution in fifth-generation idol culture — these groups arrive at variety appearances already polished in entertainment skills, not just singing and dancing.

Hearts2Hearts made an immediate impression with their luxury school uniforms, prompting host Kang Ho-dong to remark, "Those aren't your regular school uniforms," a nod to the premium fashion that has become part of SM Entertainment's brand identity for the group. The styling choice reinforced the group's positioning as a high-fashion act in the vein of their SM seniors.

KiiiKiii Embraces the 'IVE's Little Sister' Label

Meanwhile, KiiiKiii addressed one of the narratives that has followed them since their pre-debut period. When cast member Min Kyung-hoon asked whether the constant comparison to IVE created pressure, the group responded with refreshing candor. "We're not burdened by the 'IVE's sister group' title at all — we're actually grateful for it," they shared, demonstrating a maturity that belied their rookie status.

KiiiKiii also revealed the behind-the-scenes story of their unusual group name, admitting that the members themselves had initially doubted what they were hearing. "When we first heard our name, we thought we'd misheard it," they laughed. "It reminds people of the sound of laughter, which we've come to embrace." The moment of self-deprecating humor won over both the cast and the viewing audience.

The Age Gap That Stopped the Show

Perhaps the episode's most viral moment — aside from Ian's "You Quiz" confession — came when it was revealed that Hearts2Hearts member Aina's mother is the same age as "Knowing Bros" cast member Kim Heechul, who turned 42 this year. The Super Junior star, known for his quick wit, immediately seized on the information: "From now on, you can call me Dad," he told Aina, generating one of the biggest laughs of the night.

The exchange underscored the generational shift happening in K-pop. The hosts of "Knowing Bros" — many of them first and second-generation K-pop veterans themselves — found themselves face to face with artists young enough to be their children, yet who command the same massive fanbases and chart dominance that defined their own era. It was a moment of gentle humor that also carried a deeper resonance about the industry's relentless renewal.

Rising Stars in a Crowded Field

The "Knowing Bros" appearance comes at a pivotal moment for both groups. Hearts2Hearts has been steadily building momentum since their SM Entertainment debut, leveraging the agency's formidable promotional infrastructure and their own undeniable talent to carve out space in an increasingly competitive landscape. Their music has already made significant inroads on domestic charts, and the group's combination of strong vocals, sharp choreography, and individual member charisma has drawn favorable comparisons to SM's most successful acts.

For KiiiKiii, the Starship Entertainment connection provides both opportunity and pressure. As IVE continues to dominate both Korean and international markets, KiiiKiii has the benefit of debuting into an ecosystem that already knows how to develop and promote world-class girl groups. Their willingness to embrace rather than shy away from the IVE comparison suggests a confidence that could serve them well as they establish their own identity.

The fifth generation of K-pop is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the genre's history, with major agencies all fielding new girl groups simultaneously. In this environment, variety show appearances like the "Knowing Bros" episode serve a dual purpose: they humanize the idols beyond their stage personas and create the kind of viral, shareable moments that drive fan engagement across social media platforms. Hearts2Hearts and KiiiKiii proved they are more than ready for that challenge — and in Ian's case, she has been ready since long before anyone gave her the airtime to show it.