What is the identity of Iho Tewoo's underground idol? The meaning of underground idol, activity method, and performance culture are easily summarized

Who is Iho Tewoo and what does 'underground idol' mean? We will briefly explain Iho Tewoo, who has recently been in the spotlight due to the scandal involving the affair between the agency's CEO and member Mina, as well as the underground idol culture, performance style, and fandom characteristics.

 

Recently, searches for 'Groundhog' and 'Lee Ho-te-woo' have been skyrocketing on social media and communities. The trigger was on June 13, 2025, when the affair between Lee Kang-hee, the CEO of JDB's subsidiary, and Mina, a member of the group Lee Ho-te-woo, was revealed, and the related controversy attracted the public's attention.

 

This incident sparked a surge of interest in underground idols and the group Iho Tewoo, which had previously been considered a minor culture.

 

 

 

1. Who is the underground idol Lee Ho-tewoo?

 

IHOTEU is a three-member female group under EFG Music, debuting in 2024 under JDB Entertainment, a subsidiary company.

 

The members consist of Negi, Mina, and Amuro, and they have been promoting an independent identity and focusing on performances under the concept of "Voyage to the Unknown."

 

They belong to the non-mainstream idol culture, commonly called 'underground idols', and they focus on small theaters, offline fan meetings, and live stages rather than large-scale broadcasting. However, In June 2025, the private relationship between CEO Lee Kang-hee and member Mina was exposed. and the group appears to be virtually disbanding.

 

 

 

2. What does underground idol mean? What is the difference from regular idols?

 

'Jihadol' is ' Underground Idol ' is an abbreviation for idol group, and is a concept that originated in Japan. It mainly refers to idols who perform on small stages, closely interacting with fans. Intuitive fan communication and on-site performances rather than broadcast appearances This is the core feature.

 

In Korea, too, idols who borrowed this culture and worked independently emerged, and Iho Tewoo was one of them. YouTube Live, X (Twitter)-based communication, and events where fans directly participated were actively operated.

 

 

 

3. Characteristics of underground idol performance culture and fandom

 

Underground idol performances are armed with 'closeness' and 'directness'. Although the audience size is not large, the close interaction with fans is a strength, and elements such as selfie time, on-site encores, and direct sales of goods also appear frequently.

 

They frequently hold performances, and their ticket prices are relatively cheap, making them highly accessible to fans. However, regular consumption and voluntary promotion are the roles of fans. They are structured around passionate fandoms, and the solidarity within the community is strong.

 

 

 

❓Q&A: Iho Tewoo & Jihadol’s Questions and Answers

Q1. Why was Iho Tewoo’s contract terminated?
A. As the controversy over the affair between agency CEO Lee Kang-hee and member Mina arose, criticism from fans and the industry focused, and the contract with the agency was completely terminated as of June 13.

 

Q2. What is the difference between underground idols and K-POP idols?
A. Underground idols focus on performances rather than broadcasts, and they value interaction with a small number of passionate fans over the general public. Direct participation and on-site communication are key.

 

Q3. Are there a lot of underground idols in Korea?
A. Although it is smaller in scale compared to Japan, it is gradually expanding, centering around the Hongdae and Hapjeong areas in Seoul. It is centered around small agencies that focus on live activities.

 

The underground idol culture has grown based on a small but passionate fandom and a close-knit performance culture.

 

When a controversy like the recent Iho Tewoo incident arises, all eyes are on it, but at the same time, interest in the unique ecosystem of “live idols” itself also grows.

 

It seems that the underground idol scene will continue to evolve and explore new possibilities in the future.

 

 

 

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