Military’s Favorite K-pop Idols reflect unique emotional needs that differ from public trends.
aespa dominated the recent army survey, while fromis_9’s surprising second-place finish sparked debate. IU continues to bridge generational gaps, but many big-name idols didn’t even make the cut.
Military’s Favorite K-pop Idols: Why aespa Dominates the Hearts of Soldiers
According to a recent survey by Korea’s Ministry of National Defense, aespa is currently the military’s top idol group. The group received 18.1% of votes in a poll of 309 soldiers, conducted from April 4 to April 17. Soldiers said aespa’s visuals and performances gave them strength, comfort, and a reason to smile during tough days. With such overwhelming support, aespa earned the nickname “military president,” and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
Military’s Favorite K-pop Idols: fromis_9’s Surprising Popularity Inside the Barracks
fromis_9 came in second with 16.2%, a result that surprised many outside the military but not those inside. Despite lower visibility in the mainstream, soldiers praised fromis_9’s bright image and energizing music. They said the group’s songs were perfect during physical training, long marches, and repetitive daily routines. In fact, new recruits are now asked which fromis_9 member they like, not which idol group they prefer. Within the military, the group has built a solid fanbase that feels both personal and loyal.
Military’s Favorite K-pop Idols: IU’s Steady Connection Across Generations
IU placed third with 6.5% of the votes and continued to prove her lasting presence in the hearts of soldiers. She remains a consistent favorite in military surveys, despite a noticeable age gap with most enlisted men. Soldiers recently praised her acting in the drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, calling her performance emotionally powerful. They felt she connected generations through her warm voice and meaningful roles, offering both nostalgia and comfort. Though her ranking surprised some, her emotional impact on soldiers was clear and heartfelt.
Generational Divide: When Public Fame and Military Taste Don’t Match
The online community MLBPARK reacted to the survey with curiosity, especially about fromis_9’s unexpectedly high placement. While most agreed that aespa deserved the top spot, they were puzzled by the gap between public and military preferences. Older fans expressed nostalgia for past giants like Girls’ Generation and TWICE, who were no longer even mentioned. Others felt disappointed that BLACKPINK and LE SSERAFIM didn’t make the rankings, despite strong public followings. It’s clear that idol preferences inside military bases often reflect different values, habits, and emotional needs than those outside.
Who Didn’t Make the Cut: Big Names Left Out of the Military’s Favorite K-pop Idols List
Although IVE and NMIXX ranked fourth and fifth with 6.1% and 4.9%, several major groups were absent altogether. Even BLACKPINK and LE SSERAFIM—typically top-tier girl groups—didn’t make it into the top ranks of the survey. This gap shows that surveys of young soldiers, mostly in their early twenties, offer a unique look into fandom culture. Idol popularity in the military tends to favor emotional connection, uplifting energy, and familiarity over trendiness. In this context, aespa, fromis_9, and IU clearly fulfilled those needs better than their high-profile counterparts.
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