Which kpop idols would you describe as being "artist's artist" aka the inspiration for other idols to pursue their idol dreams?

An "artist's artist" is an artist that many other artists look up to or have been inspired by. They might not be as famous as their successors who look up to them, though they are usually credited for their influence on the next generation of artists.

For example, in the Western pop world, Lana del Rey is cited as an inspiration by many of today's big pop girlies - Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, Halsey, and Kali Uchis all name her as having had a direct influence on their musical style. Taylor Swift and Britney Spears are other big Western pop girlies of the last generation who are cited by many current pop stars (including kpop stars) as an inspiration.

I find it interesting to look up the influences of my favorite artists to check them out, including in kpop. I've noticed certain 2nd and 3rd gen kpop artists come up over and over again as inspiration for the 4th and 5th gen artists, including on their singing, rapping, or fashion style.

For example, CL is cited as an inspiration by a LOT of 3rd, 4th, and 5th gen idols, including Soyeon of G-IDLE, Lisa and Jennie of BLACKPINK, Giselle of aespa, Ruka of BABYMONSTER, Hyunjin of Loona, Jinny of Secret Number, Moon Sua of Billlie, Hyeongshin of Hot Issue, Exy of WJSN, Jiho of Oh My Girl, and probably even more I don't know about.

Who do you think of as the "artist's artist" of kpop in terms of their influence on the next gen of artists? Who do you see get referenced a lot as an influence by your faves?