J-Hope is often described as “softly spoken and kind of elegant” by his collaborators, such as songwriter James Essien. However, that composure shifts instantly when he takes the mic. “When he raps, it’s like DMX just comes in,” Essien notes. This duality defines Jeong Hoseok, the street dancer turned global superstar who has spent the last decade redefining his artistry within BTS and as a solo force.
Following his military service and a successful solo run with 2022’s Jack in the Box and his 2018 mixtape Hope World, J-Hope has returned to the fold of his group. The experience of performing solo highlighted the unique synergy of the septet. “Now that we’re back together, the other members are filling in any gaps that I feel in my expression, in my performance,” he explains, reflecting on the reunion at the Hybe headquarters in Seoul.
The Strength of Seven
The reunion isn’t just a professional milestone; it’s a realization of the group’s collective power. J-Hope reflects on how each member’s individual excellence contributes to a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. This sentiment is echoed in the group’s recent work, where the presence of all seven members creates a sense of completeness that was missed during their individual chapters. For J-Hope, the most rewarding aspect is the joy it brings to the fans, a sentiment he shares deeply.
Extinguishing the Arson
In his solo track “Arson,” J-Hope posed a pivotal question: “Do I put out the fire, or burn even brighter?” This line mirrors the internal struggles the group faced, including RM’s admission that he once contemplated disbandment. For J-Hope, the lyric was a reflection of the overwhelming pressure of global fame. In 2022, he questioned if the constant attention was sustainable. However, his perspective has since matured. He now views these challenges as essential parts of his growth, choosing to keep the flame burning as the most authentic expression of himself.
Escaping the Box
The metaphor of the “box” was central to his debut solo album, representing the constraints and expectations he felt as an idol. Today, J-Hope feels he has moved beyond those walls. Drawing from the myth of Pandora’s box, he notes that while evil was released, hope remained inside. He is now focused on what “hope” faces outside the box—confronting a spectrum of emotions from joy to negativity and incorporating them into his music. He is no longer interested in staying within a safe creative space; he wants to face life’s complexities head-on.
The Weight of a Name
J-Hope’s role within BTS is often described as the emotional glue of the group. While RM leads, J-Hope shares that leadership by maintaining the group’s internal harmony. He doesn’t view this as a burden but as a natural extension of his personality. Interestingly, he admits that his stage name, J-Hope, has shaped him as much as he has shaped it. By taking responsibility for the name, he trained himself to find hope in every situation, effectively becoming the person his fans needed him to be. “It’s like the name made me who I am,” he admits.
A New Perspective on Romance
His recent work, including the album Arirang, shows a newfound comfort in exploring romantic themes. J-Hope attributes this to entering his thirties, a decade that brings a different weight to love than one’s twenties. He believes that dealing with emotional themes requires more thoughtfulness and care as one matures. “I realized that love as a concept gets more and more refined as time goes by,” he says, noting that this maturity has allowed him to speak more openly and thoughtfully about emotional themes.
BTS 2.0: The Path Forward
As BTS enters its next phase, the goal is no longer just about climbing to the top of the charts or achieving superstardom. For J-Hope, “BTS 2.0” is about the joy of the moment and nurturing the relationship between the members and their fans. Rather than chasing grander ambitions, he is focused on the longevity of their bond and the simple pleasure of making music together. “That’s my only goal, and my hope,” he concludes. “I want that.”
Production and Fashion Credits: Styling by YEJIN KIM. Hair by HANSOM, HWAYEON, and HYUNWOO LEE. Makeup by DAREUM KIM and SHINAE. Set design by YEABYUL JEON. Produced by NUHANA. Executive Producer SOOH HWANG. RS Video DoP MIKE BEECH. Clothing: Jacket and shoes by LOUIS VUITTON. Watch by AUDEMARS PIGUET.