J-hope, one of the dynamic forces behind BTS, is reflecting on his incredible journey, including his evolution as a solo artist and his return to the group.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 31-year-old rapper, singer, and dancer discussed the philosophy that continues to drive his artistic vision and the excitement of being reunited with his BTS family after a period of solo work.
A Guiding Belief: Authenticity in His Art
J-hope credits his ongoing success to a simple yet powerful belief: if he truly loves what he creates, his fans will feel that passion too. “If there’s one small belief I still hold on to, it’s that if I genuinely like what I make, listeners and fans will feel that, too,” he said.
“That’s why I always try to be honest in the stories I tell. And when it comes to making music, I think that’s when I’m at my most sincere.”
This dedication to sincerity has guided J-hope throughout his career, from his days in BTS to his solo projects. His upcoming album Charm of HOPE, set for release on July 11, is a testament to this approach, exploring a more mature side of himself as an artist.
Maturity and Growth in Charm of HOPE
After completing his mandatory military service, J-hope felt a clear vision for his solo work, which he described as reflecting “a deeper sense of maturity and growth.”
The album’s singles, including “Sweet Dreams” (featuring Miguel), “MONA LISA,” and “Killin’ It Girl” (featuring GloRilla), showcase themes of romance and emotional intensity—a new direction for J-hope’s music.
“Killin’ It Girl,” in particular, is about the magnetic pull toward someone and the emotional rush that comes with it. J-hope describes the track as “bold, sensual, and full of energy,” hoping it will become a song fans want to play on repeat.
The addition of GloRilla, an artist known for her commanding presence, was a natural choice for the track. “I was confident that GloRilla’s presence on the track would bring exceptional synergy,” J-hope explained.
Returning to BTS and Looking Ahead
While J-hope has found his footing as a solo artist, the upcoming BTS reunion has him excited for what’s to come. BTS announced a hiatus in June 2022 to allow members to work on solo projects and complete their military service. With Suga’s discharge coming up on June 21, all the members will soon be back together.
Reflecting on his solo experiences, J-hope shared that performing alone has made him appreciate the team dynamics in BTS even more.
“I was handling things on my own that we used to always do together, so I feel like doing them together again as a team will bring a whole new kind of emotion in a good way,” he said. “I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead.”
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth
J-hope’s journey as a solo artist hasn’t been without challenges. His performance at Lollapalooza in 2022 was a significant moment, and he admitted in a documentary that he felt anxious about how his performance would be received.
However, by the time he embarked on his solo world tour in 2023, J-hope had fully embraced the stage, delivering electrifying performances across 33 dates.
“I still want to keep taking risks, embrace pain, and grow from it all,” he shared. “I’m not done growing yet. There’s still so much to learn, and I’ll keep sharing it along the way.” His openness to growth and his determination to push through challenges have inspired not only his fans but also his BTS members.
A Bright Future for J-hope and BTS
With Charm of HOPE set to release soon and BTS’s future reunion on the horizon, J-hope’s journey is far from over. His passion for music, growth, and his bond with his BTS brothers continue to fuel his creativity and drive.
As he steps into the next chapter, J-hope is ready to embrace new opportunities while staying true to the guiding belief that has brought him this far: authenticity and sincerity in everything he creates.
