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j-hope of BTS on his Billboard success and becoming the first solo Korean artist to headline BMO Stadium

BBG News

After enduring 18 months of military service, one might assume that most individuals would benefit from a well-deserved rest. However, this is not the case for Jung Ho-seok, famously known as j-hope from BTS. Instead of taking a break, he quickly swapped his uniform for travel attire last October and found himself jetting off to Los Angeles, eager to create fresh content. This marked his first project since his highly praised 2022 album “Jack in the Box,” which blended grunge-rock with boom bap hip-hop styles.

Even though “Jack in the Box” is officially recognized as Jack’s debut album, his solo music career actually dates back to 2015 when he released “1 Verse” on SoundCloud, which sampled The Game and Skrillex’s “El Chapo,” a song that came out in the same year.

In 2016, the BTS album “Wings” marked the first time that each of its seven members showcased individual works. Prior to this, attention was primarily on j-hope’s stylish, aggressive rapping (he is indeed the ‘swagmaster’ of BTS) and his dance skills, which were honed during his early days as a member of the Gwangju, South Korea-based Neuron dance crew.

Using “MAMA” for his solo work with Wings, he showcased his vocal abilities more expansively, drawing upon the soulful depths of his voice as an homage to his beloved mother.

2018 saw another significant milestone as he unveiled “Hope World,” a six-track mixtape. In the year that followed, j-hope dropped “Chicken Noodle Soup.” This upbeat hip-hop track drew inspiration from a 2006 song by New York artists DJ Webstar and Young B, but it also showcased Inglewood-born vocalist Becky G and lyrics in Korean, English, and Spanish. Given this multicultural blend, it was only natural that he traveled to L.A. to shoot its music video, where dancers from the L.A. dance scene performed its choreography in front of Chicken Shack’s iconic yellow car.

Since their group went on a brief hiatus in 2022 for solo endeavors, causing some concern among fans that they might be disbanding (they’re not), each member has since launched their own album, achieving individual success, and even prepared pre-recorded projects to be unveiled during this break.

Whilst serving as an active member of his group, J-Hope unveiled “Hope on the Street: Vol. 1,” a soundtrack accompanying his documentary series of the same title that showcased street dance in various cities worldwide. In this album, he collaborated with L.A.-based producers Benny Blanco and Blake Slatkin, who he joined forces with once more for his recent singles “Sweet Dreams” (with Miguel) and the infectious, dance-inspiring chart-topper “Mona Lisa.

In January, j-hope revealed plans for his inaugural solo tour titled “Hope On The Stage,” which will take him across North America to cities such as Brooklyn, Chicago, Mexico City, San Antonio, and Oakland. The tour is structured around key stages of his career and features a live band, along with 28 movable lifts that adapt the stage layout according to each performance.

Not only did “Sweet Dreams” and “Mona Lisa” surprise us with their inclusion in the tour setlist, but a third single has been announced for the Asian tour, commencing in the Philippines on April 12th.

As a dedicated BTS fanatic, I’ve been thrilled to immerse myself in one-of-a-kind experiences at every stop of their tour. From sampling local delicacies and acquiring unique merchandise tailored for each venue, to dancing along with their hit songs, it’s been an unforgettable journey. And the icing on the cake? The chance to participate in a special send-off for j-hope, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Throughout the tour, Instagram’s “For You” pages have been consistently filled with selfies featuring the cheerful celebrity, along with adorable interchanges. In each city he visits, he seems to outdo himself: dancing in cowboy hats and boots in San Antonio, speaking fluent Spanish in Mexico, even getting close enough for hugs and hand-holding at times.

Just before wrapping up the North American leg of his tour at BMO Stadium on Friday and Sunday, I had a chance to chat with this worldwide celebrity in a quiet setting close to the downtown stadium. Amidst his busy schedule of promotional events on Thursday, we managed to discuss his connection with the city, his creative pursuits, affection for ARMY, and upcoming goals. After our conversation, he made an appearance at that evening’s Lakers game.

Great news! This week, “Mona Lisa” has made its way onto the Billboard Hot 100, marking your seventh solo track to achieve this remarkable feat.

Wow.

You’re tied with Jung Kook.

[Laughs] It’s truly humbling to see so many of my songs on the charts, and I am deeply thankful in countless ways. The realization of how many people are embracing and resonating with my music fills me with joy, while simultaneously inspiring thoughts about the kind of music I should produce next as an artist. My life now is brimming with heightened expectation and excitement for what lies ahead.

Are you perhaps not focused on “charting” with “Jack in the Box”, but your recent releases suggest a greater level of ambition? Is that an accurate observation?

Absolutely, your insights are spot-on! Following my military service, I’ve been eager to tackle this challenge, and so far, I’ve primarily pursued what I enjoy. However, this time around, I wanted to join forces with talented producers who have a rich cultural background. I was intrigued to learn about their perspectives on j-hope as an artist. Once I made that decision, I sensed it would pave the way for fresh experiences and help me elevate my music even further. I genuinely believe this is a promising phase in my career.

The ‘Jack in the Box’ performance was amazing, but ‘Sweet Dreams’ and ‘Mona Lisa’ exude a unique, seductive atmosphere that the ARMY can’t get enough of. Are you also enjoying the reaction?

In essence, when creating these songs, I didn’t deliberately focus on this theme, but I aimed to convey the growth I experienced after completing my military service. This development seemed to emerge organically. Therefore, I wanted to present a different aspect of j-hope visually, offering something fresh and unique for my fans to appreciate.

Can we talk about Jay?

Jay? [laughs] Yes, ARMY calls.

Have we had an interesting tradition, you and the U.S. Army, where upon your arrival in the U.S., you transform into a character named “Jay”. Could you please share some insights about this persona?

It tickles my funny bone as well! I’m really feeling the atmosphere in America, having a blast and letting loose, which seems to bring out a more authentic version of myself. The fans seem to appreciate it too, making me feel good about the experiences I’ve had here in the U.S.

You seem to be having the time of your life on this tour. You’re interacting with the fans a lot more on a personal level, going out into the audience when you perform “=Equal Sign” picking someone [to interact with]. Has one of those moments stood out to you?

It’s clear you have a deep understanding of who I am, which I truly value. I’ve longed to share something extraordinary with the audience who’ve patiently waited, and these concerts were an opportunity for us to bond on a deeply personal level. A song called “=Equal Sign” encapsulates this sentiment perfectly, with its first line emphasizing our equality – “There is no one above us/There is no one under us.” To truly embody that message, I wanted to bridge the gap between us, engaging directly with my fans and looking them in the eye rather than performing from a distant stage. This intimate connection with my audience has been incredibly rewarding.

Looking at your upcoming performances, it feels surreal that I’m now writing about you as the first solo Korean artist to headline BMO Stadium. Back in 2013, when you were still taken aback by a simple packet of fan mail, could you have ever imagined reaching this monumental milestone? The thought is truly awe-inspiring.

Looking back, I never thought my life would turn out as it has, and I’m truly thankful for where I am now. As the years go by, it’s heartening to see an increasing number of people connecting with and enjoying my music. I believe it’s their encouragement and enthusiasm that empower me to be the artist I am today.

In part, “Hope on the Stage” is a homage to your roots as a street dancer, yet it showcases not just your dance skills, but also your singing talents with a live band. You’ve been modest about your vocal prowess, but your voice is truly impressive and versatile. When did you first discover your singing abilities? Was it a gradual evolution from rapping?

In the course of my music journey, I’ve cultivated a versatile style that feels authentic to me. Along this path, I’ve been experimenting and exploring different aspects of my voice. This experimentation seems to resonate with listeners, as they appreciate the natural quality of my vocals. However, I don’t claim perfection in my vocals; instead, I’m constantly working to improve them further. It’s challenging to identify a specific turning point. Prior to my debut, I received vocal training, and as I began recording, my unique style gradually emerged. The transformation wasn’t instantaneous but rather a gradual evolution.

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I’ve been fortunate enough to immerse myself in the vibrant L.A. lifestyle during my time here. In the initial phases of my journey with BTS, we were part of a reality show that offered us invaluable guidance from none other than Warren G and Coolio! They even escorted us to Long Beach’s exclusive VIP Records, an experience I’ll never forget.

You watched this — wow [laughs].

Sure thing…[chuckles] …That encounter reminded me of the American Hustle Life. From that experience, I still hold onto the lessons about hip-hop culture that have stayed with me till now.

Reflecting back, its impact on me went beyond mere musical influence. As a youngster at the time, I feel I could grasp so much more if given another chance. However, it was an intriguing period as I navigated through a culture entirely distinct from my upbringing. I firmly believe those experiences were instrumental in shaping my development and molding me into who I am today. This transformation is the key takeaway from that journey for me.

Rest in peace, Coolio.

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2025-04-05 13:31

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