J-Hope on Reuniting with BTS, Personal Growth, and the Group's Future

An interview with the BTS member, conducted in Seoul in mid-February following his military service, for Rolling Stone's May issue.

Reuniting with BTS

After completing his military service and a period of focused solo work, J-Hope reflected on the value of returning to the group.

"After my military service and solo work, reuniting allowed the other members to fill gaps in my expression and performance," he stated.

He emphasized the unique synergy of the seven-member team, expressing happiness that fans would be pleased with their reunion.

Solo Work and Evolving Perspective

J-Hope discussed the introspective lyrics of his 2022 solo track "Arson," specifically the line, "Do I put out the fire, or burn even brighter?" He explained that the song captured his conflicted emotions at the time, including worry about the attention he was receiving.

His perspective has since shifted. "I now view my experiences as part of my personal growth and learning," he said.

When asked if continuing as a group was a conscious choice, J-Hope highlighted the emotional weight of such decisions. "Keeping the flame burning feels like the most authentic choice for me," he explained.

On the "box" metaphor central to his 2022 album Jack in the Box, he noted it was fitting for that period but no longer applies. "I no longer feel confined to a box and am now focused on what I can create outside of it," he said, drawing inspiration from the concept of hope leaving Pandora's box.

His Role Within the Group

Addressing his perceived role in group cohesion and shared leadership, J-Hope dismissed the idea that it was a burden.

"I do not consider it a burden. My actions come naturally and are not a requirement," he described.

The Concept of Hope

J-Hope spoke about the responsibility that comes with his stage name. Adopting the name J-Hope led him to actively search for hope, a mindset he now encourages in others by suggesting a change in perspective.

BTS's Creative Process and Future

The group's recent process of traveling together to the United States to record marked a significant change. J-Hope noted this allowed them to show a new side of themselves and strengthen their core.

On his recent solo songs touching on romance, he observed that "love in my thirties carries a different weight than in my twenties," allowing for a more thoughtful and open approach.

Looking ahead, J-Hope's goal for BTS is focused on the present. "My current goal is to continue having fun making music with the group and to nurture our relationships with each other and our fans," he said, rather than setting a single large-scale objective.

Background

• J-Hope joined BigHit Entertainment (later Hybe) as a street dancer and learned to rap after becoming a member of BTS.
• His official solo debut was the 2022 album Jack in the Box, following his 2018 mixtape Hope World.
• Songwriter and collaborator James Essien described him as softly spoken and elegant, with a contrasting intensity in his rapping style.