J-Hope’s Enduring Belief and the Joy of a BTS Reunion
For twelve years, J-Hope has embarked on a remarkable musical journey. His latest project arrives during BTS’s much-anticipated reunion, a moment that feels perfectly natural to him.
As a member of the globally renowned K-pop group and, more recently, as a solo artist, the 31-year-old J-Hope has effortlessly traversed various genres. His musical range is evident in songs like “Trivia: Just Dance” and “Outro: Ego,” as well as the harder-edged sounds of his 2022 album, *Jack in the Box*, and the upcoming *Charm of HOPE*, releasing July 11th.
This remarkable adaptability stems from a straightforward guiding principle—a belief that has shaped his career and recently led to a newfound maturity.
J-Hope explains his core belief: He firmly believes that if he genuinely enjoys his creations, his audience will connect with them as well. This commitment to authenticity shapes his storytelling and music-making process.
This sincerity is evident in *Charm of HOPE*, which showcases a more mature side of the artist, with songs that explore themes of new romantic relationships—a departure from his earlier work.
He describes “Killin’ It Girl,” featuring GloRilla, as a song that captures the intense, alluring feelings of attraction, aiming for a bold and sensual tone.
The collaboration with GloRilla, according to J-Hope, was a natural fit, as he is currently drawn to artists who possess a strong and distinctive presence.
J-Hope debuted “Killin’ It Girl” live at the sold-out Seoul concert on June 13th, which marked BTS’s twelfth anniversary. The other BTS members were in attendance, showcasing their support.
Since June 2022, when BTS announced their temporary hiatus to pursue individual projects and fulfill their military service, J-Hope has focused on establishing himself as a solo artist.
He attributes his success to his proactive approach and the Korean saying, “you won’t know until you try it,” which reflects his philosophy of learning through experience. This has helped him tremendously on his journey.
His evolution is evident; from initial anxieties before his Lollapalooza performance in July 2022, to the confident and electrifying performances showcased on his 33-date world tour.
With all BTS members completing their military service, J-Hope expresses excitement about the future. His solo journey has fueled his ambition to continue taking risks and learning from every experience. Growth remains a priority; he plans to continue sharing his evolution with his fans.
Regarding the future of BTS, J-Hope reflects on his solo tour, noting that handling tasks previously done collaboratively now feels different. He anticipates a renewed emotional depth when working as a group again.
“Killin’ It Girl (feat. GloRilla)” is currently available. *Charm of HOPE* is available for pre-order now.