j-hope on Tour, ‘Candy Goals’, ‘Mona Lisa’, BTS & His Cultural Influence

Finest often known as a dancer, rapper and singer-songwriter in BTS, j-hope has lengthy stood out, with a magnetic stage presence and fascinating dance strikes that helped propel the group to international stardom. Now — as ARMY world wide anticipate the group’s remaining members finishing South Korea’s necessary army service and BTS reuniting in June, with group actions on maintain till 2026 — the charismatic 31-year-old is distinguishing himself additional, carving out a daring solo identification that showcases a versatility and inventive vary that stretch far past his BTS persona.

Following his 2022 debut solo album, Jack within the Field, which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200, and his 2024 Hope on the Avenue, Vol. 1 EP that rose to No. 5 on the chart, j-hope has already launched collaborations this yr with stars together with Miguel, Don Toliver and Pharrell Williams. And together with his Hope on the Stage World Tour, which kicked off Feb. 28 in Seoul, j-hope is reaching new heights: His present at Los Angeles’ BMO Stadium made him the primary South Korean male solo artist to headline a U.S. stadium. (His bandmate Jin will hit the highway this summer season.) The tour — which is able to wrap June 1 after visiting 15 markets throughout North America and Asia, together with a Might 31 present in Osaka, Japan, that might be broadcast reside to cinemas world wide — has mirrored his personal inventive development as he prepares for the subsequent stage of his solo journey together with his upcoming album. J-hope sat down with Billboard Korea in Los Angeles for an unique chat about his music, touring and inspirations.

What does it imply to you to be on the duvet of Billboard as a solo artist?

Rising up, Billboard appeared like a very totally different universe to me. I’d observe the charts to see the place my favourite artists landed, and that’s how I obtained a way of the period’s musical stream and what sounds have been defining every second. So having my very own music acknowledged by Billboard nonetheless feels surreal and thrilling. To me, Billboard stays a dreamlike presence, and the superb factor is, that dream continues to be unfolding, very similar to my tune, “Sweet Dreams.”

You’re broadly thought to be an emblem of hope — not solely on your followers, but additionally for a lot of Asian artists globally. How does it really feel to have that sort of impression?

Simply as I drew inspiration from the artists I admired rising up, shaping my very own music via their affect, I’d be honored if my work may encourage others and go on that very same optimistic vitality — that will imply the world to me. Above all, I hope to proceed rising into an artist who brings gentle and encouragement to others wherever I am going.

Is there a specific message you need to convey with this tour?

Embracing my identification as j-hope, I discovered myself reflecting extra deeply on the true essence of hope. I spotted it’s not one thing to be taken frivolously, so I needed to channel that sincerity into my music and convey it to life via Hope on the Stage, sharing it with as many individuals as doable. I used to be hands-on with every thing — stage design, choreography, vogue and even the props — pouring my coronary heart into each facet. I hope the viewers left with a way of real positivity and inspiration. Transferring ahead, I need to maintain creating genuine performances that unite everybody via the facility of music.

You made historical past in April as the primary South Korean male solo artist to headline a U.S. stadium. How did that really feel?

Having carried out at numerous stadiums with BTS, I used to be all the time a part of a seven-member crew filling the stage. This time, I used to be alone, and actually, I questioned if I may deal with that immense vitality and stress on my own. However I pulled it off and meaning loads to me — it’s a milestone I’ll all the time cherish.

You’re usually hailed as a vogue icon. What ignited your love of favor?

Ever since I used to be younger, I’ve had a real ardour for garments. I don’t actually see myself as a fashionista — I simply have a deep, real love for vogue. To me, clothes is a strong technique to specific my identification. Even throughout BTS world excursions, I’d make time to go to native boutiques and discover totally different types, which actually helped form my private aesthetic over time. For my solo world tour, I handpicked each outfit for every efficiency, making certain each look was distinct. I imagine my strategy to vogue provides a enjoyable, dynamic aspect for followers to get pleasure from whereas watching my reveals.

Your current single, “Mona Lisa,” debuted at No. 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was launched in March two weeks after your Miguel collaboration, “Candy Goals.” What’s the story behind these tracks?

I imagine my music ought to evolve as I develop. Earlier than my enlistment, I leaned into my roots in dance, experimenting with a wide range of sounds to specific totally different sides of myself. However only a week after my discharge, I headed straight to the U.S. as a result of I needed to discover how the American producers I like would interpret my sound. “Candy Goals” that includes Miguel — an artist I’ve lengthy revered — has a easy, soulful vibe that feels deeply private. Alternatively, “Mona Lisa” brings a hip-hop-driven efficiency vitality. Each tracks are simple to attach with, but they provide a glimpse into the broader, extra advanced musical world I’m constructing. That is simply the beginning — I’ve loads extra musical experiments in retailer.

This story seems within the Might 17, 2025, subject of Billboard.