Singer is currently among the most listened to in the world
South Korean rapper J-Hope, a member of the group BTS, is enjoying one of the most remarkable moments of his career. On tour in the United States after completing 18 months of mandatory military service, the artist has stood out both on stage and in the music charts, winning over audiences with his new sound and more mature image.
During an interview with the Los Angeles Times, J-Hope shared details about his current artistic phase. The singles “Sweet Dreams” and “Mona Lisa” — recently released — marked a turning point in his discography, with a more sensual and sophisticated proposal. “I didn’t think much about it during the process, but I wanted to create something that reflected my evolution after military service. The songs came about naturally, almost like an extension of who I became,” he said.
More than a sound transformation, J-Hope highlighted his intention to present a new visual and artistic side to the public. “I wanted to reveal another side of myself, something that my fans might not have seen yet. That was my creative impulse,” he explained.
Another key aspect of this new phase was the decision to collaborate with renowned international producers. For the rapper, this step was strategic and enriching. “I wanted to work with professionals who had a deeper understanding of global culture. It was a way to test myself and broaden my musical horizons,” he said. “These collaborations made me see J-Hope in a new light. I believe this experience opened doors for me to experiment more and take my music to new heights.”
The impact of the new sound can already be felt: both “Sweet Dreams” and “Mona Lisa” have reached positions on Billboard’s prestigious Hot 100 chart, consolidating the artist’s success in the United States.
“Seeing my songs receive this recognition is an immense honor. It’s gratifying to know that so many people are connecting with what I create,” said the rapper, excited. “This response from the public inspires me to think about the future of my music with even more affection. I feel like I’m living in a period full of enthusiasm and great expectations.”
Find out what J-Hope said about BTS’s comeback
The wait for ARMYs is coming to an end! BTS, one of the biggest K-Pop groups in the world, will have its long-awaited comeback in 2025, after all of its members complete their military service. The confirmation came through J-Hope, who has already fulfilled his military obligations and is currently on a solo tour. During a live broadcast on Weverse, he shared his excitement about the group’s reunion.
“I miss them, of course. But it won’t be long before we see each other again. Whenever we talk in our group, I say: ‘our members, to combat!’. We will be together soon”, declared the artist.
Countdown to BTS Reunion
By June 21, 2025, all BTS members will be officially discharged from their military obligations, which are mandatory for all South Korean men. Jin and J-Hope are already exempt from military service, while RM and V will conclude their activities on June 10. The following day, it will be Jimin and Jungkook’s turn, and finally, SUGA, who is currently serving alternative service in government offices, will be released on June 21.
Uninterrupted success, even on hiatus
Even away from the stage as a group, BTS continues to break records. In the first three months of 2025, the group reached one billion streams on Spotify, becoming the first K-Pop group to achieve this feat without being active. With 24.3 million monthly listeners on the platform, hits such as “FAKE LOVE”, “Dynamite”, “My Universe”, “Boy With Luv”, “Left and Right”, “Butter”, “Life Goes On”, “Spring Day” and “DNA” continue to be among the public’s favorites.
