Cover j-hope at BTS's album "BE" release (Photo: Getty Images)
j-hope at BTS's album "BE" release (Photo: Getty Images)
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Let’s dive into what makes this rapper, dancer, and singer key to the band’s success
For a musical group to be successful, everyone must have an intuitive understanding of their role. The leader steers the team forward, working in tandem with the other members who enhance the group through their unique strengths.
In the case of global pop sensation BTS, j-hope balances between maintaining a cheerful attitude and having a razor-sharp knowledge of dance. Living up to his stage name, j-hope infuses every performance with charisma and joy. He is known for lightening the mood in each room he enters, while still maintaining a high standard of success for every performance.
j-hope’s distinctive personality has made him a beloved member of the Korean boyband BTS, who announced their hiatus in 2022. As the members return from the military in the coming months, it’s time to be reacquainted with the BTS member who is known as sunshine personified.
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He was the first South Korean artist to perform at Lollapalooza in 2022
Above j-hope performing Arson at Lollapalooza 2022
After BTS announced their hiatus, j-hope was the first member to promote his solo work. He first performed his debut solo album Jack In The Box at Lollapalooza as the headlining act for the festival’s first day.
In his first mixtape, Hope World, he experimented with genres like synth-pop, trap, house and funk. He took a darker approach with Jack In The Box, which featured elements of grunge, R&B and old-school hip hop. Taking inspiration from the Greek myth of Pandora, Jack In The Box delves into the unintended consequences of fame while balancing one’s creative expression.
j-hope leads the dance line of BTS
Above BTS members Jimin, Jungkook and j-hope performing "Graduation Song" (Photo: Soundcloud / BTS)
Above Jungkook, Jimin and j-hope of BTS's dance line performing a choreography of "Butter (Megan Thee Stallion Remix)" (Photo: X / BTS)
BTS members Jimin, Jungkook and j-hope performing "Graduation Song" (Photo: Soundcloud / BTS)
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Even before his debut with BTS, J-Hope was well-known for his dancing skills. He studied at the Gwangju Music Academy for six years before signing with Big Hit Entertainment. He used to be part of the street dance troupe Neuron. Additionally, he won an underground dance battle in Gwangju and even won first place in a national dance competition in 2008.
Now, j-hope leads BTS’ dance line, which includes Jimin and Jungkook. One of their most recent performances was a choreography of BTS’s song Butter featuring Megan Thee Stallion.
j-hope once dreamt of being a professional tennis player
Above j-hope playing tennis for a Run BTS variety show episode (Photo: Weverse)
j-hope playing tennis for a Run BTS variety show episode (Photo: Weverse)
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In elementary school, J-hope used to play tennis. He won a bronze medal in a competition. Although his career path shifted to dancing, he enjoyed the Run BTS variety show episode where the members played tennis against one another.
He is close to his family and his dog, Mickey
Above j-hope with his family's Shih Tzu Mickey (Photo: Instagram / uarmyhope)
j-hope with his family's Shih Tzu Mickey (Photo: Instagram / uarmyhope)
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j-hope has an older sister named Jung Ji-woo, also known as MEJIWOO. She is a businesswoman, model and influencer who owns a fashion company. The siblings also look after their Shih Tzu, Mickey. They often dress him up in adorable outfits with accessories such as bows and pins.
He has collaborated with Western stars like Becky G and J. Cole
Above j-hope with Becky G after performing at Lollapalooza 2022 (Photo: Instagram / uarmyhope)
Above j-hope and J.Cole (Photo: Instagram / uarmyhope)
j-hope with Becky G after performing at Lollapalooza 2022 (Photo: Instagram / uarmyhope)
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In 2019, j-hope released the single Chicken Noodle Soup featuring Becky G. The song reached 81st place on the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first BTS member to chart on the Hot 100 as a solo artist and the sixth South Korean artist to do so.
Before j-hope enlisted in 2022, he released a song called On The Street with J. Cole. j-hope has famously said that J. Cole is one of his musical inspirations, so this collaboration was eagerly anticipated by fans. The song was also a parting gift for BTS’s fanbase, collectively known as ARMY.
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He was a brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton
j-hope holding the Keepall bag for his solo Louis Vuitton campaign (Photo: Instagram / Louis Vuitton)
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Last year, Louis Vuitton released a campaign featuring j-hope carrying the brand’s iconic Keepall bag while striking different poses, revealing the fluid and dynamic dance style he is renowned for. This was not their first collaboration–in 2021, BTS members became the brand’s global ambassadors.
j-hope’s bright personality brings happiness to the other BTS members
BTS members after Permission To Dance On Stage in Las Vegas (Photo: Instagram / uarmyhope)
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Jimin’s first impression of j-hope was that he was friendly and welcoming, an attitude that he has maintained since then. j-hope maintains an upbeat, positive outlook no matter what the circumstances are.
Although he is considered a member of the hyung (older brother) line, he can often be found playing around with the maknae (younger brother) line, composed of Jimin, V and Jungkook.
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
