Photo credit: www.news18.com
Last Updated: March 08, 2025, 17:50 IST
The 31-year-old K-pop idol said that his time in the military “became an opportunity for more exploration.”
BTS member J-Hope, who recently completed his military service, shared his insights and thoughts regarding the experience after being discharged in mid-October 2024. As the second member of the globally acclaimed K-pop group to finish his duty, he spent 18 months serving in the military and has since focused on his music career.
In a candid conversation with Rolling Stone, J-Hope discussed how his time in service influenced his creative process. He expressed that despite the quiet phase post-discharge, he was not idle; rather, he was engaged in developing new musical projects inspired by his military experiences. “I think the period of rest that naturally came with the situation actually became an opportunity for more exploration,” he reflected.
J-Hope elaborated on his awakening during that time, noting, “I found a lot of new inspiration and got to spend much time thinking about the future. I also started making plans for what I want to do once I complete my military service.” This period of introspection allowed him to envision his artistic direction after returning to the music scene.
During his military training, J-Hope gained valuable insights into himself and his artistry. He stated, “I still believe that experiences are invaluable. The thoughts I had during those times have become an inseparable part of me, nurturing and shaping who I am today.” He emphasized that these reflections have significantly influenced his storytelling, musical aspirations, choreography, and his work’s overall depth.
Enlisting as an active-duty soldier on April 18, 2023, J-Hope completed his basic training by May and served as an assistant training instructor with the 36th Infantry Division in Wonju. His commitment to service lasted until his discharge on October 17, 2024.
Currently, J-Hope is on his “Hope on the Stage World Tour,” which kicked off in Seoul on February 28. Alongside his tour, he released a new digital single titled “Sweet Dreams,” collaborating with Grammy-winning artist Miguel. The tour is set to visit multiple cities across the United States and Asia, wrapping up on June 1 in Osaka, Japan.
J-Hope is also making plans for his solo debut performance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” scheduled for March 10, presenting yet another exciting chapter in his evolving career.
Source
www.news18.com