J-Hope of BTS has become the first male K-pop solo artist to appear on the front cover of Billboard magazine since Psy did in 2012. The U.S. music magazine featured him on the cover of its May issue.
Billboard Korea published an article on Tuesday that highlighted J-Hope’s achievements. It said he is building a stronger connection with fans through his solo tour and new singles. The article added that he is creating his own path beyond BTS and aiming for bigger goals.
The article also noted that BTS fans, known as ARMY, are waiting for the group’s other members to finish their mandatory military service in South Korea. The group plans to reunite in June, but group activities will be paused until 2026. Meanwhile, J-Hope, who is 31 years old, is standing out as a solo artist. He is showing his versatility and creativity, going beyond his role in BTS.
J-Hope completed his military service last year. His bandmates Jungkook, V, Jimin, RM, and Suga are expected to finish theirs next month.
BTS, as a seven-member group, has appeared on Billboard’s cover twice before — once in 2018 and again in August 2021. But this solo cover is especially meaningful to J-Hope. In an interview, he talked about how artists he admired as a child inspired him. He hopes his own music can inspire others and spread positive energy.
He said, “I would be honored if my work could inspire others and pass on that same positive energy — that would mean the world to me.” He added, “Above all, I hope to continue growing into an artist who brings light and encouragement to others wherever I go.”
J-Hope is currently on his solo tour called “Hope on the Stage,” which started in February in Seoul. In April, he performed at BMO Stadium in the United States, becoming the first Korean solo artist to book that venue.
He will continue the tour with two concerts in Taiwan on Saturday and Sunday. After that, he will perform in Japan on May 31 and June 1. The tour will end with two final concerts in Goyang, Gyeonggi, on June 13 and 14.
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