After more than a decade of artistic evolution, J-hope is stepping confidently into a new era. With his latest single “Killin’ It Girl” (feat. GloRilla) making waves and the long-awaited BTS reunion on the horizon, the beloved artist is clearly back in his element — but with fresh perspective and deeper purpose.
From the vibrant pop of “Trivia: Just Dance” and “Outro: Ego” to the edgy rap-rock of 2022’s Jack in the Box, and now to the slick hip-hop energy of his upcoming album Charm of HOPE (out July 11), J-hope continues to redefine his sound with fearless reinvention. He credits it all to one core belief: stay true to what you love. “If I truly love what I’m creating, others will feel that too,” he says. “That’s why I always try to tell honest stories — that’s when I feel most authentic.”
Charm of HOPE features tracks like “Sweet Dreams” (feat. Miguel), “MONA LISA”, and of course, “Killin’ It Girl” — a song that bursts with emotional intensity and magnetic attraction. “I wanted to capture that energy that makes you hit repeat — bold, sensual, addictive,” he says. Teaming up with GloRilla was a natural fit: “Lately I’ve been drawn to artists who bring powerful presence. I knew GloRilla would elevate the track with unmatched energy and chemistry.”
His first live performance of “Killin’ It Girl” lit up the finale of Hope on the Stage Tour in Seoul on June 13 — perfectly timed to the 12th anniversary of BTS. All six other members were there, cheering him on from the crowd. Since the group’s hiatus began in 2022, J-hope has carved out his own lane, testing boundaries and building confidence as a solo performer.
“I’ve always believed in learning by doing,” he says. “There’s a Korean saying: ‘You won’t know until you try.’ That’s how I’ve done everything — and it still guides me.”
Before his historic solo headlining at Lollapalooza in Chicago back in 2022, J-hope admitted in his documentary that the pressure was intense. But fast-forward to now, he’s transformed into a commanding solo force — with stage presence, vision, and resilience.
As all BTS members near the end of their military service (with Suga set to return June 21), J-hope reflects on what’s next: “I’m genuinely excited for what’s ahead. I want to keep taking risks, facing challenges, and growing. I’m nowhere near done — I have so much left to learn and share.”
And the BTS reunion? The anticipation is real. “During my solo tour, I kept thinking about our old tours together,” he says. “I can’t wait to feel that again as a group — it’s going to be something truly special.”
“Killin’ It Girl (feat. GloRilla)” is out now on all platforms. Charm of HOPE is available for pre-order.
