Jung Ho-seok, known professionally as J-Hope is a South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, dancer, and record producer. He was born on February 18, 1994 in Gwangju, South Korea, where he lived with his parents and older sister, Jung Ji-woo. His family is from the Hadong Jeong clan [ko]. Growing up, he showed an early interest in dance and became a prominent street dancer before joining the entertainment industry. Encouraged by his parents and older sister, J-Hope auditioned for Big Hit Entertainment and successfully became a trainee, where his incredible dance skills and natural stage presence quickly set him apart. In 2013, he debuted as a member of BTS, captivating audiences with his energy, bright persona, and powerful rap style. Beyond performing, J-Hope has been inspired by a diverse range of musicians — especially hip-hop and funk artists — which shaped his sound and approach to music. Throughout his career, he has also drawn from personal experiences, using his lyrics to encourage self-love, hope, and positivity. In March 2019, J-Hope enrolled at Hanyang Cyber University for the Master of Business Administration program in Advertising and Media. He previously graduated from Global Cyber University with a degree in Broadcasting and Entertainment.
Four: Daydream
J-Hope released “Daydream” on March 2, 2018, as the lead single from his debut solo mixtape Hope World, using its bright, funky, and tropical house sound to explore his desire to escape the pressures of fame and live an ordinary, carefree life. This track has garnered over 170M streams on spotify and 168M views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. Throughout the song, he paints a vivid picture of his inner thoughts as a celebrity who daydreams about doing simple things like going on trips or dating, which are impossible for him because of his busy idol life. The playful, colorful music video matches this dreamy theme perfectly with its bold pop-art style and energetic dance sequences that show off his talent as a performer. “Daydream” quickly gained millions of views and helped Hope World debut at No. 63 on the Billboard 200, making him one of the most successful Korean solo artists at the time. Beyond its catchy sound and bright visuals, “Daydream” also allowed fans to see J-Hope’s more personal, honest side, inspiring listeners around the world to embrace their own daydreams.
FYI
- His stage name, J-Hope (제이홉), comes from his desire to represent hope for fans, as well as to be “the hope of BTS”.
Three: More
Garnering over 310M streams on spotify and over 87M views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube, “More” is the lead single from J-Hope’s first full-length solo album, Jack in the Box, released on July 1, 2022. Unlike the bright and playful style that many fans were used to, “More” showed a darker, grungier side of J-Hope, driven by strong hip-hop and rock influences. Lyrically, “More” explores his inner struggles and relentless drive for more success, more self-expression, and more personal growth. The music video matches this energy with chaotic, rebellious visuals — one moment, J-Hope is in a dimly-lit office, then in a messy garage or punk-rock setting — symbolizing the different versions of himself. Fans and critics praised this bold creative shift, as it showcased his versatility and fearlessness in trying something new. Commercially, “More” was a hit — it topped iTunes charts in over 80 countries, broke into global streaming charts on Spotify with millions of plays, and landed on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart. Its popularity helped his album “Jack in the Box” chart worldwide and proved that J-Hope can hold his own as a solo artist outside BTS.
Two : Killin’ It Girl ft. GloRilla
J‑Hope’s most recent single, “Killin’ It Girl,” Released on June 13, 2025 — BTS’s 12th anniversary date — the song marks the final installment in J‑Hope’s solo trilogy following “Sweet Dreams” and “Mona Lisa”. This track is a sleek hip‑hop/pop track with minimalistic yet bold production and it captures the thrill of love at first sight and the magnetic pull toward someone unforgettable. It has garnered over 28M streams on spotify and over 18M views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. There are two versions of this track, one with GloRilla’s fiery rap and the other without. Billboard praised the synergy between the artists contrasting styles of music. J-hope debuted “Killin’ It Girl” during the finale of his “Hope On The Stage” world tour in Seoul (June 13), where BTS members cheered him on. Fans buzzed over the intense chemistry in the Music video—which was directed by Cody Critcheloe and filmed in Thailand, the video oscillates between full-color and monochrome scenes—many jokingly wanted a kiss scene, but largely praised the sensual choreo, confident visuals, and J‑Hope’s raw stage presence.
Awards/nominations
- J‑Hope’s award journey began in 2021 when he was celebrated as the World’s Best Dancer at the Global Nubia Awards, followed in 2022 by multiple wins at the MAMA Awards, including Most Popular Male Artist and the Bibigo Culture & Style Award, as well as recognition at the PAK-Kpop & K-Drama Brazilian Awards for Best Male Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “More.”
- In 2023, he earned the R&B Track of the Year award at the Korean Hip-Hop Awards for “Rush Hour,” was nominated for a Grammy as a co-songwriter on Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres, and scored further nominations at the Seoul Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and The Fact Music Awards for his work on Jack in the Box and “On the Street.”
- Throughout 2024, he received a win for Favourite On Screen at the iHeartRadio Music Awards for his documentary j-hope IN THE BOX, along with nominations at the Hanteo Music Awards and the Korea Grand Music Awards for tracks like “NEURON” and “i wonder…,” and in 2025 he most recently took home the Best Music: Spring award at The Fact Music Awards for his hit single “Sweet Dreams,” solidifying his status as a globally celebrated solo artist across dance, hip-hop, and pop.
Discography
- Hope World (2018)
- Jack in the Box (2022)
- Jack in the Box (HOPE Edition) (2023)
One: Chicken Noodle Soup ft. Becky G
“Chicken Noodle Soup” is a fun and energetic collaboration between J-Hope and American singer Becky G, released on September 27, 2019. The song pays tribute to the early-2000s hit of the same name by DJ Webstar and Young B — a track J-Hope often danced to when he was training before his debut. Mixing Korean, English, and Spanish lyrics, it celebrates cultural exchange and unity through dance and music. It has garnered over 214M streams on spotify and over 416M views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. The music video is super vibrant and packed with street dance scenes that highlight both J-Hope’s incredible dance skills and Becky G’s star power. Shot in Los Angeles with dancers from all kinds of backgrounds, it quickly went viral — especially on TikTok — as people started the “Chicken Noodle Soup Challenge,” which had millions recreating the choreography across the globe. Commercially, the song was a big success. It debuted at #81 on the Billboard Hot 100, making J-Hope the first BTS member to chart solo on the Hot 100 at the time. It also topped iTunes charts in multiple countries, cementing it as one of his most famous solo hits. More than just a catchy song, “Chicken Noodle Soup” was a perfect example of J-Hope’s versatility — celebrating his roots as a dancer, showcasing his hip-hop style, and embracing global collaboration in a super fun and feel-good way.
