The group members have evolved a lot as individuals and artists
In a recent interview with the American program Zach Sang Show, J-Hope, one of the members of the global phenomenon BTS, reflected on the process of individual growth faced by the band members during the hiatus that began in 2022. According to the artist, the separation was necessary so that each one could evolve both personally and professionally, especially while they were completing their mandatory military service in South Korea and embarking on solo careers.
“In order for us to continue working as a team in a healthy way, it was essential that each one followed their own path for a while. This involved challenges, yes, but it also provided maturity and new perspectives,” said J-Hope.
During the hiatus, the BTS members launched solo music projects, faced the demands of enlistment, and had different experiences. J-Hope emphasized that these experiences will be fundamental in the group’s next phase. “What we learned alone will strengthen what we will do together. When we reunite, we will bring renewed energy to our music,” he said.
The chat aired almost seven months after J-Hope’s official discharge from the South Korean military. He was the second BTS member to complete his service, succeeding Jin. Other members — RM, Suga, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook — are about to finish their respective military periods, with their return scheduled for June of this year.
Even during the hiatus, J-Hope has maintained his active artistic presence. Since 2022, he has released the album Jack in the Box, the EP Hope on the Street Vol. 1, and, most recently, the single “Mona Lisa”, released in March 2025.
With the reunion of the BTS members approaching, fans’ expectations are growing. According to J-Hope, this new moment promises to be even more impactful, with each member bringing to light everything they have experienced — and learned — in these two years of separate paths.
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J-Hope’s Reflections on His Time in the Army
After completing 18 months of mandatory service in the South Korean Armed Forces, J-Hope, a member of the group BTS, shared his reflections on this period of intense personal and professional transformation. In an exclusive interview with Apple Music 1 with host Zane Lowe, the artist — whose real name is Jung Ho-seok — spoke candidly about how the experience impacted his worldview and identity.
“It’s a duty that I carry with pride,” said the singer and dancer. “Being part of the army reconnected me with core values. I met people from completely different backgrounds, lived a routine off stage, and learned a lot about myself.” Officially discharged in October 2024, J-Hope became the second member of BTS to complete his enlistment, following in Jin’s footsteps. RM, Suga, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook are expected to return to civilian life by June of this year.
During the conversation, the Chicken Noodle Soup singer explained that, despite his time away from the music industry, he never stopped feeling connected to art. “Even though I was wearing the uniform, there was a part of me that continued to live in music. It never abandoned me,” he said.
BTS, who haven’t released a group album since 2020’s Be, had their activities interrupted due to their members’ mandatory military service. Still, the members continued to develop individual projects during this time, maintaining their connection with fans around the world.
Now, with the return to civilian life getting closer for all the members, J-Hope revealed that plans for a reunion are being drawn up. “Very soon, we will all be together to talk about what’s next for BTS. I believe that this will generate extraordinary energy,” he concluded.
