It was there that his recent military life converged with his omnipresent pop star status.
At the second of three concerts in Seoul, the singer-songwriter-producerpointed at a familiar facein the crowd.
But it wasnt one of his bandmates.
Courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC
My military junior is here!
a clearly delighted J-Hope explained to his fans, while also addressing his friend.
What are you doing here?
I was so surprised that I couldnt concentrate in the middle of the performance.
This doesnt necessarily mean they entered the military as buddies.
That J-Hope was able to spot the young man at a sold-out concert is indicative of the idols charm.
Heseesand celebrates his fans, both literally and metaphorically.
Gwangju is famous for a pair of 20th-century uprisings that played an important role in Koreas democracy.
In 1929, the Gwangju Student Movement fought against imperial Japans colonization of Korea.
The official report noted that 170 civilians were casualties of what Chuns regime referred to as the GwangjuRiot.
But expertsestimatethat the figure was closer to 1,000 deaths.
His rap (Press 062-518 everyone) may seem innocuous to the casual listener.
But 062 is Gwangjus area code, and the beginning of the Gwangju Uprising was on May 18.
The lyrics are his way of reminding listeners that the present is informed by the past.
Today, J-Hope is wealthy beyond anything he couldve imagined as a child.
But he also hails from a country that was split into two during the Korean War.
So its not surprising that idols like J-Hope often eat during their real-time video streams.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Id say I still feel pressure, but its significantly been lowered.
On the other hand, I still feel the same level of responsibility.
With that in mind, I always carry that sense of responsibility.
I consider it my mission and duty to uphold.
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.
I need to experience something new to be able to really understand what I have now.
A couple months after the films premiere, you enlisted in the South Korean military.
Lets talk a little bit about Sweet Dreams.
I understand its about being loved and wanting to love.
Youre arguably one of the most beloved musicians on the planet.
I remember sending him a personal text to thank him.
It was important for me to infuse wit and uniqueness into the concept.
In the video, you could see the house expanding as the feeling of love grows.
I also wanted to create a mysteriously alluring ambience.
I was very happy that everyone liked it.
SUGA had a very successfulsolo tourin 2023.
A live band will be part of it, of course.
Which leads us to the question: How do you like living alone?
Taking action on my own and facing challenges head-on have all been essential in growing as an adult.
I believe that these experiences are playing a key role in laying the foundation for my life.
Did you seethe footageof the conductor really getting into your set?
It was incredibly powerful and made my heart race.
You will be kicking off the North American leg of your Hope on the Stage Tour shortly.
Who will be taking the stage?
Perhaps all of these personas?I think the question itself is the answer.
I believe Hope on the Stage is the tour that will show every facet of who I am.
Its a window into the full scope of J-Hope.
