‘18 months changed me’: BTS’ J-Hope reflects on life post-military and OT7 reunion in new Apple Music interview

BTS J-Hope says, ‘I returned as a changed person’

Before BTS’ enlistment, there was a lot of chaos in South Korea, with officials even considering giving the boy band a special exemption from mandatory service due to their massive impact on the global music industry and the benefits they brought to South Korea in terms of tourism and other sectors. However, the members themselves showed interest in serving the country. In a recent interview with Zane Lowe, J-Hope was asked about his time serving, to which the K-pop idol responded, “I think it’s only natural for young people in South Korea to take on this responsibility,” adding that he views himself as a proud citizen. “I thought it was a very important part of J-Hope’s, or Jung Ho Seok’s, life.” J-Hope revealed that military life changed a lot for him and that he now sees things differently.

“It’s a different experience, also, in reality, I’ve learned a different life,” he continued. “ And in many ways, I got to meet people from all walks of life and I received a lot of good energy. And I heard a lot of good things. But also, you know, a year and a half is actually not a very short time. That bit made me feel a lot of things. In the end, I think the most important thing was I realised how important the work I’ve been doing for all these years is incredibly meaningful to me.”

J-Hope revealed that although he’s loved music since childhood and has always been passionate about making it, after enlisting in the military, one thing he realised was that no matter what happens or where he goes, a part of him will never leave music. “Even though I was in the service, I think there was a part of me who never really let go of my love for music.” Hobi kicked off his solo journey before enlisting with Jack in the Box, followed by the release of Hope on the Street Vol. 1, and now, he’s enjoying the success of his sold-out world tours.

Also read: BTS’ J-Hope hints at band’s reunion after concluding military service: ‘It’s going to be a massive energy’

BTS’ J-Hope on group’s comeback

In the same interview, J-Hope also shared his excitement for June. Fans are just as eager, as it marks the time when all members—V, Jimin, RM, Jungkook, Suga, Jin, and J-Hope—will reunite. With each of them having advanced their solo careers, J-Hope grinned at the thought of the “massive synergy” the group will bring when they come together again. The members will return with fresh experiences to share.  “We will quickly get together and talk about what BTS can do in the future,” he told Lowe. “I think it’s going to be a massive energy.”