Kuwentong Bangtan: Jhope's Journey in Red and Black

Jhope’s use of red and black as a recurring color motif reflects a deliberate artistic and symbolic choice that spans his work in BTS and his solo projects to date. These colors carry universal symbolism—red representing passion, vitality, and power, and black symbolizing mystery, depth, and introspection. Together, they create a striking visual contrast that mirrors the duality Hobi often explores in his music and identity.

In BTS, this motif has appeared in key moments that align with larger narratives of transformation and self-discovery across their content, media and discography.

In Blood, Sweat & Tears’ MV (2016) Hobi’s red-and-black silhouette amplifies the themes of temptation and desire, as expressed through Namjoon’s narration of a passage in Hermann Hesse’s Demian. Similarly, the 2017 MAMA performance of Mic Drop used a bold red-and-black backdrop to convey defiance and confidence, with Hobi at the center to lead the powerful introduction. The Map of the Soul (2019-2020) concept photos further explored this duality, with Hobi’s solo track Ego delving into self-awareness and acceptance.

When he began his solo work, the red-and-black motif takes on even greater significance. For Jack in the Box, photo book concepts, several photos show Hobi in a black jester’s attire with a red background. Again, this symbolizes his duality and ongoing transformation. The jester embodies contradiction—balancing lightheartedness with chaos, which reflects his ability to navigate the complexities of artistry and emotion. This imagery showcases his evolution as an artist who can embrace both the light and the dark sides of his identity.

For his upcoming Hope On the Stage concert tour, the red-and-black theme continue this narrative of personal and artistic growth. The stark contrast of the colors symbolizes his multifaceted identity: hopeful yet grounded, introspective yet bold. It’s a visual and thematic representation of his journey, adding layers of depth to his performances and connecting his work with both BTS and his solo artistry.

While red and black are used by other artists, Hobi’s application of this color motif comes from his own. These colors have been consistently present in his work for years, predating the Hope On the Stage concert tour and thus, are tied to themes of transformation and energy that resonate with his personality and artistic vision for the past 8 years. Rather than drawing comparisons and making associations with the motifs of other artists, it’s more respectful to view his use of red and black as an intentional and creative choice that reflects his personal narrative and the stories he wishes to tell.

Hobi’s artistic choices reflect his individuality while still connecting to BTS’s shared narrative of growth and self-discovery. Each member’s solo journey highlights their unique artistry, yet their themes and motifs often intertwine in meaningful ways. No matter what path they take, BTS’s bond remains at the heart of their stories, tying their solo careers to the larger message they share as a group.