Books, Beats and BTS: He's Always Been This Hoseok

When Hoseok danced inside the elevator in the Butter MV, I was wrecked. He filled that small rectangular space with light and joy. His energy grabbed me in and my heart that was isolated by the pandemic opened to full bloom. Hoseok has that power. Hoseok has that charisma. This led me to listen to his first album, Hope World. It was illuminating in its playful riddling of life lessons and offering comfort along the way.

That’s why, I always believed in Jung Hoseok—not just as an idol, but as an artist, a visionary, and a storyteller. Long before the world applauded or stood in awe at his solo concert, I saw the spark. I saw the depth behind the smile, the intelligence behind the dance, the brilliance behind every verse.

Referencing Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (Jules Verne, 1869) in his debut album wasn’t just source of inspiration. It was proof of the world he was building, the worlds he would take us to. As one of the pioneers of science fiction, Verne explored the themes of autonomy, curiosity and freedom in Captain Nemo— the same way Hoseok explored identity and agency in a highly structured industry while seeking for harmony. That kind of imagination, passion, discipline, and heart? That’s not ordinary. That’s Hoseok.

So today, as he takes the stage alone—bold, brilliant, and unapologetically himself—I want to say: To me, he’s always been this Hoseok.

And I’ll keep believing in every version of him yet to come.

#BTS_Jhope

Kuwentong Bangtan: Hope World X 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Because Hope is back in our purple world, here’s a review on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Jules Verne), Hobi’s inspo and influence for his first album “Hope World” that landed #82 on Billboard back in 2018.

J-Hope’s Hope World, his first full-length album, is a vibrant exploration of optimism, self-reflection, and personal growth. Drawing inspiration from Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which J-Hope read in high school, the album mirrors the adventurous spirit of Captain Nemo’s underwater journey. Just as Nemo explores the vast unknown, J-Hope dives deep into his psyche, navigating through waves of hope, ambition, and introspection.

Tracks like “Daydream” and “Hope World” convey his dreams and aspirations, reminiscent of Verne’s theme of discovery, while maintaining an upbeat and colorful tone that reflects J-Hope’s own unique worldview.

That narrative of Hobi’s uniqueness continues on in two more albums that were released during BTS’ Military era, namely Jack in the Box and HOTS Vol. 1. We get to see the evolution of our HOPE as artist and lifelong learner.

This is J-HOPE. This is BTS. APOBANGPO!