J-Hope (real name Jung Hoseok) of the group BTS has been featured on the cover of the May issue of the American music magazine Billboard Magazine, according to his agency BigHit Music on May 21, 2025.
On this day, Billboard Magazine unveiled the May issue pictorial featuring J-Hope as the cover model through its official website and social media channels. In the photos, J-Hope captivates global fans with his sophisticated and relaxed aura.
J-Hope is the second K-pop male solo artist to grace the cover of Billboard Magazine, following Psy in 2012. BTS previously appeared on the cover of a special issue in 2018 and the August 2021 issue.
Billboard Magazine described J-Hope as "having long been in the spotlight for his overwhelming stage presence and captivating performances," adding that "this has played a key role in BTS's rise to global stardom."
In the interview conducted alongside the photoshoot, J-Hope said, "Just as I was inspired by the artists I admired as a child, I hope my music can be a source of positive energy for someone," and added, "I want to grow as an artist who brings light and courage wherever I go."
Last April, he held a solo concert at BMO Stadium in the United States, becoming the first Korean solo artist to perform on that stage. J-Hope remarked, "As a member of BTS, I have performed on countless stadium stages, but this time, I had to handle everything on my own," and added, "The fact that I overcame that energy and pressure remains deeply meaningful to me."
Regarding the songs "Sweet Dreams" and "MONA LISA" released this year, he said, "Both tracks are songs that the public can relate to and are part of the musical world I am expanding," and added, "This is just the beginning, and I will continue to experiment musically going forward."
Meanwhile, J-Hope is scheduled to hold his solo world tour concert, j-hope Tour 'HOPE ON THE STAGE,' in Taipei, Taiwan, on May 24 and 25.
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