Who is Jung Hoseok, J-Hope of BTS?

“I’m your hope, you’re my hope, I’m… J-Hoooope!” If you’ve ever heard that line, you already know: Jung Hoseok, aka J-Hope, is pure sunshine in human form. He’s BTS’s dance leader, rapper, mood-maker, hug-distributor, and living proof that joy is a superpower.

Jung Hoseok was born in Gwangju on February 18, 1994. From an early age, he was obsessed with dance — and not just “cute kid dance,” but years of professional training. He studied dance at Gwangju Music Academy for six years, mastering hip-hop, popping, and boogaloo.

As a teenager, he dove into the underground dance scene, joining crews like Neuron and competing nationwide. He earned top prizes, even winning a national competition in 2008. Known as SmileHoya, he built a reputation for his precision and charisma.

In 2009, he auditioned for JYP Entertainment. He didn’t make it on his first try but came back stronger, ranking 28th and winning the popularity award on his second attempt. Still, with no contract offered, he kept searching.

By late 2010, BigHit Entertainment spotted his potential and signed him as a trainee. Just before Christmas, Hoseok moved to Seoul, starting the intense trainee grind.

Hobi originally trained as a vocalist, but his insane dance skills and growing rap abilities shifted his path. Training was grueling, and at one point he even left BigHit briefly. But thanks to encouragement from RM and other trainees, he returned — a decision that changed BTS forever.

As a trainee, J-Hope quickly became the dance leader, often learning choreography first and teaching it to others. His discipline and positivity kept the team going during tough times.

Before BTS’s debut, he appeared as a backup dancer for Jo Kwon and featured in his track Animal, showing the world a preview of his stage power.

BTS debuted on June 13, 2013, with No More Dream. From the start, J-Hope stood out as the group’s dance engine — his explosive energy, razor-sharp precision, and natural charisma made him impossible to ignore.

Over the years, J-Hope contributed as both dancer and songwriter. His solos within BTS became legendary:

Intro: Boy Meets Evil (2016) — dramatic, powerful, unforgettable.

MAMA (2016) — a heartfelt tribute to his mother.

Trivia 起: Just Dance (2018) — a celebration of his joy and energy.

Outro: Ego (2020) — his personal story, vibrant and colorful, like him.

Beyond solos, J-Hope is BTS’s choreographic backbone. From Blood Sweat & Tears to Fake Love to ON, his leadership shaped performances that stunned the world.

On stage, he’s sunshine incarnate. Off stage, he’s the thoughtful, affectionate member who hugs, encourages, and sometimes quietly carries burdens behind his smile.