J-hope finds his voice again: How BTS’s shining star returns with renewed purpose and “Killin’ It Girl”

As BTS edges closer to a full reunion, J-hope steps back into the spotlight with the same sincerity that made him a global icon. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the rapper, dancer, and producer opens up about life after military service, his creative evolution, and the “one small belief” that still guides everything he does. His newest single, Killin’ It Girl (feat. GloRilla), captures the bold, grown-up energy of an artist coming full circle—still experimenting, still hungry, and still hopeful.

The guiding belief behind every beat

After over a decade in the music industry, J-hope remains grounded in the same philosophy he began with: trust in the music, and the fans will follow. “If there’s one small belief I still hold on to, it’s that if I genuinely like what I make, listeners and fans will feel that too,” he shares. “That’s why I always try to be honest in the stories I tell. And when it comes to making music, I think that’s when I’m at my most sincere.”

That belief has been evident in every phase of his career, from his days as the dynamic dance lead in BTS to his daring solo work on Jack in the Box and, most recently, Charm of HOPE. The new release—a special package of three all-English hip-hop tracks—represents a confident evolution in his sound and identity, showcasing the maturity that came after nearly two years away from the stage.

A deeper, grown-up voice

For J-hope, military service didn’t pause his growth—it accelerated it. “After completing my military service, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to express as a solo artist— a deeper sense of maturity and growth,” he says. That vision comes alive on Charm of HOPE, particularly in the sultry energy of Killin’ It Girl, which features Memphis-born rapper GloRilla.

The song explores themes of romantic magnetism, a territory J-hope hasn’t traditionally ventured into. “It’s about an emotional rush and magnetic pull toward someone,” he explains. “So I’d love for it to feel bold, sensual, and have that kind of energy that makes you want to play the track on repeat.” GloRilla’s feature adds an edge to the track, underscoring J-hope’s current attraction to artists with strong, undeniable presence. “I was confident that her presence would bring exceptional synergy,” he adds.

Back on stage, and back with BTS

J-hope debuted Killin’ It Girl live during the finale of his Hope on the Stage Tour in Seoul on June 13—marking BTS’s 12th anniversary. All six of his bandmates—RM, Jin, Suga, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—were present in the crowd, cheering him on. The performance symbolized not just a new chapter for J-hope but a reunion of spirits as BTS edges toward its comeback.

Since BTS began their hiatus in 2022 to focus on solo projects and complete mandatory military service, J-hope (born Jung Hoseok) has been exploring what it means to stand alone. “I’ve always been the type of person to face things head-on and learn through experience,” he says. “There’s this saying in Korean which basically translates into ‘you won’t know until you try it.’ That really reflects how I live.”

That mindset served him well during the early days of his solo career. He candidly shared his anxiety before his history-making headlining performance at Lollapalooza in July 2022. But by the time he launched a 33-date world tour in early 2025, fans saw a completely transformed J-hope—one who owned every inch of the stage with ease.

Embracing growth, pain, and possibilities

Now, with Suga set to be the final BTS member discharged from military service on June 21, the band’s future is once again top of mind. But J-hope isn’t in a rush. He’s focused on personal growth—something he insists is still ongoing. “I still want to keep taking risks, embrace pain, and grow from it all,” he says. “I’m not done growing yet. There’s still so much to learn, and I’ll keep sharing it along the way.”

Though he’s charting his solo path, the thought of reuniting with BTS lingers in his heart. “While on my solo tour, of course, I couldn’t help but think about the tours we went on as a group,” he says. “I was handling things on my own that we used to always do together, so I feel like doing them together again as a team will bring a whole new kind of emotion in a good way. I’m looking forward to it.”

Killin’ it, in every sense

As Killin’ It Girl makes its way onto streaming platforms worldwide, J-hope has once again shown his ability to evolve without losing what made him special in the first place. It’s a track full of groove and grown-up charm, a confident display of his post-military artistry, and a reminder that sincerity still cuts through the noise. Whether solo or with BTS, J-hope continues to lead with heart, honesty, and hope. And that’s what keeps fans coming back—again and again.