J-hope

Jung Ho-seok (Korean: 정호석), professionally known as j-hope, is a South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, dancer, and record producer, born on February 18, 1994, in Gwangju, South Korea. He rose to global prominence as a member of the world-renowned boy band BTS, making his debut under Big Hit Entertainment in 2013. Before joining BTS, j-hope was already recognized for his exceptional dance talent. He was part of the underground dance crew Neuron and studied at Gwangju Music Academy for six years. His prowess in dance earned him several accolades, including first place in a national dance competition in 2008. This foundation in dance eventually inspired him to pursue singing and led to his successful audition to become an idol trainee. In 2012, while still a trainee, he made an early appearance as a featured rapper on Jo Kwon’s track “Animal.” In 2018, j-hope launched his solo career with the mixtape Hope World, which was met with critical acclaim and reached number 38 on the US Billboard 200, setting a record at the time for the highest-charting album by a Korean solo artist. He broke more ground in 2019 with the release of “Chicken Noodle Soup” featuring Becky G, which entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 81, making him the first BTS member to chart solo on the list. j-hope continued to expand his artistic reach with the release of his debut studio album, Jack in the Box, in 2022, showcasing a darker, more introspective sound. In 2023, he collaborated with American rapper J. Cole on the single “On the Street,” further establishing his place as a globally recognized solo artist. j-hope's journey from a passionate young dancer in Gwangju to an international music icon highlights his relentless drive, versatility, and dedication to his craft.