250405 Los Angeles Times: j-hope of BTS on his Billboard success and becoming the first solo Korean artist to headline BMO Stadium

Pretty nice interview, and we have confirmation that the next single will be debuted for the Asian leg!

Another Bangtan moment for the history books has been made!

I was thinking about popstars and performances, whether in the K-pop or Western scene, a lot of them get flack for their stage presence. Being a world-class act doesn’t always mean being a world-class performer. But BTS, in their own right, are both, and that’s honestly incredible. To hold your own for two hours of live singing, dancing, and performing around 30 songs, that’s no small feat. There are only a handful of artists I can think of who bring that level of dedication and perfectionism to the stage.

>The tour is divided into sections spanning the narrative of his career.

I really like this piece/interview because it highlights everything he’s done as a soloist to expand his skills and range. From focusing on dance in one album, to releasing something more soulful that challenged him vocally, to learning new choreography and trying out different genres, he’s clearly on a journey of artistic growth, constantly experimenting and figuring out what resonates with him.

>I feel that my life at the moment is filled with greater anticipation and excitement for what’s to come. […] Once I took that step forward, I felt it would open up new opportunities for me to experiment and take my music to the next level.

I really admire that about him (and Jimin and RM as well). It pushes their boundaries and shows a drive to be more ambitious with their art.

>So, it kind of came naturally. So, I wanted to show another visual side of me as j-hope and I want to show something new, a new facet of me for my fans.

He mentioned this in his Weverse interview a few months ago, after his military service. It seems like he wants to show a new side of himself that he feels hasn’t been shared enough with his fans. I hope he feels reassured now, as many people’s perceptions have shifted, and they now see him in a more “sexy/mature” light as a solo artist.

>Rest in peace, Coolio.

🥺🕊️💜💜