Born on February 18, 1994, in Gwangju, South Korea, j-hope is part of the Rap Line, the Dance Line, the Hyung Line, and the 94 Line. Affectionately called Hobi, Sunshine, or simply Jay when he is abroad, he embodies the energy and optimism that his stage name suggests. He began his military service on April 18, 2023, and is expected to return in October 2024

As the lead dancer of BTS, j-hope’s artistry shines through movement. With a background in street and hip hop dance, he quickly established himself as the heartbeat of the group’s choreography, often guiding and motivating the other members in practice. His rapping style is equally distinctive, blending playful sounds, onomatopoeia, and unexpected shifts in rhythm to create a flow that is uniquely his own. Together with RM and SUGA, he completes the rap line, balancing wit and emotion with energy and flair.

j-hope’s stage name has grown to define his role within BTS and with fans worldwide. He is widely regarded as the group’s sunshine, an endless source of positivity, laughter, and encouragement. His bright presence, along with his natural leadership behind the scenes, has been central to BTS’s journey from the earliest days.

You can recognize him instantly by his sharp cheekbones that stand out when he smiles, a smile that famously curves into a heart shape. Offstage, his fashion is bold and playful, often featuring oversized silhouettes, vibrant colours, bucket hats, and his signature cross-body bags.

Onstage, his fluid, high-energy dance moves light up performances, often paired with his iconic introduction: “I’m your hope, you’re my hope, I’m j-hope.”

Despite once insisting he would never get a tattoo, he joined the rest of BTS in marking their bond with a “7” tattoo, placed on the back of his right heel. Known for keeping his hair within shades of brown, he occasionally experiments with subtle red or orange tones, and he remains the only member without piercings. Fans can also spot him during James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke, where he sat in the middle row between RM and James.