J-Hope of BTS has candidly shared his thoughts on the group’s emotional struggles during their peak and the challenges of preparing for their long-awaited reunion.
On July 5, J-Hope appeared as a guest on the YouTube web variety show 'Pinggyego', hosted by Yoo Jae Suk and Jo Se Ho. When asked about the most difficult time in his career, he recalled the immense pressure the group faced in 2018.
"Around 2018, BTS was receiving so much love that I started wondering if we truly deserved all that attention," he said. "People’s eyes on us became a little scary. Normally, getting a reaction is something to be grateful for, but it started feeling overwhelming. Even the members went through a bit of a slump."
Despite the emotional fatigue, J-Hope emphasized that the group managed to overcome those feelings together. “We got through it by reminding ourselves of our message—‘Love Yourself.’ That idea wasn’t just for others; it applied to us too. And as we embraced it, we found real strength.”
He added that creating music with meaningful messages became a healing process for the group as well. “We were delivering a message, but it was also something we needed to hear. Writing songs like that helped us learn and grow emotionally.”
The episode also touched on BTS’s current status and future plans. When Yoo Jae Suk asked if he had any recent concerns, J-Hope responded, “Now that all the members have completed their military service, we’re preparing to resume team activities. But it’s been such a long time—we haven’t been together as seven in nearly three or four years.”
BTS’s last full-group release was ‘Yet to Come’ in 2022. Since then, the members have served in the military, with J-Hope discharged in October 2023 following his time as an assistant instructor at the 36th Infantry Division in Gangwon-do. He was the second member to complete his service, after Jin, and has since been joined by RM, V, Jimin, Jungkook, and most recently Suga, who concluded his alternative service in June 2025.
J-Hope added, “I’m constantly thinking about how to best coordinate things with the members as we reunite. It’s been so long, so I want to do it right.”
Yoo Jae Suk responded with encouragement, saying, “I have no doubt it’s going to be incredible. I definitely want to attend the next BTS concert.” J-Hope replied with a smile, “I’ll make sure to invite you.” Jo Se Ho chimed in, mentioning J-Hope’s upcoming solo stage, “I’m really looking forward to your performance at Lollapalooza too. It’ll be exciting to see you as a headliner.”
Earlier this year, BTS announced during a livestream that they are aiming for a full-group comeback in spring 2026, which will mark their first official activity as seven members since entering military service.
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