Born Jung Ho Seok, discover how BTS’s J-Hope’s stage name was created before the rapper’s official debut as an idol
Like this Cha Eunwoofrom ASTRO, D.K.from SEVENTEEN, and Suhofrom EXO, J-Hope, from BTS, is part of the list of K-pop idols who don’t use their real name to promote their careers. This is because, born on February 18, 1994 in Gwangju, South Korea, the artist is actually called Jung Hoseok.
How did the name J-Hope come about?
The stage name of BTS’ main dancer and rapper was chosen while still a trainee, as revealed by himself in episode 4 of the BTS documentary series ‘Bring The Soul’, entitled ‘Influence’.
In this ocasion, J-Hope was riding in a car with his groupmate Jiminand recalled the conversation he had with RM and the founder of Big Hit Entertainment (now BIGHIT Music), Bang Si Hyukwhen they were deciding which stage names each of the members would use.
Me, RM and Bang Si Hyuk were there,” he began. “When we were making names, I said I wanted ‘Ho’ in my name, so at first it was J-Ho,” the idol began explaining.
With the priority defined, it was a matter of time before the name took shape. “We were like, ‘J-Ho? J-Ho? J-Hope?’. That’s how my name came about. The meanings came after that”, he continued.
Pandora’s box was mentioned, and the last thing left in the box was hope. We all thought, ‘Hope,’” said the idol. “Looking back, I think the name was the right choice. And I think the name made me who I am,” he added.
That way, J-Hopewho stands out for having a bright and cheerful personality, found the perfect name to be recognized on stages, screens and magazines, as the name ended up gaining a beautiful representation: the hope (from the English, hope) that he carries for the group and the ARMYs (as BTS fans are called).
Still, this is not the only way that the idol is called by the fandom and members of the formation that emerged in 2013 by BIGHIT. This is because, over the years, he has also gained nicknames, such as Hobi, which is a cute nickname and arises because, in the Korean language, the B sound is much more common, and the exchange of “P” for the consonant makes it the softest word.
In addition, there is Golden Hyung, who makes reference to his incredible singing and dancing skills, as well as Sunshine (an English word that means Sunbeam) in reference to the good-natured behavior of the idol who is able to bring happiness wherever he goes. passes, in addition to Jay and Prince of Gwangju.
