j-hope Says BTS Experienced ‘Growing Pains’ While Working on Solo Music Amid Military Service

Before they reunite in 2025 after nearly two years apart, j-hope says that the members of BTS had to grow separately.

In a new interview on the Zach Sang Show posted Tuesday (May 6), the K-pop star opened up about how he and his bandmates had to go through the sometimes difficult process of evolving as individuals and solo artists amid BTS’ break, during which the guys enlisted in the South Korean military while releasing music independent of the band. “In order to make music as a team in a healthy way, as each of us are making their own music, we each go through personal growth and growing pains that come with it,” j-hope explained.

“We learn many things,” he continued. “And then when we reunite after doing our own things, these experiences will fill us with new strength and energy. And now that’s very soon. Everyone has grown while pursuing their solo projects. I think that will contribute to the music we create as BTS.”

The interview comes nearly seven months after j-hope was discharged from the military, becoming the second member of BTS to finish his service requirements after Jin. In the two years since the band announced that it would be taking a break as the members carried out their mandatory civic duties, j-hope has released an album, 2022’s Jack in the Box, as well as an EP, 2024’s Hope on the Street Vol. 1; both projects charted in the Billboard 200 top 10. His latest single, “Mona Lisa,” dropped in March.

RM, Suga, V, Jimin and Jung Kook are currently closing in on the end of their respective enlistments, after which the band is expected to reunite. “We will quickly get together and talk about what BTS can do in the future,” j-hope recently told Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe of the band’s plans post-military. “I think it’s going to be a massive energy.”

On Zach Sang, the “Chicken Noodle Soup” singer also revealed the first thing he did after finishing his own time in the military. “I came to L.A. right away,” he said, laughing. “I wanted to get back into the groove right away. Since I was in a different environment, I wanted to quickly dive back into the places and the culture I loved. I wanted to have fun while gaining new experiences and making music.”

Watch j-hope’s full interview with Zach Sang above.