J-Hope Releases Solo Album 'Jack in the Box'... BTS Chapter 2 Begins

BTS Official First Solo Activity
Collaboration with American Pop Artist KAWS

BTS J-Hope. Photo by Big Hit Music

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] BTS member J-Hope will open the second chapter of his career by releasing his first solo album on the 15th.

On the 15th, Big Hit Music announced that J-Hope's solo album Jack In The Box will be released at 1 p.m. that day.

The album's title, which refers to a toy where a doll pops out when the box is opened, reflects J-Hope's ambition to show a different side and a step forward in his growth.

The album contains a total of 10 tracks, including the pre-released single "MORE" on the 1st, double title tracks "Arson," "Pandora's Box," "STOP," "=", and "Future."

Previously, "MORE" entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 82 on the chart dated the 16th and ranked 70th on the UK Official Singles Chart.

BTS J-Hope. Photo by Big Hit Music

Big Hit Music explained, "J-Hope participated not only in the conception of all the tracks but also in the overall planning of the album, including concept, design, and music videos, imprinting his own color. The album honestly and purely contains his passion and even the shadows behind it without omission, proving his growth while continuing the essence of BTS that has been demonstrated through music."

The album cover was created in collaboration with American pop artist KAWS. J-Hope previously drew attention by visualizing the themes he wanted to express on the album covers of his first mixtape Hope World in 2018 and the 2019 release "Chicken Noodle Soup" (feat. Becky G).

KAWS said, "I was delighted to receive the proposal to work on J-Hope's solo album cover. We have become close over the years, and I am happy to be part of his solo project."

Big Hit Music added that through KAWS's signature precise lines and colors, J-Hope’s image standing at a crossroads of choices was vividly visualized.

BTS J-Hope_Jack In The Box_Listening Party. Photo by BigHit Music

Additionally, on the 14th, a day before the album release, J-Hope invited musicians, directors, and other music colleagues to introduce the new album and share conversations, showcasing various facets of himself. At this event, J-Hope said, "Since this album contains my honest thoughts and concerns, I believe that sincere reactions and evaluations from various people will serve as a foundation for my growth."

The physical album of Jack In The Box will be released on the 29th as a "Weverse Album" without a CD. The Weverse Album is an expanded concept based on QR code-enabled Weverse services (such as VOD, surveys, and emblems), allowing fans to experience high-quality audio and digital photo content equivalent to a CD.

Meanwhile, J-Hope will attend the major U.S. music festival "Lollapalooza" on the 31st (local time), marking the finale of the festival as the first K-pop idol to headline the main stage.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.