Jung Ho Seok, better known by his stage name J-Hope, is the main dancer, sub rapper, and sub vocalist of the seven-member group, BTS, since their debut in June 2013.
J-Hope, along with the rest of the BTS member, went on to become one of the most in-demand top-performing and highest-selling Korean acts, who are not only known for their music, but also for their participation in numerous social causes around the world.
But today (February 18), member J-Hope is celebrating his special day - his 28th (in international age) birthday! In honor of the "Daydream" rapper, here are seven things about J-Hope that you might not know about!
To know more about the idol, keep on reading!
1. J-Hope was part of a street dance team
BTS J-Hope
J-Hope passion for dancing goes way back! Prior to making his debut, J-Hope was already part of a street dance team called NEURON.
As a street dancer, he won underground dance battles, local competitions, and even performed at numerous events. In fact, he was quite famous in his hometown, Gwangju, for his dancing skills, with his specialities including street and freestyle dance.
He had also attended former BIGBANG member Seungri's dance academy, and even trained in dance and rap in an academy alongside B.A.P's Zelo in Gwangju.
2. J-Hope used to be a tennis player
BTS Jin and J-Hope
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: #HappyJHOPEday: BTS J-Hope Turns 28 - Here's How ARMYs Around the World are Celebrating His Birthday
Aside from dancing, J-Hope also excels in sports, like tennis!
Back when he was still in elementary school, J-Hope was a tennis player and played in several tennis competitions. He even won awards!
With his time playing tennis, J-Hope dreamed of becoming a professional tennis player back then.
3. J-Hope used to hate aegyo
BTS J-Hope
Believe it or not, there had come a time when J-Hope really disliked doing aegyo! But according to J-Hope, he now changed his mind because fans loved seeing him do it.
Now, J-Hope is an aegyo master and is known to be one of BTS' cutest members!
4. J-Hope featured in 2AM Jo Kwon's releases
BTS J-Hope and 2AM Jo Kwon
Before making his debut, J-Hope already had a taste of the entertainment industry!
Back in 2012, a year before BTS' debut, J-Hope had featured in former labelmate 2AM Jo Kwon's song "Animal" as a rapper. He had also acted as a back-up dancer in Jo Kwon's music video for "I'm Da One" in the same year.
5. J-Hope auditioned for JYP Entertainment
BTS J-Hope
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: BTS J-Hope Lands Two New Entries on Spotify Brazil Top 200 - Why Is It Worth Noting?
Prior to joining HYBE (formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment), did you know that J-Hope had auditioned for JYP Entertainment in 2009?
In fact, after auditioning for JYP Entertainment, J-Hope even won a popularity award at the label after competing in several of their contests. Unfortunately, he wasn't accepted, and later joined HYBE in 2010 and debuted as BTS in 2013 (thank goodness!)
6. J-Hope wants to be a source of hope
BTS J-Hope
Did you know, J-Hope chose his stage name because he wanted to be a source of hope and light to his fans? And true to his name and popular line, "I'm your hope, you're my hope," J-Hope has become someone who many look up to and aspire to become!
7. J-Hope is taking a master's degree
BTS J-Hope
Despite being a world famous performer, J-Hope makes time to pursue further education!
Just like the rest of the BTS members, J-Hope enrolled in Hanyang Cyber University to take up a Master of Business Administration in Advertising and Media!
For more K-Pop news, keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Robyn Joan wrote this.
