All seven members of BTS play an important part in the band’s dynamic, including j-hope — who opened up about what he thinks his “role” is in the group.
While speaking to Rolling Stone in a one-on-one interview posted Friday (April 17) as part of BTS’ cover-story package, the K-pop performer addressed how bandmate RM — who is the official designated leader of the group — has referred to j-hope as a reliable co-leader at times. “I just do what I can,” j-hope told the publication, disagreeing with the notion that it’s a “burden” to be a leader.
“I think that’s my role on the team,” he continued. “And, well, I don’t think of it as a requirement. It just comes naturally … Should I even call it that? It feels weird to call it a ‘role.’ But all I can do is take it in stride and do what I can for the other members.”
Each of the bandmates took part in solo interviews with the publication, as well as sat together for a full-group conversation. The Bangtan Boys are currently on their third week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with new album ARIRANG, which anchors the band’s ongoing global stadium tour.
Leading up to the LP’s release in late March, the pressure was on for BTS to finally return after years apart as the members served in the South Korean military. When asked about how the band easily could’ve chosen not to reunite, having already secured historic success leading up to the break, j-hope told Rolling Stone, “Personally, I’m very affected by the people around me, so I have to think about whether I can handle the emotional effect my decisions will have on so many others.”
“I struggled with that,” he added. “In the end, I felt that keeping the flame burning is what I truly want, and the choice that feels most authentically me.”
Watch j-hope’s full interview above.
