BTS' J-Hope talks about post-military life, reveals why he went to LA: 'It was hard...'

After completing his military service, news surfaced that BTS's J-Hope had flown to Los Angeles for a vacation. In a recent interview with Weverse Magazine on December 24, the artist shared why he chose California as his destination during this time and how the trip helped him regain his sense of balance after his enlistment.

J-Hope shared that a trip to Los Angeles had been on his mind even before his enlistment. "The whole point of me going to the US was connected to my work under the name J-Hope, so that's where I started. It was obvious that LA was where I needed to go," he explained.

The city's unique vibe played a big part in his choice. "California has a special feel that I love. I enjoy the sunshine, the relaxed atmosphere, and how laid-back it is. Also, all the famous musicians are there," he said, explaining how the city's music scene matches his goals.

Previously, J-Hope mentioned in a Weverse live session that adjusting to daily life in Korea after 18 months of military service was challenging. Returning to a different country and culture added to the difficulty. However, he noted that the experience was transformative.

He said, "At first, it was hard because I wasn't used to my life before enlistment in Korea. Naturally, it would be even harder in another country. But gradually, as I began meeting people and trying new things, I began to feel like I'm settling in."

He added, "in the end, being there in the States helped me get back into the flow of everyday life and get used to being me again, which was immensely helpful."

After finishing his 18-month military service on October 17, J-Hope received a heartfelt welcome from his fans and friends. He then took some time to adjust but quickly jumped back into his routine. One of his first activities was throwing the first pitch at a Korean Series baseball game.