j-hope has graced the cover of GQ кσяєα’s September issue with luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton — where he serves as a Global Ambαѕѕador. Titled The Quiet Before, GQ кσяєα released three cover versions along with teaser videos and interview content. Immediately after their release, the photos received an overwhelmingly strong response and drew enthusiastic attention from fans around the world.
In every shot, j-hope captures all eyes with his one-of-a-kind presence, which GQ aptly described as “Dreaming Like He's Dancing.” He effortlessly shifts between a pure image and an intense aura, between softness and sharp edges. Through his presence and movements, the idol perfectly highlighted the latest Louis Vuitton menswear collection, featuring pieces such as the Monogram Vintage Vernis track jacket, LV Essentials tie, Monogram LV silk square scarf, and LV Sierra boots...
Meanwhile, j-hope’s interview with GQ has also become a major topic of interest, offering deeper insights into the artist himself, particularly his relationship with the other six members of BTS. GQ raised the idea that one of the reasons BTS continue to grow may be because all seven members are fans of one another, while also being willing to see each other as teachers and learn from one another, before asking j-hope: “What do you think is the quality that allows them to keep being a fan of one another?”
j-hope responded with an intriguing analogy. He compared each member to a separate museum — a place filled with new works that the others can always find inspiration in. “All of us are artists, each with our own body of work. Because everything we draw, envision, think about, and express is different, there’s always soмєтнing fascinating to discover and so much to learn from one another,” j-hope shared. He also said that as time goes by, he finds more and more things he can learn from the members.
Building on the image of the “seven museums,” GQ described j-hope as the “final puzzle piece” — someone capable of changing his shape to fit wherever he is needed, while still preserving his identity as an individual artist. At this point, when asked what allows him to protect his own identity while also excelling in his role as one-seventh of BTS, j-hope gave a noteworthy answer: “You just have to protect it! So that what I love doesn't get hurt. That single mindset is what made the j-hope of today.”
The word “protect” carries two parallel meanings here: protecting his love for music and his individual identity, while also protecting BTS and the members. On a personal level, protecting his original pαѕѕion and individual artistic color means preventing them from being diluted or worn away. However, this idea does not contradict the latter; instead, it serves as its foundation: protecting BTS and the members. Only an individual who remains whole and does not lose their way can contribute their best qualities to the group.
At the same time, GQ’s question placed j-hope in a position where he had to explain the “secret” behind his ability to be both an independent artist and a part of BTS. Yet rather than offering a complicated, technical explanation, j-hope simply answered: “protect what I love,” concluding that this was “what made me the j-hope I am today.” He does not view it as a heavy obligation, but rather carries it out as an instinct born from appreciation — a guiding principle for both his career and his life.
And it is not just j-hope. In numerous other interviews, all seven BTS members have expressed similar views about putting the group’s collective interests first. This is also one of the reasons BTS have been able to continue for 13 years without disbanding while remaining at the peak of their success.
When the group returned and kicked off their world tour in April this year, the BBC highlighted the strong bond and natural chemistry among the seven members as one of the core appeals of their performances. Meanwhile, GQ ιи∂ια stated: “They captivated the crowd with an irreplaceable stage presence, proving once again that they are at their strongest when all seven are together.”
Ultimately, j-hope’s statement once again reflected the deep bond between the members, one that resembles a family, leaving fans unable to help but marvel: "Hobi’s heart is so precious", "He truly cherishes his members", "That’s such a beautiful mindset and his words нιт so deeply", "Protects what he loves - BTS and music. Oh my sweetie boy", "This is so quintessentially Hobi. It reminds me of his honey jar—he always keeps the members in mind, especially when performing solo",...
