BTS J-Hope shocks fans with 'MORE' music video

On June 25, BTS member J-Hope announced on Weverse that he will be releasing his debut solo album "Jack in the Box", on July 15.

J-Hope is the first member of BTS to announce a solo album after the group's decision to take a short break to focus on solo projects and individual interests.

 "Jack in the Box" is a representation of J-Hope's aspirations to break the mould and grow further as a solo artist. In the Weverse post, his representative company described the upcoming album as "J-Hope's own musical personality and vision as an artist."

In order to build intrigue and hype up his fans, J-Hope dropped a pre-release single from the album titled "MORE" this Friday.

If "MORE" is anything to go by, then it is likely that the upcoming album will be thematically and tonally different from J-Hope's work with BTS. Additionally, the visuals from the music video of "MORE" also gives us an idea that the album is likely to be darker and edgier than his previous releases.

The title "Jack in the Box" alludes to the iconic childhood toy, but it also has a darker alternative meaning, as the concept is said to have roots in an old English folklore. The tale follows the story of a priest trapping the devil in a boot to protect his village. But unlike the priest in the folklore, J-hope seems to want to unleash his inner demons instead of locking them away.

The rapper and lead dancer of BTS is generally known for his bubbly, happy-go-lucky side, but through this album, he is attempting to share a deeper, more raw and passionate side of himself with the world. J-Hope is trying to accept his inner demons and showcase a different, more authentic side of himself.

"MORE" has the vibe you would get if you fused old-school hip-hip and rock. The music video for the single is also a work of art by itself. Some fans have speculated that the music video, with its strong imagery and alternative interpretations, is inspired by the 1999 cult classic movie, "Fight Club".

The video is set in a hospital and office workspace, which ultimately seems to be a physical manifestation of the inside of J-Hope's mind. Throughout the video, J-Hope explores his inner persona and comes to terms with his alter ego and shadow-self. This links back to the artists solo outro song "Ego" from BTS's "Map of the Soul: 7" album, which also explored themes of self-acceptance and realisation of inner personas.

"MORE" showcases J-Hope's raw passion and bold ambition. His need to say more, do more, learn more, and ultimately, be more are all concepts that are a part of the song.

In a way, the song also mirrors the 'hustle culture' we seem to be constantly caught up in, to feel worthy and accomplished.

J-Hope is also set to headline Lollapalooza on July 31, being the first Korean Artist to headline the main stage at a US music festival.