
BTS’ J-Hope has made history once again, this time as the first Korean solo artist to have six songs surpass 1 million units sold in the United States, with his debut mixtape Hope World officially crossing the 1 million total units sold mark. Released in March 2018, Hope World was a passion project that J-Hope offered to fans for free, with no formal promotion at the time. Despite being an unprompted release, the mixtape gained massive attention globally for its vibrant soundscape, unique storytelling, and a fresh perspective on J-Hope’s identity as an artist outside of BTS.
Now, over five years later, the mixtape has achieved RIAA-equivalent sales of over 1 million units, making this milestone even more impressive and meaningful.
With this latest achievement, J-Hope solidifies his status as a trailblazer among Korean solo acts in the international music scene. Not only is he the first Korean soloist to reach this mark with a mixtape, but he has now joined an elite group of global artists whose independent projects have enjoyed such long-lasting success.
Each track showcases a different side of J-Hope’s musicality, from the dreamy, introspective lyrics of “Blue Side,” to the energetic swagger of “Chicken Noodle Soup,” to the raw honesty of “Arson.”
Hope World wasn’t just a mixtape; it was a statement. It introduced the world to Jung Hoseok as more than just the high-energy dancer and rapper of BTS. The mixtape took listeners on a colorful journey into his mind, balancing brightness with introspection. Tracks like “Daydream” and “Piece of Peace” displayed J-Hope’s lyrical prowess and emotional depth, while “Base Line” and “Hangsang” delivered his signature flow and punchy beats.
Even more notable is the fact that the mixtape was never released as a physical album, and its success was driven purely by digital downloads and streaming, a testament to the loyalty of ARMY and the universal appeal of J-Hope’s artistry.
As expected, fans took to social media to celebrate the milestone with hashtags like #1MillionHopeWorld and #JHopeMakesHistory trending shortly after the news broke. Messages of pride and congratulations poured in, with many praising J-Hope’s work ethic, humble attitude, and fearless approach to music.
“Hope World was released for free. No promo. Just Hoseok’s heart in audio form. And now it’s a million-seller. I’m crying,” one fan tweeted.
“J-Hope gave us a gift with Hope World. We didn’t ask, he just gave. And now the world is giving back,” another posted.
After Hope World, J-Hope followed up with Jack In The Box in 2022, an album that explored darker themes and more experimental sounds. From the vibrant palette of Hope World to the gritty realism of Jack In The Box, J-Hope continues to redefine what it means to be a Korean soloist in the global industry.
With multiple performances at international festivals, historic milestones under his belt, and a growing solo discography, J-Hope is not just paving a path—he’s building a legacy.
And with 1 million units sold of Hope World, that legacy just got a little brighter.
4 Songs under his own name
Daydream
Airplane
Chicken Noodle Soup
2 Songs under BTS name
Just Dance
Outro: EGO
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