BTS rapper J-Hope has released a high-energy solo single titled "Mona Lisa," complete with a visually stunning music video, on March 21, 2025. This track serves as his second single of the year, following his collaboration with Miguel on "Sweet Dreams," which debuted earlier this month. Drawing inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci's iconic painting, J-Hope describes the single as a “performance-driven track,” a gift to his fans—the ARMY—who have been eagerly waiting for new music from him following his time in the military.
"I prepared it as a gift, thinking of ARMYs who’ve been waiting for a performance song. I’m really excited about it myself," J-Hope commented, as reported by The Korea Times. He co-produced the track alongside Blake Slatkin, noting that he initially wasn’t sure if the song suited him but found the rhythm during its reworking process in Los Angeles. "When I first heard the track, I loved it, but I wasn’t sure I could pull it off. However, after modifying it, it ended up fitting surprisingly well," he added.
With an infectious sound that combines hip-hop and R&B elements, "Mona Lisa" showcases J-Hope's unique artistry and signature performance style. Its lyrics, described as witty and playful, include quirky sound effects that make it a fun listening experience. He emphasized, "Spotting them will make the listening experience even more enjoyable." This playfulness is complemented by a catchy, danceable groove that resonates with his fans.
The music video further emphasizes J-Hope's artistry, featuring him in a contemporary art museum as he moves through a set that resembles a living work of art. The vibrant visuals and dynamic lighting effects enhance the captivating atmosphere, making the video as engaging as the song itself.
Prior to its official release, J-Hope debuted "Mona Lisa" live during his "Hope on the Stage" tour at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on March 13 and 14. Fans worldwide rushed to catch glimpses of his performance through social media, reacting positively with comments such as, "Like how he can be more captivating with every new release?! And the guy is on tour right now! Unbelievable... J-Hope is THE ARTIST right now."
The anticipation for new releases has created a buzz among fans, with rumors swirling about a potential third single expected to drop during the Asian leg of his tour. Tracks like "Dreamboy" or "Polaroid" are speculated to be in play, heightening excitement among the ARMY.
In light of this, Kayla and Bethany from the podcast "Stanning BTS" recently discussed J-Hope's latest song, linking its themes back to his earlier work, particularly with the music video for "Sweet Dreams." “The conceptual links are strong,” they highlighted.
J-Hope’s "Hope on the Stage" tour continues to cover cities in the U.S. including San Antonio, Oakland, and Los Angeles, before heading to Asia in April. The combination of his electrifying performances and innovative music has solidified J-Hope's position as one of the most dynamic figures in K-Pop and global entertainment.
Overall, the release of "Mona Lisa" marks another successful chapter in J-Hope's solo career, further showcasing his evolving artistry while delivering joy and excitement to fans worldwide. With the buzz surrounding this project, the ARMY undoubtedly looks forward to what he has in store for them next.