J-Hope releases catchy anthem celebrating individuality

On March 21, 2025, South Korean singer and rapper J-Hope officially released his new single 'Mona Lisa' along with an accompanying music video. The song became available on various music streaming platforms, following the strong anticipation from fans after J-Hope initially performed it at his HOPE ON THE STAGE concert. Many eagerly awaited the official release, especially given that it was brought to social media attention through numerous edits prior to its launch. 'Mona Lisa' is a hip-hop R&B track that draws comparison between the admiration one has for a captivating individual and the iconic painting by Leonardo da Vinci. The new track conveys a powerful message that true charm goes beyond external appearances, focusing instead on the uniqueness of individuals. J-Hope’s lyrics resonate particularly well with working-class women, as evidenced by fans' claims that the song serves as an anthem promoting empowerment. Lines such as "Independent check...Got her own check...By the way you look, yeah, you 'bout to cause a wreck" clearly illustrate this perspective, leading to widespread praise across social media platforms like Twitter. Fans have expressed their delight in the song's themes and J-Hope’s musicality, highlighting comments on his ability to worship individuality through music. The excitement for 'Mona Lisa' appears to stem from both its relatable message and the catchy hook of the chorus, which celebrates beauty in a non-superficial way. J-Hope has indicated several times in interviews that his intention is to highlight the distinctive qualities in people that truly make them appealing to others, contrasting the often objectified standards of beauty. Leading up to the song's release, J-Hope conducted his HOPE ON THE STAGE concert, marking his return to the music scene after completing 18 months of mandatory military service. During this domestic leg of the tour, he captivated audiences with his performances, drawing a total of 37,500 fans across three nights before he prepares to take the tour globally. With scheduled stops in major cities across North America and Asia, J-Hope continues to broaden his artistic endeavors and strengthen his connection with fans through both live performances and new music releases.