“Bangtan being beloved seniors”- Fans react as BTS' j-hope shares a heartwarming letter and signed album from ILLIT on Instagram

On January 5, 2025, BTS' j-hope posted a bunch of photos sharing his memories of 2024 via his Instagram account. One of these images featured a handwritten note and a signed album from the emerging K-pop girl group, ILLIT. The message sent by ILLIT stated:

“Hello, BTS Sunbaenim! This is ILLIT. We are excited to announce that ILLIT is making our first comeback with our second album. We always gain strength from listening to your songs and learn a lot from watching your performances. We will work hard to become an artist who can show even better performances. Please look after us kindly. Thank you!”

This photo rapidly went viral on the internet thanks to the brief address involving the two HYBE K-pop acts. For those unaware, ILLIT is managed by Belift Lab, while BTS is managed by BIGHIT Music, both of which are subsidiaries of HYBE.

As a result, BTS' j-hope and ILLIT’s fans poured the internet with their reactions to this interaction. One user on X wrote:

“bangtan being beloved seniors”

Many other responses to BTS' j-hope’s supportive gesture of sharing ILLIT’s note were seen. Some labeled it as “cute,” while others said that the girl group was “lucky” as j-hope shared it on his Instagram account.

“This is so cute,” wrote a fan.

“The supportive senior Hobi, he posted ILLIT’s signed album. He's so sweet,” stated another fan.

“the girls have so sweetly mentioned how BTS inspires them through their songs and performances. wishing them nothing but the best,” commented another admirer.

“the fact that iroha is such a big j-hope fan makes this even sweeter,” commented another fan.

Some referred to BTS' j-hope as a “supportive senior,” while another anticipated a “BTS x ILLIT” collab in 2025.

“And j-hope sunbaenim posted it on his IG.. lucky..,” remarked a fan.

“my baby supporting another babies,” another X user commented.

“This is so sweet. Illit must have been so happy, hope this year be kinder and better for illit Bts × illit when??,” stated a fan.

---

More about other recent activities of BTS' j-hope

Following the completion of his military training on October 17, 2024, the BTS member has been engaged in multiple activities including attending Audemars Piguet’s event, an exclusive interview for Weverse Magazine, a Christmas special Weverse Live with Jin, guest in RUN JIN, and more.

On October 22, 2024, Jung Ho-seok made his return to public life following his military service. At Gwangju KIA Champions Field, the idol delivered the ceremonial first pitch before the Korean Series game between the Kia Tigers and the Samsung Lions.

At the grand inauguration of the Audemars Piguet AP House Seoul Flagship in Seoul, South Korea, on November 22, 2024, BTS' j-hope made an appearance. In addition, j-hope and Jin held a special Christmas live on Weverse for their fans on December 23.

Moreover, Kim Seokjin abducted BTS' j-hope for a humorous treasure hunt in the fifteenth episode of his variety show RUN JIN. Released on December 24, 2024, the program was presented by BANGTAN TV's official YouTube account.

---

ILLIT is a quintet South Korean female group affiliated with Belift Lab, comprising Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha. They made their debut on March 25, 2024, with their inaugural mini album, SUPER REAL ME.