On July 30, 2024, a TikTok video showing BTS j-hope's 2022 MAMA photos and BTS trophy featured at the Korea House in Paris went viral online. The video was originally uploaded by @yoongilovesjo, and she reshared the TikTok link on X, causing the post to go viral online.
The video also captured Korean film Parasite, K-pop group SEVENTEEN's Nana Tour, and more Korean content being featured at the Korea House in Paris.
For the unversed, on July 25 (July 26 KST), Korea House opened its doors after 6 years and held an opening ceremony. It was declared a platform for sports diplomacy and the all-encompassing promotion of South Korean artistic and cultural productions.
Fans were overjoyed to see one of BTS j-hope's iconic MAMA moments being featured in the opening ceremony. The BTS rapper attended the 2022 MAMA alone as Jin was serving in the military and the rest were busy with their solo schedules.
The BTS ARMY swelled with pride to see the viral video, and one fan wrote on X,
“Bangtan is the history and legends of Korea."
Fans praised the Jack in The Box rapper-songwriter for his "cultural influence" and hailed him as a "truly inspiring" individual to represent the Korean heritage.
"When it comes to cultural influence, its j-hope obviously. Remember in 2019 when SK foreign minister mentioned him and CNS at a cultural summit. j-hope is truly the pride of SK," one fan wrote on X.
"j-hope is the perfect choice to showcase the beauty of Korean culture. His talent and passion are truly inspiring. If you haven't already, you should definitely listen to his music," another fan commented.
"I'm so proud of them. JHOPE and BTS....soo who paved the way!!! Hobby at MAMA 2022 is looking so good," one other fan added.
Some viewers suggested making welcome videos for the BTS rapper when he returns from the military, such as showcasing the Korea House in Paris opening ceremony during the 2024 Olympics.
"Man it would be nice to build anticipation in advance of Hobi’s discharge and then HOTS Vol 2 by promoting Neuron & HOTS Vol 1 tracks using some Olympic clips… also TA makes for good cinematic BG music for Olympics too... You know for KSJ1…If only… just letting it out there," one fan wrote.
"MAMA hoseok, you'll always be famous," another fan said.
"Jung Ho-seok, you are loved and respected. You are my greatest pride," a fan wrote on X.
More about the Korea House in Paris and its opening ceremony
The Korea House in Paris opened on July 26, 2024, (KST), after 6 years since the PyeongChang Olympics. The House is located in the 7th arrondissement in central Paris, near the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides Stadium, and the Grand Palais.
According to a statement made by Korea House Chairman Lee Ki-heung, the location will serve as a place for rest and relaxation for the South Korea National Team. It was posted on the Paris 2024 official website.
"Korea House will provide a resting space for the proud athletes who have been training hard for a long time, as well as a space to cheer on our South Korean athletes, and it will be reborn as a venue for sports diplomacy on the international sports stage."
Korea House Chairman Lee Ki-heung further mentioned converting the space into a venue where guests can learn more about Korean culture and its artistic content.
"It will become a promotional center for South Korean sports culture where people can watch and experience the diverse K-content that is currently receiving the most attention around the world."
The opening ceremony of the Korea House was attended by the Korea Sports Council President Lee Ki-heung, Ambassador to France Choi Jae-cheol, Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Jang Mi-ran, and International Skating Union (ISU) President Kim Jae-yeol.
In other news, BTS j-hope enlisted in the South Korean military on April 18, 2023, and will return in October 2024.
Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) got into trouble and apologized to the South Korean President, Yoon Suk-yeol, for mistakenly introducing the South Korea National Team as North Korea's at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony on July 27.