For day 35 of analyzing a BTS song every day until their concert in Tampa, I chose to analyze “= (Equal Sign)” by J-Hope of BTS. This song is a very important song for today’s world as it expresses the need for people to take the time to understand each other and not hate as in the end, we are all human and thus we’re all equal.

Within the lyrics, J-Hope expands on this perspective by expressing specific actions one must take in order to help make this world a better, more understanding place. More specifically, he states that, “With love / With trust / With respect,” the world can improve even a little bit (Verse 1). J-Hope is right on with his solution as a lot of the communication issues in this world could be fixed with these three things. If people take the time to learn how to love, trust, and respect others, so much could change.

Additionally, J-Hope further emphasizes his message through his chorus by reiterating the lesson he has been describing throughout the song in those lines. With words such as, “Hate’ll paralyze your mind / Gotta see the other side,” J-Hope beautifully encompasses his argument with a simple phrasing that helps to continuously establish his stance (Chorus). Again, this message is so important as one truly cannot progress as a person if their heart and mind are full of hate. Instead, they will be stuck in that mindset and not be able to progress at all in life.

All in all, J-Hope addressing this serious topic with straightforward lyrics really helps to reach the hearts of many as the issue really is that straightforward. In order for us to progress as a society and all prosper, we really must learn how to love each other, regardless of our differences.

NOTE: I accessed the “= (Equal Sign)” by J-Hope (English Translation) by Genius English Translations hyperlinked in this article on February 18th, 2026 in order to assist in writing this article. Special thanks to Genius for their accessible translations.