J-Hope of BTS is expanding the musical universe of his hit single Mona Lisa with the release of a remix album scheduled for March 25. According to BigHit Music on March 24, the new digital EP will include the original track alongside two distinct reinterpretations: a live band remix and an Afro-pop remix, both offering contrasting textures that deepen the song’s appeal.

Originally released earlier this year, Mona Lisa quickly gained traction on international charts with its witty portrayal of infatuation and admiration for an enigmatic figure. The song’s title, a nod to Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting, cleverly connects contemporary emotion to timeless allure, drawing praise for its lyrical finesse and rhythmic charisma.

The newly unveiled band remix incorporates dynamic live instrumentation, including powerful drums and electric guitar, enhancing the emotional depth of the original. A vivid outro featuring a buoyant guitar solo brings a sense of intimacy, making listeners feel as though J-Hope is performing directly before them. The result is a vibrant, almost tactile version of the track that repositions it within the realm of pop-rock performance.

Meanwhile, the Afro-pop remix offers a polished, genre-bending take that underscores J-Hope’s versatility. Characterized by syncopated drums, jazz-inspired chord progressions, and samples evoking early-2000s pop, this version fuses global music trends with his unmistakable cadence. Critics have noted that J-Hope’s delivery—at once playful and poised—seamlessly adapts to the Afro-rhythmic palette without losing the track’s core identity.

Mona Lisa’s commercial success reflects its global resonance. The song topped the iTunes “Top Songs” chart in 74 countries and regions, while holding No. 1 for three consecutive days on both the Worldwide and European iTunes Songs charts. On Spotify, the single climbed to No. 12 on the “Daily Top Songs Global” chart as of March 21, registering over 3.8 million streams in a single day—a milestone indicating its viral momentum.

Complementing the audio releases, J-Hope also shared a choreography video for Mona Lisa via BTS’s official YouTube channel on March 21. The performance, noted for its sleek, contemporary movements and refined stage presence, reinforces his identity as a multifaceted solo performer—capable of commanding attention through both sound and motion.

Industry analysts view the Mona Lisa remixes as a strategic expansion of J-Hope’s solo brand, which has increasingly leaned into genre fluidity and narrative stylization. The choice to release multiple stylistic versions of a single track aligns with evolving K-pop industry trends, where sonic reinterpretation is as vital as the original composition in sustaining a song’s lifecycle.

As J-Hope continues to define his post-military artistic trajectory, Mona Lisa—with its eclectic remixes and strong global reception—stands as a testament to his evolving artistry and enduring appeal across markets.

Sayart / Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com