On February 28, 2025, J-Hope, the beloved member of BTS, kicked off his highly anticipated solo tour, "HOPE ON THE STAGE," at the KSPO Dome in Seoul, South Korea. This marks not only his return to the stage after concluding his mandatory military service last year but also his first world tour as a solo artist. The concert, attended by thousands of enthusiastic fans known as ARMY, featured a setlist packed with J-Hope's solo hits as well as popular tracks from BTS, amplifying the excitement surrounding the event.
J-Hope's solo concert is set to span across multiple countries, including stops in the United States, Mexico, Japan, and several other Asian nations. The tour's Asian leg includes performances scheduled for cities like Manila, Osaka, and Taipei, delivering his electric stage presence to fans across the globe. J-Hope will perform three consecutive shows for local audiences before heading to the next city.
Fans were ecstatic to witness J-Hope's performance, which included songs such as “What If,” “Pandora’s Box,” “Airplane,” and “Mic Drop.” The setlist is crafted to resonate with his extensive fanbase, balancing between his sound as a solo artist and his roots within BTS. His performance of “Airplane pt.2” was particularly noteworthy, as he enthusiastically shouted out “Brazil!” much to the delight of his Brazilian fan base.
“It was such an emotional experience to hear him say Brazil! It filled the arena with joy,” one local fan recounted after the concert.
Another highlight of the first night was the surprise appearance of BTS member V, who is currently fulfilling his mandatory military duties. He arrived at the concert dressed in uniform, showing his unwavering support for his bandmate. The sighting of V stirred excitement among fans, who swiftly took to social media to share photos and express their astonishment at his presence. Our Taehyung is here to support Hobi! It made the night even more special, one fan shared enthusiastically.
Fans speculated about the presence of other members from BTS, as some hinted at sightings of Jungkook and Suga, adding to the excitement. Social media was rife with photos, videos, and hopeful discussions about the camaraderie within the group. The fans were on the lookout for any hint of their presence, and the atmosphere was buzzing with energy.
J-Hope's solo debut follows the pause for BTS as members continue their military enlistments. Despite the hiatus from new group music, the ARMY has remained supportive of each member's individual endeavors. J-Hope relishes the opportunity to perform for his fans, stating, I've waited for this moment to share my music, something I’ve always loved doing, during his pre-concert interviews.
To combat ticket scalping and overpriced resales, concert organizers implemented strict ticketing policies. SM Tickets introduced measures where tickets are linked directly to the buyer’s account, making them non-transferable. This initiative aims to prioritize true fans and prevent scalpers from hoarding tickets. ARMY expressed their appreciation for this move, enhancing their chances of attending the concert without exorbitant markups.
Following the successful launch of the tour, J-Hope also announced the release of his new single, “Sweet Dreams,” set to premiere on March 7, 2025. This collaborated song with R&B’s Miguel is anticipated to explore themes of longing and love, adding to the excitement surrounding his solo career.
The tour also integrates unique elements to cater to international fans, including translations for non-Korean speakers. Many fans experienced the concert streaming live, benefiting from Portuguese translations, which was especially welcomed by J-Hope's Brazilian fans. They expressed their appreciation with signs saying, Hobi, Brazil’s Hope, visible from the audience.
With multiple shows already sold out, it’s evident J-Hope’s tour is one of the most anticipated events of the year. His dedication to crafting memorable performances was palpable as he graced the stage, radiantly engaging with his audience. Every moment felt special, seeing him live recharges our spirit, one ARMY member stated as the concert wrapped up, leaving fans exhilarated and buzzing about the next stops of the tour.
J-Hope's "HOPE ON THE STAGE" has not only ignited excitement among fans but also highlighted the strength of the bond between BTS members, as they continue to support each other. Each performance signifies not just the return of J-Hope, but also the enduring legacy of BTS and the love they share with their fans.