BTS' J-Hope performs during his "J-Hope Tour 'HOPE ON THE STAGE' in SEOUL" at the KSPO Dome, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Entertainment
Performance of upcoming single 'Sweet Dreams' presented for 1st time
By Pyo Kyung-min
As K-pop juggernaut BTS' most prominent dancer, J-Hope proved he could command the stage alone, delivering a career-defining performance as he launched his first solo world tour in Seoul.
For three nights from Friday to Sunday, Seoul's iconic KSPO Dome pulsed with excitement as thousands of BTS fans, known as the ARMY, packed the venue for the "J-Hope Tour 'HOPE ON THE STAGE' in SEOUL."
The concerts marked a major milestone for J-Hope: his first performance for Korean fans since completing his military service in October, and the start of his first solo world tour — a whopping 12 years after his debut.
The ARMY, one of K-pop's most dedicated and far-reaching fandoms, responded in force. All 37,500 tickets for the three days sold out instantly, and fans at the grand finale of the Seoul leg of the tour Sunday afternoon filled the dome with anticipation long before the first note played.
BTS' J-Hope performs during his "J-Hope Tour 'HOPE ON THE STAGE' in SEOUL" at the KSPO Dome, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Some 37,500 fans enjoyed three daily concerts spanning from Friday to Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Entertainment
As the venue bathed itself in red light, with J-Hope emerging on a lift clad in a striking all-red outfit, the stadium immediately erupted into deafening cheers.
Responding to the enthusiasm, J-Hope worked every inch of the stage, kicking off a seamless, high-energy performance of his solo catalog.
The show opened with a rush of songs from his 2022 debut solo album, "Jack In The Box." The electrifying sequence of "What If…," "Pandora's Box," "Arson" and "STOP" set an intense pace before J-Hope paused to greet the crowd.
"I dare to say this will be the best show ever," he declared.
"There's a reason this tour is called 'Hope on the Stage.' It's simply about me, J-Hope, showing everything I have on stage. I wanted a straightforward title that reflects my intent — to express a range of emotions through my performance."
He then thanked his audience. "I can't say it enough — thank you. Tonight, I'm giving you everything I have. And I know you're just as ready as I am."
BTS member J-Hope performs during his "J-Hope Tour 'HOPE ON THE STAGE' in SEOUL" at the KSPO Dome, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Entertainment
The second act paid homage to his street dance roots. Performing songs from his special album "HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1," J-Hope encouraged fans to get on their feet and dance along.
"I wanted to bring my love for street dance into my music. That's how this album and these performances came to be," he said introducing them.
"There's nothing more fulfilling than knowing my music, my sincerity, is reaching you. If no one enjoyed what I created, I wouldn't be this happy. I know this isn't supposed to be a sentimental moment, but I just can't help feeling overwhelmed. Thank you."
The concert also featured an exclusive first performance of his upcoming digital single, "Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel)," set for release March 7.
"After my discharge, I kept wondering what kind of music I should make next," he said. "Love is such a simple yet rare emotion in today's world, and that thought stayed with me throughout the creative process. I realized I had never made a true love song before, and that's how 'Sweet Dreams' came to be. You could call it my serenade to all of you."
BTS member J-Hope debuts his new single, "Sweet Dreams" featuring singer Miguel, at his concert at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. Courtesy of BigHit Entertainment
From there, the show shifted gears, blending hip-hop beats with dynamic choreography to turn the arena into a pulsating club atmosphere.
Despite more than a decade in the industry, J-Hope performed with the energy of a rookie, dancing with relentless intensity and sweating through every routine.
A nostalgic highlight came when he revisited BTS-era tracks, including "Airplane pt.2," "MIC DROP" and "Outro: Ego." The songs transported fans back to BTS' peak as a full group while fueling anticipation for their scheduled reunion later this year.
"HOPE ON THE STAGE" wasn't just a visual spectacle — with indoor fireworks, shifting stage structures and immersive lighting — but also a sonic experience, featuring a live band that added depth to every track.
The night built toward an explosive finale, with J-Hope powering through "Daydream," "Hope World" and his Billboard Hot 100 hit "Chicken Noodle Soup" featuring Becky G. Each performance unfolded like a festival, bursting with energy.
J-Hope of BTS performs during his "J-Hope Tour 'HOPE ON THE STAGE' in SEOUL" at the KSPO Dome, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Entertainment
For the encore, he offered stages of "= (equal sign)," "Future" and a "new jack" swing-inspired version of "NEURON," ensuring every last fan left on a high note.
"It's been so long since a BTS concert," he reflected. "After so long, I didn't expect ARMY's energy to still be this intense. I'm beyond proud, and I want to show this to the world. I want everyone to see just how incredible this synergy between an artist and their fans can be. It's not me — ARMY is who's the best."
With a deep bow, he bid farewell — for now.
"Now, it's time for us to hit the road. I'm setting off after wrapping up in Seoul, and I promise to stay safe and healthy. Being on stage is when I feel happiest. I will always remain 'Hope on the Stage.' I love you all so much. Thank you."
J-Hope's world tour is the second solo tour by a BTS member, following bandmate Suga's 2023 tour.
He will next embark on the North American leg, starting in Brooklyn, March 13, before heading to Chicago, Mexico City, San Antonio, Oakland and Los Angeles. The tour will also take him to Manila, Saitama, Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Macau, Taipei and Osaka, covering 15 cities with 31 shows.
Beyond his tour, he is also set to headline Lollapalooza Berlin at the Olympiastadion in Germany this July.
English (United States) ·