If you’ve seen even one edit featuring clips from the j-hope tour, you already know we’re talking about an unforgettable event — one that’s etched into ARMY’s memory as a true celebration of j-hope’s insane talent on stage. He was born to shine, just like the sun he is!
j-hope has been breaking boundaries not only as a member of BTS but also as a wildly successful solo artist. The king of dance is also the king of sold-out shows, selling out solo tour tickets at the same speed as… BTS themselves! 😊
We all knew the dance machine would deliver incredible performances, but j-hope goes beyond that—he builds intense visual narratives like a true entertainment mastermind, a hypnotizer of massive crowds. That’s why knowing the tour is being turned into a movie has us beyond excited! A show like this is for watching online—and rewatching forever.
In this article, we’ll give you all the details on this historic tour—the second world tour by a BTS solo artist, following SUGA’s Agust D TOUR D-DAY, and before Jin’s upcoming RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR (yes, we’ll have a full article on Jin’s tour here on Bangtan Now too—get ready!).
Hope on the Stage: More Than Just Music and Dance
The j-hope tour was carefully designed to make an impact every second.
j-hope isn’t the type of artist who leaves everything up to the staff. He’s hands-on in creating his shows. We already saw a great example of this in his 2022 Lollapalooza performance, where he carried the weight of being the first Korean artist to headline the iconic American festival.
The intense preparation took a toll—he lost weight and was exhausted—but the result? Well, we all saw it. Simply perfect. No wonder Hobi has already been invited and confirmed for Lollapalooza Berlin in July 2025 (yay for us!)
Watch the Behind the Scenes of j-hope at Lollapalooza:
If he gave that much for a single festival show, imagine what he’s pouring into a tour that bears his name! j-hope is the kind of artist who’s involved in every step of the creative process. Sure, he’s surrounded by an amazing team, but we all know those watchful eyes of his don’t let a single detail slide. And there are plenty of details in the j-hope tour.
A Surprise Announcement, a Wild Teaser: The j-hope tour Drop Shocks the Fandom and Music Industry
No one expected—though everyone hoped for—a j-hope tour so soon after his military discharge. Maybe a new single, an album, a part two of the Hope on the Street documentary… But suddenly, out of nowhere, a leak appeared on Ticketmaster’s website on January 8, 2025. It was taken down quickly, but ARMY wastes no time—in seconds, the news was everywhere. j-hope was coming back to where he belongs: the stage!
After the official confirmation a few days later, the fandom grew more and more anxious, dying to know what j-hope would bring to the stage. After all, there are many sides to j-hope: the BTS dance leader, the cute and funny guy from RUN BTS, the disciplined and detail-oriented Hoseok, the cheerful yet introspective artist from his first solo mixtape Hope World (2018), the dark and mysterious figure from Jack in the Box (2022), the bright, dance-loving sunshine of Hope on the Street (2024), the fashion king from editorial shoots… Whew!
In other words, j-hope had a lot of material to draw from for the j-hope tour. And we got a small taste of it during his iconic performance at the Gala des Pièces Jaunes, a charity event organized by the First Lady of France. It took less than three songs to grab the world’s attention. Even sharing the stage with huge stars like Katy Perry, Rosé, and John Legend, his performance was one of the most viewed and reached peak global streaming numbers.
Watch j-hope’s performance at the Gala des Pièces Jaunes:
Back in January, the first editorial photoshoots started to drop—and they made it crystal clear: the j-hope tour Hope on the Stage was going to be anything but basic. Then again, “basic” isn’t even in Hobi’s vocabulary.
Where Is the j-hope tour Going? Confirmed Cities on the j-hope tour
And he’s definitely not playing around! A total of 31 shows were scheduled across 15 cities, spread between Asia and the Americas: South Korea, the United States, Mexico, the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and the independent Chinese regions of Macau and Taiwan. There’s also a possibility of additional shows, likely in South Korea.
Then Came the j-hope Tour Teaser…
But nothing could have prepared us for the Hope on The Stage teaser. j-hope proved once again that he’s not only a top-tier performer in music and dance—he’s also a master of visual storytelling. This tour wouldn’t just be a concert; it would be a story unfolding on stage. Or rather, many stories.
Watch the Hope on the Stage teaser:
The teaser, just over 40 seconds long, is packed with references to j-hope’s solo work (Hope inside and outside of boxes…), but also nods to iconic BTS eras like HYYH (thank you, Hobi, for the BU reference!).
All of this only fueled the excitement for the j-hope tour, which was set to begin on February 28 in Seoul, with a live online stream via Weverse.
Hope on the Stage marks several milestones. Not only is it j-hope’s first solo show in his home country, South Korea—it also made him the first BTS member to headline a solo stadium show (BMO Stadium in Los Angeles) and the first Korean soloist ever to perform at that venue. And of course, every single ticket sold out.
Watch the short film shot in LA:
New Songs on the j-hope Tour: Hope on the Stage as a Launchpad for j-hope’s Latest Solo Hits
To make fans even more hyped, j-hope announced he’d be releasing new songs during the j-hope tour—and wow, did they deliver!
Hobi’s tour also became the launch platform for his new music, and don’t even ask me to choose a favorite—they’re all iconic and flawless! Each one came with highly produced music videos, released shortly after the live performances. And yes, there were viral challenges too, featuring K-pop celebrities (including Jin, of course). Hobi thinks of everything!
The romantic track “Sweet Dreams” (feat. Miguel) premiered during the very first show in Seoul on February 28, and officially hit streaming platforms on March 7. This R&B collab with Miguel brought a smooth melody and rich vibes that perfectly matched the aesthetic of the j-hope tour. On March 4, during the Los Angeles concert, Miguel joined j-hope live on stage. “Sweet Dreams” debuted at #66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been climbing the charts ever since. The dreamy, colorful MV dropped the same day as the digital release.
Watch the “Sweet Dreams” MV:
Soon after came our beloved “Mona Lisa”, officially released on March 21, but performed live for the first time in New York on March 13. There are no words to fully capture this song’s perfection—its sexy vibe, addictive beat, romantic lyrics… It’s j-hope doing what he does best, with the enigmatic smile of a Da Vinci Mona Lisa. Remix versions were later released, much to the fandom’s delight.
Watch the “Mona Lisa” MV:
As of now, there’s still one more unreleased song we’re waiting for—cue our usual fandom-level anticipation. 😊
Concept and Storytelling of the j-hope tour: The Universe Behind Hope on the Stage
You can actually “read” Hope on the Stage like a book—one that presents a deep narrative concept telling j-hope’s artistic journey. The j-hope tour is structured as a visual and musical story, representing the evolution of the artist from his roots to his dreams for the future.
The concert is divided into five thematic acts, each one reflecting a phase or aspect of j-hope’s path as an artist:
1. Ambition
- Showcases j-hope’s darker, more intense side, in contrast to his usual image as the “Hope of BTS.”
- Dominated by red and black visuals.
- j-hope appears dressed completely in red.
- Performances are fierce, full of rage and passion.
- Focus on songs from the Jack in the Box album, highlighting his edgier side.
2. Dream
- A tribute to j-hope’s roots as a hip-hop dancer.
- References his time in the underground dance crew NEURON, before BTS.
- Choreography showcases various dance styles: house, tutting, locking, and popping.
- Highlights songs from the Hope on the Street Vol. 1 EP.
- Each backup dancer gets their own spotlight moment.
3. Expectations
- Reflects the type of music fans can expect from j-hope in the future.
- Features his latest singles.
- At the LA show, included a surprise performance with Miguel for “Sweet Dreams.”
- More direct interaction with the fans.
4. Fantasy
- A nostalgic trip to the past.
- Includes songs from his first mixtape, Hope World, and tracks by BTS.
- Colorful visuals inspired by the Hope World cover art.
- A moment to reconnect with his identity as a BTS member.
- The fanchant before “MIC Drop” echoes through the stadium, calling out all seven members’ names—a truly emotional moment.
5. Wish
- Represents j-hope’s hopes and dreams for the future.
- Songs with uplifting messages about equality and hope.
- The most emotional and reflective section of the show.
What Does Hope on the Stage Mean?
It’s j-hope’s triumphant return to the stage, celebrating hope, art, and his connection with fans.
Breathtaking Visuals: Breaking Down the Visuals of the j-hope tour, Section by Section
The j-hope tour isn’t just a musical spectacle—it’s also a carefully crafted visual experience designed to move, surprise, and leave unforgettable memories. From the stage to the costumes, every detail aligns with the tour’s concept and reinforces the narrative j-hope built. Let’s take a closer look at the visual elements that make this show so unique.
Stage Design and Visual Production of the j-hope tour
The visual production of the j-hope tour is highly elaborate, with each section featuring a unique stage design that complements the themes and story.
Ambition Section
- Stage: A red square made of individual boxes that “seem to breathe beneath a mysterious veil.”
- Visual Effect: Depending on the angle, the boxes form a checkered pattern—a key visual motif from the Jack in the Box album.
- Lighting: Dominantly red, creating a tense and dramatic atmosphere.
- Screens: Display imagery that matches the red, fiery theme.
- Special Effect: At the end of “Arson,” fans’ lightsticks (automatically synchronized) shift from red to a dim yellow, suggesting the embers left after a fire.
Dream Section
- Backdrop: An old-school boombox projection appears on screen, paying tribute to j-hope’s roots as a street dancer.
- Lighting: Brighter and more colorful—a total contrast to the previous section.
- Visual Focus: Dance and movement take center stage, with space for backup dancers to shine.
Wish Section
- Design: More minimalist, allowing j-hope to step off the main stage and walk along the barriers to interact with fans.
- Lighting: Soft and warm, creating an intimate atmosphere for heartfelt connection.
Fashion King on Stage Too: The Costumes of the j-hope tour
The costumes of the j-hope tour are a natural extension of the show’s narrative—each look is intentional, conceptual, and visually impactful.
Ambition Section
- j-hope appears dressed head-to-toe in red, matching the stage and screen visuals.
- Described as “the embodiment of fire and restrained power—cold, calculated, and deliberate, with an intimidating aura emanating from his striking presence.”
Other Sections
- Each section has distinct outfits tailored to its specific vibe and storyline.
- The costume changes reflect the evolving narrative of the show.
- Backup dancers also wear coordinated looks, especially during the Dream section, which celebrates street dance culture.
- And of course, we can’t forget the now-iconic pieces: Hobi’s shiny pants, the white tank top, the Mona Lisa belt… the details are endless!
Dance Machine on Stage! Choreography and Dancers of the j-hope tour
j-hope isn’t BTS’s dance leader for nothing. He’s widely recognized as one of the greatest dancers in K-pop history—and it shows in every moment of the j-hope tour. Hobi is dance. Period.
On stage, he showcases multiple styles: house, tutting, locking, popping… The Dream section, in particular, spotlights j-hope’s dance skills, opening with a freestyle to the intro of On the Street.
We also have to highlight the incredible backup dancers, handpicked by j-hope and his team. They bring an authentic street dance energy to the stage, and—true to Hobi’s generous spirit—each dancer gets their own solo moment during the show.
Full Setlist of the j-hope tour: Every Moment of the Musical Experience
The setlist is divided into five themed sections, each with its own atmosphere and story.
Ambition
- What If…
- Pandora’s Box
- Arson
- Stop
- More
Dream
- On the Street
- Lock / Unlock
- I Don’t Know
- I Wonder…
- Trivia: Just Dance
- Sweet Dreams
- Mona Lisa
Expectations
- 1 Verse
- Base Line
- Hangsang
- Airplane
- Airplane Pt. 2
- MIC Drop
- Silver Spoon
- Dis-ease
Fantasy
- Outro: Ego
- Daydream
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Hope World
Wish / Encore
- Equal Sign
- Future
- Neuron
Audience Interaction: j-hope Is ARMY’s Hope in the j-hope tour
During the “Wish” section, j-hope walks slowly along the front of the crowd, touching hands and connecting with fans one by one.
He finds someone to connect with and, holding their hands, sings the intro of “Equal Sign.” This deeply emotional moment became one of the core memories of the j-hope tour, resulting in beautiful videos and photos that flooded social media.
On the Big Screen: Visual Elements and VCRs of the j-hope tour
The j-hope tour narrative is supported by pre-recorded VCRs shown between the different sections of the show. These visual interludes add depth and continuity to the performance:
- The opening VCR shows j-hope dressed in black in a dark, cold world. He walks toward numbered boxes and opens one marked “23” (interpreted as the age when he created his first solo mixtape).
Inside the box is another version of himself—dressed in red, in a red room. This leads directly into the first theme: “Ambition.” - The VCR between “Ambition” and “Dream” references several j-hope tracks, including Chicken Noodle Soup and Airplane. A key detail: the red room shows the date of his military enlistment written on the wall. The box is then carried into a “Safety Zone” (a reference to his album track), marking the transition to “Dream.”
- In the VCR between “Dream” and “Expectations,” j-hope is freed from the red box and reveals a stage surrounded by fans.
Now, the biggest moment of this VCR for us? The soundtrack. Who could forget the “vai rolar muitão” sample from Brazilian funk? 🪩🔥 - The final VCR shows j-hope preparing for a performance, carrying with him a glowing red box—a recurring symbol throughout the j-hope tour.
But What Does the Red Box in the j-hope tour Actually Mean?
The red box is a central symbolic element in the narrative of the j-hope tour. It represents the place where j-hope feels happiest—the stage. It also symbolizes his journey of self-discovery and artistic expression, serving as the link that connects every part of the show into one cohesive story.
Hope to Take Home: Promotional Material and j-hope tour Merchandise
On February 19, 2025, HYBE MERCH’s official account released a concept film announcing the official Hope on the Stage merchandise. But this isn’t your average K-pop merch—this line was co-created by j-hope himself.
The limited-edition merch includes clothing, collectibles, and albums, with exclusive items available only at concert venues.
Beyond the Stage: Exhibitions and Film Expanding the j-hope tour Experience
The j-hope tour extends far beyond the arena. Exhibitions, a feature film, and loads of unreleased content are being launched to immortalize this unforgettable era. Let’s break it down:
“AND WHAT?” Exhibition: j-hope’s Art on Display
HYBE announced the exhibition “AND WHAT?”, taking place from May 30 to June 22, initially in Seoul.
The exhibition will highlight j-hope’s journey as a solo artist, featuring:
- Costumes worn during the tour
- Personal items
- Iconic outfits from the j-hope tour
- Concept photos
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Multimedia installations—and more
This exhibition reinforces the idea that j-hope’s current era is a true celebration of his artistic identity, offering fans a deeper dive into the universe of the j-hope tour.
j-hope tour Film: Final Show to Hit Theaters Worldwide
We now have full details on the tour film—and the news couldn’t be better!
It’s been officially announced: j-hope Tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ in JAPAN: LIVE VIEWING, a worldwide cinematic live broadcast of the final concert. And yes—many theaters around the world are already sold out.
The final show takes place at Kyocera Dome in Osaka on May 31, closing out a journey that began in February and spanned 31 shows across 15 regions.
The special screening will showcase all phases of j-hope’s career, including:
- His journey with BTS
- The Hope World mixtape (2018)
- The Jack in the Box album (2022)
- The Hope on the Street Vol. 1 EP (2024)
- His recent singles “MONA LISA” and “Sweet Dreams”
j-hope recorded a heartfelt message to fans, saying:
“[…] I’m so happy to be able to share this global tour with so many ARMYs through this live screening!”
Watch his message on Bangtan TV:
🎟️ Tickets available starting May 9 at:
- 12 PM (Brasília Time)
- 6 PM (KST)
Info and ticket sales: www.j-hopeliveviewing.com
Where Is j-hope Now?
At the time this article was written, j-hope was in Seul after his shows in Macau.
Conclusion: Hope on the Stage Isn’t Just a K-pop Solo Tour—It’s a Historic Milestone
The j-hope tour set a record for the largest audience at a solo show—both for an Asian artist and a solo artist in general—in the history of BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, bringing in 48,000 people over two nights.
This tour is a landmark moment in j-hope’s solo career and in the global history of K-pop. As the first BTS member to headline a solo stadium show, and the first Korean soloist to perform at BMO Stadium, j-hope continues to break barriers and set new standards for Korean artists on the international stage.
The elaborate production, with its cohesive narrative divided into themed sections, delivers j-hope’s artistic vision and shows his growth as a complete performer. The new songs released specifically for the j-hope tour highlight his musical evolution and his willingness to explore new sounds and directions.
As fans await BTS’s full return, expected at the end of 2025, the j-hope tour stands not just as a showcase of j-hope’s individual brilliance, but as a celebration of the deep bond between BTS and ARMY around the world.
Simply unforgettable.
