BTS’s striking visual representation of identity has been widely recognized as a key factor in the group’s global success. Member J-Hope (real name Jung Ho-seok, 31) has carried that theme into his solo career, as demonstrated in his two albums. His 2022 debut solo studio album, “Jack In The Box,” reinterpreted his stage name through the metaphor of Pandora’s box, portraying hope as its final, enduring element. Meanwhile, HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1, a special album released last year while he was serving in the military, featured pre-recorded tracks that paid homage to his roots as a street dancer.
That commitment to artistic storytelling was on full display at his first solo tour concert, J-Hope Tour HOPE ON THE STAGE in SEOUL, held on Mar. 2 at KSPO Dome in Seoul’s Olympic Park. From the opening number, “What if…,” the stage design immediately stood out, with 25 box-shaped lift platforms filling the space. These dynamic structures shifted in color and height to mirror the song’s melody and lyrics, reinforcing the Pandora’s box theme central to J-Hope’s first album.
Many performances took place atop these platforms, which rose as high as three meters, enhancing the spectacle with towering flames, fireworks, and lasers. The visual effects were striking yet seamless, heightening the concert’s energy without feeling excessive. J-Hope fully utilized the set, leaping between platforms, dramatically lighting an actual flame from his pocket during Arson, and playfully collapsing onto a bed placed between the boxes for Daydream, as if momentarily escaping into a carefree nap. The title track of his special album, “on the Street,” featured shadow projections of butterflies on the boxes, symbolizing the freedom of street dancers, while butterfly-shaped confetti rained over the crowd. Each moment was met with thunderous cheers from the 12,500 fans filling the venue.
Held over three days from Feb. 28 to Mar. 2, the concert drew a total of 37,500 attendees. The Seoul performances marked the launch of J-Hope’s first-ever solo world tour since his debut 12 years ago. The tour will take him to 15 cities across North America and Asia, including Brooklyn, Chicago, Mexico City, San Antonio, Oakland, Los Angeles, Manila, Saitama, Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Macau, Taipei, and Osaka, with 31 shows scheduled. The tour’s conclusion in June coincides with the completion of BTS’s mandatory military service, heightening anticipation for the group’s long-awaited reunion.
During his final Seoul show on Mar. 2, J-Hope reflected on the significance of the moment, saying, “It’s been three years since my last [solo] concert, following BTS’s Yet to Come in Busan performance in 2022. I feel happiest and most alive when I’m on stage.” Adding to the excitement, Jin—who became the first BTS member to complete his military service last year—made a surprise appearance in the audience to show his support, drawing enthusiastic cheers from fans.
