7 Reasons Why You Should Be Excited For j-hope’s ‘Hope On The Stage’ Manila Concert

The stage is officially set for j-hope‘s highly anticipated arrival to Manila this weekend.

The BTS member is bringing the ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ experience to Manila this April 12 and 13, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Marking j-hope’s first ever world tour as solo artist, there is undeniably much anticipation surrounding his upcoming two shows in the Philippines, with the “MONA LISA” hitmaker set to deliver an unforgettable performance unlike any other.

With this, Billboard Philippines has put together a list of reasons why you should be extra excited for j-hope’s long-awaited return to Manila this weekend.

It will be the first time any BTS member will be performing in the Philippines after almost 8 years

With how much BTS’ undeniable impact and influence have spread in the last few years, especially in the Philippines, you might find it surprising that it’s been nearly two years shy of a decade since they last held a concert here. That’s right, it’s been eight years since they held the Manila leg of their ‘BTS Live Trilogy Episode III: The Wings Tour’ last May 2017.

But whatever the reason may be, it just means one thing: j-hope’s concert this weekend will be absolutely special in more ways than one, especially for the long-time Filipino ARMYs who have been waiting patiently for the group’s return to Manila.

It will be a way for Filipino ARMYs to get together and celebrate BTS’ upcoming return as full group

Speaking of the group’s return, this concert is, undeniably, going to be one of, if not the, biggest get-togethers of Filipino ARMYs in recent memory. This makes it the perfect opportunity to celebrate what any BTS fan has been waiting for in the past two years or so: the “Dynamite” hitmakers’ highly anticipated upcoming return as a full group.

As the group are expected to complete their individual mandatory military service in the next few months or so, it’s only a matter of time before the world gets to witness BTS as one again, and what better way to commemorate that than by looking back on the septet’s journey and making new memories by witnessing j-hope take the stage this weekend.

It will be j-hope’s first solo concert in the country

Indeed, the Manila stop of the ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ world tour is special, all the more since it will mark three important things. First, it will be the kick-off concert of the tour’s Asia leg. Second, it will be j-hope’s first ever solo concert in the Philippines. And third, what makes it even more special is the fact that both dates are completely sold-out, so get ready to scream, shout, cry, and jump along to thousands of other ARMY’s as j-hope makes it a weekend to remember forever.

There will be a ton of official merchandise to choose from

Speaking of remembering, what better way to commemorate your time witnessing j-hope on his first world tour than with the merch selection lined up for the Manila crowd? From the staple shirts and hoodies to collectibles like photo cards, remember your ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ experience by buying one (or all) of the goods available. Of course, don’t forget to grab the official BTS lightstick if you don’t have one yet!

There will be multiple instances of unique interactions between j-hope and the ARMYs present

For a lucky few, there’s a whole lot more you can look forward to this weekend — particularly, the chance of seeing and interacting with the “Sweet Dreams” hitmaker.

Whether it’s during the premium soundcheck experience, the send-off activities after the shows, or the concert proper itself, j-hope has been known to make it an unforgettable experience for many ARMYs, gifting them with up-close-and-personal interactions. Who knows? You might be the next one to get a selfie, an autograph, or maybe even a big hug from Hoseok.

j-hope will be performing many of his solo releases over the years, alongside beloved BTS hits

Since it’s his first solo concert in the country after all, expect j-hope to curate a setlist that will highlight all aspects of his artistry. From songs off of Hope World, Jack In The Box, and Hope On The Street to fan-favorite BTS tracks, it will be a night celebrating the ever-evolving discography of j-hope. Who knows? He might even bless the Manila crowd by adding a few deep cuts like “1 VERSE” or give us a taste of an unreleased single like he did with the previous stops of the tour.

It will be a showcase of j-hope’s superb stage presence and his growth as a soloist

What comes with this exciting setlist courtesy of j-hope is, of course, his unparalleled and attention-grabbing stage presence. If you’ve seen a video of the BTS member in concert, then you know just how electrifying he can be live. From his songs like “Just Dance” or “Neuron” to heavy-hitting BTS bangers like “Mic Drop,” “BAEPSAE,” “Dis-ease,” and more, prepare yourselves to get hyped and move along to j-hope’s every move. From his show-stopping choreography to his versatility as a vocalist and as a rapper, expect j-hope to stage (pun intended) a show backed by his fiery energy and dynamic abilities as an all-star performer.

Get ready to witness j-hope like you’ve never seen him before.

Ahead of his first solo concert in Manila this weekend, listen to j-hope’s hits below: