‘Hope On The Stage’ Is J-Hope At His Best Yet — Review

j-hope has always been quite the storyteller. 

In 2022, he defied expectations and unveiled the inner shadows of the glittering world of fame with his solo album, Jack In the Box. Then most recently, he painted a vivid picture of hip-hop, as he revisits his roots and his love for dance in HOPE ON THE STREET VOL. 1.

The BTS member has always brought to life the most enthralling tales. So, it comes as no surprise that for his first-ever solo tour, j-hope would immerse audiences into an immensely compelling visual and sonic journey of his life story. 

Titled ‘Hope On The Stage’, the tour name was more than a mere title but a declaration that j-hope was back where he belonged.

j-hope kicked off the Asia leg of the tour in Manila’s famed SM Mall Of Asia Arena over the weekend (April 12 and 13, 2025). Presented by Live Nation Philippines, the shows drew in thousands of fans from all over the country — each one buzzing with excitement as they prepared their hearts and screams to reunite with the global pop star after almost eight years. 

When the lights finally drop, it was as if an electric current surges through the arena. The screams of fans fill the air, lightsticks paint the venue bright red, and red-draped platforms move up and down on stage — the atmosphere crackling with anticipation. 

Almost in an instant, j-hope emerges from the floor, prompting an eruption of shrills so loud it overwhelms the sound system. He opens with a striking performance of “What If…,” kicking off the first chapter of the night: ‘Ambition.’

As the opening section to what is set to be a five-part story of j-hope’s artistic journey, ‘Ambition’ begins dark and heavy. It sees the gloomier tracks of Jack In The Box including “Pandora’s Box,” “Arson,” “Stop,” and “MORE” — each packed with a slew of fireworks and flames exploding from the stage. 

The next chapter, ‘Dream’, sees j-hope’s edges soften. The stage glows golden, bathed in warm hues as we revisit the rapper’s first love: dance. This chapter takes a turn inward, looking back on j-hope’s artistic roots while embracing all that’s turned him into the artist he is today. 

This is where HOPE ON THE STREET VOL. 1 comes to life. Soundtracked by the likes of “I Don’t Know” and “I Wonder…,” as well as “Trivia: Just Dance” from BTS’ 2018 album, Love Yourself: Answer, every track comes with its own dance break, turning each song into a layered performance. From the dance circle that followed “On The Street” to the loose yet precise choreography of “Lock/Unlock,” each one was a reminder that j-hope is a performer like no other. 

In the middle comes ‘Expectations,’ a section defined by j-hope’s aspirations and ambitions. If ‘Dream’ was an ode to what blossomed his passion for music, ‘Expectation’ is the sound of him charging into what’s next.

Divided only by a VCR, j-hope reappears with fire in his eyes as he dives into electric performances of “1 Verse,” “Base Line,” “Hangsang,” and “Airplane,” as well as beloved high-energy BTS tracks like “Airplane Pt. 2,” “Mic Drop, “Silver Spoon,” and “Dis-ease.”

Undeniably a crowd-favorite, this section sees no hesitation as a wave of adrenaline pulses through the venue. The award-winning act raps with a sharp edge, each bar landing like a punch. ‘Expectation’, more than any other, feels like the culmination of who j-hope is as a performer: commanding and full of power. 

Before the night ends, j-hope leads us into ‘Fantasy,’ a section soaked in color that aptly introduces Hope World. Defined as the world j-hope envisions for the future, this chapter is bright, playful, and a whole lot of fun. 

He floats into whimsical performances of “Outro: Ego,” and “Daydream” before throwing a full-blown party with “Chicken Noodle Soup.” It’s joyous and chaotic in the best way possible. 

The rapper closes the chapter with “Hope World,” the vibrant title track that first introduced fans to his solo artistry. The chorus echoes, the visuals turn galactic, and j-hope stands centerstage surrounded by bursts of color and light. 

The entire story eventually ends with ‘Wish,’ a chapter that embodies j-hope’s hope to have a kinder world and a brighter future. He soundtracks this section with optimistic songs like “Equal Sign (=)” and “Future” before tying the entire show with “Neuron” — a kind reminder to never forget where you came from.

‘Hope On The Stage’ was quite literally a journey through the mind, heart, and soul of j-hope. 

Whether it was the stage production that the rapper took meticulous note of to the incredible performances that unfolded with precision and intention, every element felt intentional — crafted not just to impress, but to connect. 

It was more than a concert, but a testament to his artistry that knows no bounds and a celebration of the depth he brings to everything he creates. And if there’s one thing ‘Hope On The Stage’ made abundantly clear, it’s that j-hope belongs on the stage.