BTS’ J-Hope makes triumphant return to PH with sold-out shows

The clamor for the return of Grammy-nominated K-pop icon BTS to the Philippines and the music world was palpable at member J-Hope’s solo concert.

- BY JONATHAN HICAP

J-Hope (제이홉) held his sold-out “Hope on the Stage” tour in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on April 12 and 13.

For BTS ARMY (fans), J-Hope’s concert in Manila marked several firsts.

This was J-Hope’s return to the Philippines after eight years. The last time J-Hope was in the country was in May 2017, when BTS held “The Wings Tour” at the same venue.

Manila was also the first stop in Asia J-Hope’s solo tour. This was also J-Hope’s first tour since he was discharged from his mandatory service last October.

Before embarking on the Asia tour, J-Hope performed in front of about 178,000 fans in his North American tour, spanning 12 shows in six cities, including Brooklyn, Chicago, Mexico City, San Antonio, Oakland, and Los Angeles.

J-Hope performed his songs at his Manila concert and showed his passion for dancing.

Last year, Prime Video launched J-Hope’s “Hope on the Street” docu-series, highlighting his story and his return to street dance roots as he traveled to Osaka, Seoul, Paris, New York, and Gwangju.

Amid the thunderous cheers from the crowd, J-Hope emerged on stage and performed “What if...,” “Pandora’s Box,” “Arson,” “Stop,” and “More,” all tracks in his “Jack in the Box” album released in July 2022.

Watching J-Hope’s solo concert was a visual feast. The stage showcased moving blocks that changed heights every time. During the show, J-Hope performed on top of a block several feet above the stage several times.