[REVIEW] BTS‘ J-Hope kicks off first solo world tour with explosive Seoul concerts

BTS‘ J-Hope performs throughout his „J-Hope Tour ‚HOPE ON THE STAGE‘ in SEOUL“ on the KSPO Dome, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Leisure

As Ok-pop juggernaut BTS‘ most outstanding dancer, J-Hope proved he might command the stage alone, delivering a career-defining efficiency as he launched his first solo world tour in Seoul.

For 3 nights from Friday to Sunday, Seoul’s iconic KSPO Dome pulsed with pleasure as 1000’s of BTS followers, referred to as the ARMY, packed the venue for the „J-Hope Tour ‚HOPE ON THE STAGE‘ in SEOUL.“

The live shows marked a significant milestone for J-Hope: his first efficiency for Korean followers since finishing his army service in October, and the beginning of his first solo world tour — a whopping 12 years after his debut.

The ARMY, one in all Ok-pop’s most devoted and far-reaching fandoms, responded in power. All 37,500 tickets for the three days bought out immediately, and followers on the grand finale of the Seoul leg of the tour Sunday afternoon stuffed the dome with anticipation lengthy earlier than the primary observe performed.

BTS‘ J-Hope performs throughout his „J-Hope Tour ‚HOPE ON THE STAGE‘ in SEOUL“ on the KSPO Dome, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Some 37,500 followers loved three every day live shows spanning from Friday to Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Leisure

Because the venue bathed itself in crimson gentle, with J-Hope rising on a elevate clad in a putting all-red outfit, the stadium instantly erupted into deafening cheers.

Responding to the passion, J-Hope labored each inch of the stage, kicking off a seamless, high-energy efficiency of his solo catalog.

The present opened with a rush of songs from his 2022 debut solo album, „Jack In The Field.“ The electrifying sequence of „What If…,“ „Pandora’s Field,“ „Arson“ and „STOP“ set an intense tempo earlier than J-Hope paused to greet the group.

„I dare to say this would be the finest present ever,“ he declared.

„There is a purpose this tour known as ‚Hope on the Stage.‘ It is merely about me, J-Hope, displaying all the things I’ve on stage. I wished an easy title that displays my intent — to precise a spread of feelings by my efficiency.“

He then thanked his viewers. „I can not say it sufficient — thanks. Tonight, I am providing you with all the things I’ve. And I do know you are simply as prepared as I’m.“

BTS member J-Hope performs throughout his „J-Hope Tour ‚HOPE ON THE STAGE‘ in SEOUL“ on the KSPO Dome, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Leisure

The second act paid homage to his avenue dance roots. Performing songs from his particular album „HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1,“ J-Hope inspired followers to get on their toes and dance alongside.

„I wished to deliver my love for avenue dance into my music. That is how this album and these performances got here to be,“ he sai introducing them.

„There’s nothing extra fulfilling than figuring out my music, my sincerity, is reaching you. If nobody loved what I created, I would not be this pleased. I do know this is not purported to be a sentimental second, however I simply can’t assist feeling overwhelmed. Thanks.“

The live performance additionally featured an unique first efficiency of his upcoming digital single, „Candy Goals (feat. Miguel),“ set for launch March 7.

„After my discharge, I stored questioning what sort of music I ought to make subsequent,“ he stated. „Love is such a easy but uncommon emotion in as we speak’s world, and that thought stayed with me all through the artistic course of. I noticed I had by no means made a real love tune earlier than, and that is how ‚Candy Goals‘ got here to be. You possibly can name it my serenade to all of you.“

BTS member J-Hope debuts his new single, „Candy Goals“ that includes singer Miguel, at his live performance on the KSPO Dome in Seoul. Courtesy of BigHit Leisure

From there, the present shifted gears, mixing hip-hop beats with dynamic choreography to show the world right into a pulsating membership environment.

Regardless of greater than a decade within the trade, J-Hope carried out with the power of a rookie, dancing with relentless depth and sweating by each routine.

A nostalgic spotlight got here when he revisited BTS-era tracks, together with „Airplane pt.2,“ „MIC DROP“ and „Outro: Ego.“ The songs transported followers again to BTS‘ peak as a full group whereas fueling anticipation for his or her scheduled reunion later this 12 months.

„HOPE ON THE STAGE“ wasn’t only a visible spectacle — with indoor fireworks, shifting stage constructions and immersive lighting — but additionally a sonic expertise, that includes a stay band that added depth to each monitor.

The night time constructed towards an explosive finale, with J-Hope powering by „Daydream,“ „Hope World“ and his Billboard Scorching 100 hit „Rooster Noodle Soup“ that includes Becky G. Every efficiency unfolded like a pageant, bursting with power.

J-Hope of BTS performs throughout his „J-Hope Tour ‚HOPE ON THE STAGE‘ in SEOUL“ on the KSPO Dome, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Leisure

For the encore, he provided „new jack“ swing-inspired variations of „= (equal signal),“ „Future“ and „NEURON,“ making certain each final fan left on a excessive observe.

„It has been so lengthy since a BTS live performance,“ he mirrored. „After so lengthy, I did not anticipate ARMY’s power to nonetheless be this intense. I am past proud, and I need to present this to the world. I need everybody to see simply how unbelievable this synergy between an artist and their followers might be. It is not me — ARMY is who’s the perfect.“

With a deep bow, he bid farewell — for now.

„Now, it is time for us to hit the highway. I am setting off after wrapping up in Seoul, and I promise to remain secure and wholesome. Being on stage is once I really feel happiest. I’ll all the time stay ‚Hope on the Stage.‘ I like you all a lot. Thanks.“

J-Hope’s world tour is the second solo tour by a BTS member, following bandmate Suga’s 2023 tour.

He’ll subsequent embark on the North American leg, beginning in Brooklyn, March 13, earlier than heading to Chicago, Mexico Metropolis, San Antonio, Oakland and Los Angeles. The tour may also take him to Manila, Saitama, Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Macau, Taipei and Osaka, overlaying 15 cities with 31 reveals.

Past his tour, he’s additionally set to headline Lollapalooza Berlin on the Olympiastadion in Germany this July.