On March 2nd, I attended j-hope’s first solo tour concert, “j-hope Tour ‘HOPE ON THE STREET’ in SEOUL”, held at KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul. Since I had been waiting for this moment for a long time, my excitement peaked the moment I stepped into the venue.
As the concert began, the first thing that caught my eye was the 25 box-shaped lift structures that filled the stage. Changing in color and height to match the flow of the songs, these lifts weren’t just stage props but a visual representation of j-hope’s musical identity. Especially in the intro of “What if…”, when the boxes started moving, it felt as if Pandora’s box was being opened.
j-hope moved freely across the stage, delivering powerful performances. In “Arson”, he dramatically lit a real lighter, leaving a striking impression, while in “Daydream”, he playfully sang on a bed brought between the boxes, creating a whimsical atmosphere. During “on the Street”, butterfly-shaped shadows were cast over the entire stage, and paper butterflies fluttered over the audience, making for a breathtakingly magical scene. The fans responded with enthusiastic cheers, fully immersed in the moment.
This concert was more than just a performance—it carried deep significance. j-hope was directly involved in the planning, composition, and production of the show, ensuring that every stage embodied his artistic philosophy and message. The concert, spanning 2 hours and 30 minutes, was structured around five themes: ambition, dreams, expectations, imagination, and wishes, featuring 21 songs that encapsulated his musical journey. From “1 Verse” to “MIC DROP”, and even the highly anticipated unreleased track “Sweet Dream”, the concert was a full showcase of his evolution as an artist.
A particularly remarkable moment was when he performed BTS songs alone, proving his ability to command the stage single-handedly. The new arrangement, featuring intense guitar sounds and choreography emphasizing his street dancer roots, highlighted his distinct style. His “MIC DROP” performance was especially striking—if this arrangement were to be used in a full-group performance, it could create an explosive synergy.
One of the most heartfelt moments came during the “Dream on Stage” segment, where j-hope unveiled his true self. He shared, “I wanted to authentically capture my roots as a street dancer.” The setlist, consisting of songs from “HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1”, beautifully portrayed his artistic growth through dance and music. “i Wonder…” stood out as a song that highlighted his deep, resonant vocals, enveloping the entire venue in a soothing atmosphere. Additionally, he debuted his new song “Sweet Dream” live for the first time, blending melodic rap with R&B sounds, further defining his unique musical color.
As the concert drew to a close, j-hope expressed his love for the audience, saying, “The stage is my safety zone.” His voice, filled with sincerity as he declared that he was happiest on stage, resonated deeply. It was in that moment that I realized why we are so captivated by his music and performances. This concert was not just a musical event—it was a profound artistic experience, a reflection of his passion and philosophy. And I felt incredibly lucky to have been part of it.
