BTS’ j-hope Kicks Off Asia Tour with a Memorable Surprise in Manila

On April 12, 2025, BTS member j-hope launched the Asia leg of his highly anticipated HOPE ON THE STAGE solo tour at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. His concert kicked off with enthusiasm, but it was a surprise visit from the celebrated actor Im Si-wan that truly captured the spotlight. j-hope expressed his heartfelt joy in an Instagram story, referring to the surprise as the “best”surprise he’d ever received.

An Unforgettable Surprise

In his story, j-hope shared a moment with Im Si-wan backstage, expressing his gratitude for the unexpected visit. According to translated remarks by X user @dalbitbangtan, he remarked:

“A surprise of showing up like this out of nowhere, my Hyung is the best.. I’m touched.”

This heartfelt acknowledgement resonated with fans, who quickly took to social media to express their excitement at seeing the two stars together. One user, @swanglake88, exclaimed:

“MY 2 FAVS AAAAAAAAAAAAA.”

Fans React to the Friendship

The revelation of their friendship surprised many fans, with some expressing their admiration for the bond shared between the artists. Comments included:

“I forgot that they became friends before Hobi enlisted,” a fan commented.

“They’re friends?”another user remarked.

“I didn’t know they were friends lol,”added another.

“Siwang and Hobi, my world collided,”a netizen remarked.

The presence of Im Si-wan at the concert contributed to a magical atmosphere that captivated both j-hope and his fans, known as ARMYs. Comments from the audience reflected their elation:

“Awwww he experienced the concert here in Manila,”a fan observed.

“Reading this literally sent me crashing out last night like what do you mean my favorite actor is also here!!!!!!!!!,”stated another user.

“Idk but his friends are truly the best friends tho, they try to join his stage every time,”commented a different fan.

Highlights from j-hope’s Manila Concert

The Manila concert marked a significant milestone as the inaugural stop of the Asia leg of his tour, following a successful series of sold-out shows in the United States, including memorable performances in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. j-hope delighted fans with a dynamic 27-song setlist comprising popular tracks such as Arson, Equal Sign, Daydream, Trivia: Just Dance, Hope World, and his recent chart-topping single Mona Lisa, which recently secured its first music show win on MCountdown.

The K-pop Journey of Im Si-wan

Im Si-wan’s attendance not only highlighted their friendship but also evoked nostalgia among fans, as he is a former K-pop idol who debuted with the boy group ZE:A. Transitioning successfully into acting, he has starred in acclaimed dramas including Run On, Boyhood, and the globally recognized Squid Game Season 2.