j-hope’s HOPE ON THE STAGE Tour: A Concert Marked by Controversy
On April 6, 2025, j-hope celebrated the conclusion of the North American leg of his HOPE ON THE STAGE world tour at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Prior to his performance, several fans took to social media, including a user on X, @Frances39411513, to share that banners were being distributed near the venue. These banners prominently displayed Korean lyrics from j-hope’s track Equal Sign and urged fans to raise them during the corresponding performance segment.
Interestingly, the reverse side of these banners, organized by pro-Palestine ARMY supporters, contained a QR code with further information and a call for respect. This initiative sparked mixed reactions, with some concert-goers and online users voicing concerns about political messages being introduced at an entertainment event.
Debate Over Political Expression at Concerts
While some individuals criticized the political undertones of the banners, many others sprang to their defense. Proponents highlighted that the lyrics were directly lifted from j-hope’s own artistry, conveying themes of empathy and solidarity. X user @bluechwita remarked:
“pretending to be an army and y’all don’t even realize it’s his OWN lyrics also, the members’s music has ALWAYS been political like??? did u not pay attention or are u just stanning for their looks???”
Supporters of the banners asserted that advocating for humanitarian causes resonates with the essence of j-hope’s musical vision, particularly given that he performed Equal Sign live during the concert. Many fans expressed that including a simple QR code for donations could only assist those in need.
“throwing Hobi’s OWN LYRICS in the trash? do you even pay attention to their music? do you READ it? gen/ asking cause it doesn’t seem like you do?,”a fan commented.
“aren’t you ashamed to call these propaganda posters when these are literally THE LYRICS OF EQUAL SIGN BY HOBI. HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW THE LYRICS OF THE ARTIST WHOSE CONCERT YOU ARE GOING TO, HOBI IS LITERALLY *SINGING THESE LYRICS* DURING THE SET LIST! !!!,”an X user remarked.
“God some of you are just really really bad people. That’s a lyric. Its a lyric from his song. What’s wrong with it. What’s wrong if the banner has a fu*king DONATION link. What is wrong with you lot,”another netizen added.
“it’s literally hobi’s lyrics with a donation link. to help people. this behavior is just embarrassingly immoral atp…. how out of touch can some ppl be,”a fan mentioned.
Call for a Politics-Free Concert Experience
Conversely, others argued for maintaining the concert atmosphere as a place exclusively dedicated to celebrating j-hope and his music. Critics of the banners urged fellow fans to reject them, with some suggesting that political agendas should not overshadow the purpose of such an event.
“Please do not entertain these ppl, dispose everything they give. ARMYS ARE THERE ONLY FOR HOBI TO CELEBRATE HIM especially here is not the time & place to poke their agendas. Army knows when and where to be responsible and support social causes and we have done so respectfully,”an X user wrote.
“REJECT THESE BANNERS. REPORT TO SECURITY POLITICAL BANNERS NOT ALLOWED,”another person added.
Upcoming Highlights of the HOPE ON THE STAGE Tour
The HOPE ON THE STAGE tour marks j-hope’s debut world tour, promoting his studio album Jack in the Box along with his EP Hope on the Street Vol. 1. The tour commenced in Seoul with three successful shows from February 28 to March 2, after which j-hope made history by becoming the first BTS member to lead a solo concert at a stadium, with two memorable performances at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Looking ahead, j-hope is set to traverse Asia, with his upcoming performances scheduled as follows:
- April 12–13 – Manila, SM Mall of Asia Arena
- April 19–20 – Saitama, Saitama Super Arena
- April 26–27 – Singapore, Singapore Indoor Stadium
- May 3–4 – Jakarta, Indonesia Arena
- May 10–11 – Bangkok, Impact Arena
- May 17–18 – Macau, Galaxy Arena
- May 24–25 – Taipei, NTSU Arena
- May 31–June 1 – Osaka, Kyocera Dome Osaka
This world tour represents j-hope’s first significant undertaking since completing his military service in October 2024. Initially enlisting in April 2023, he served with the South Korean Army’s 5th Infantry Division, during which he launched Hope on the Street Vol. 1 and produced a six-part documentary chronicling his experiences.
The concert setlist features fan-favorite tracks such as More, Arson, On the Street, and Equal Sign, categorized into thematic sections titled Ambition, Dream, Expectations, Fantasy, and Wish. Fans are looking forward to a full reunion of BTS in 2025 once all members conclude their military service.