- j-hope held a sold-out two-night solo concert in Manila, his first visit in 8 years.
- Im Si-wan made a surprise appearance, thrilling fans and j-hope alike.
- The concert marked the first BTS-related show in the Philippines since 2017.
j-hope, fresh from completing his military service in November 2024, kicked off the Asian leg of his HOPE ON THE STAGE solo tour in Manila on April 12 and 13. The two-night concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena was a euphoric celebration. It drew thousands of Filo ARMYs who had long awaited BTS’ return.
One of the most talked-about highlights was the surprise appearance of Korean actor and ZE:A member Im Si-wan. He showed up to support j-hope, delighting fans and creating buzz across social media.
Mahal Ko Kayo: j-hope’s Manila Concert Becomes a Filo ARMY Dream Come True
The excitement surrounding j-hope’s return to Manila was off the charts. Fans flocked to the SM Mall of Asia Arena for a long-overdue reunion. For many Filo ARMYs, this marked the first chance to see a BTS member live in their own country since 2017. The show brought not just nostalgia, but also a fresh sense of pride in j-hope’s journey as a soloist.
The tour’s production pulled out all the stops. Vibrant visuals, powerful choreography, and fan-favorite tracks like “MORE” and “Arson” brought the house down. j-hope’s stage presence proved why he’s known as the performance king. He commanded the crowd with both charisma and sincerity.
Im Si-wan’s surprise visit added a unique touch, symbolizing the camaraderie and mutual respect between artists in Korea’s entertainment scene. Their backstage moment went viral, showing j-hope’s genuine joy at seeing a close friend support him overseas.
The Manila stop also represented a larger theme in j-hope’s tour. He reconnected with fans who’ve waited patiently. His message in Tagalog, “Mahal Ko Kayo,” wasn’t just a sweet gesture—it was a love letter to ARMYs whose support never wavered through time and distance.
j-hope’s Manila shows weren’t just a concert—they were a heartfelt return, a symbol of hope, and a celebration of the unwavering bond between artist and fan.
“Thanks to ARMY, today felt like Sweet Dreams 🥰 Mahal Ko Kayo 💜” — j-hope’s message after his Manila