After all seven BTS members reunited in June 2025 following the completion of their military service, many fans assumed that household names like Jungkook and V would take the lead in driving HYBE’s global revenue growth. But in an unexpected twist, it was rapper J-Hope who turned the tide. His solo efforts, particularly his sold-out world tour, played a pivotal role in pushing HYBE’s North American earnings to new heights. According to reports, HYBE recorded a staggering 85.7% increase in North American revenue during the first quarter of 2025, and much of that success can be credited to J-Hope’s electrifying performances.
J-Hope’s first solo tour, Hope on the Stage, kicked off in April 2025 and quickly gained traction. Performing across major cities like Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Oakland, and Mexico City, J-Hope managed to attract a crowd of over 178,000 fans across 12 sold-out shows. The success of this tour wasn’t just about ticket sales—it was a clear sign that J-Hope’s solo artistry resonates deeply with audiences, even beyond BTS’s collective fame. Financial analysts from Meritz Securities attributed a significant portion of HYBE’s quarterly windfall—133.25 billion KRW, or roughly $102 million USD—to the tour’s overwhelming success.
Since his military discharge in October 2024, J-Hope has been consistently working on expanding his musical catalog. He debuted new tracks like “Mona Lisa” and “Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel)” from his Hope on the Street Vol.1 album, which he showcased during the tour. He also treated fans to classics from his 2022 solo debut Jack in the Box, such as “Arson” and “More,” alongside some iconic BTS songs. The blend of nostalgia and fresh creativity created a dynamic setlist that resonated with long-time ARMYs and newer fans alike. His ability to maintain momentum post-military service demonstrates a remarkable level of dedication and artistry.
Beyond the music itself, the tour proved lucrative in other ways. Merchandise sales reached impressive heights, with approximately 22% of attendees purchasing concert gear and spending an average of $60 per person. The final leg of the tour concluded on a heartfelt note at Goyang Stadium in South Korea on June 14—coinciding with BTS’s 12th anniversary. In a memorable moment, fellow members Jin and Jungkook joined J-Hope onstage for a performance of “Jamais Vu,” marking a rare reunion that delighted fans worldwide.
Meanwhile, K-pop’s global momentum shows no signs of slowing. Data from Luminate reveals that groups like Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN, and LE SSERAFIM are consistently topping U.S. album charts. SEVENTEEN even outpaced major international artists in sales. As for BTS, excitement continues to build for their highly anticipated group comeback, slated for spring 2026. But for now, J-Hope stands as a testament to the enduring power of BTS’s individual stars—and the loyalty of the global fanbase that supports them every step of the way.
