Hope on the Stage: The Final on BTS Anniversary Day

I had the chance to watch Hope on the Stage: The Final for the third time, this time on Day 1 of the two-day finale in Goyang, which is just outside Seoul. The shows were held on June 13 and 14, and since BTS’ anniversary falls on the 13th, I knew I had to get a ticket for that date. 

As expected, ticketing was brutal, but I managed to secure one during membership presale — in the section I wanted, not too close, not too far, just the right distance to see both J-hope and the stage production.

The show went as expected with J-hope performing the songs on his set list. At this point, I already knew which songs were coming, but it was still fun. This was a different night, different crowd, and a different energy altogether.

When it came to the song 'I Wonder', which featured Jungkook, he actually came out on stage — and we were all screaming and crying. Since he had just been discharged from military service a few days before the show, we did anticipate his appearance, but seeing him there in person still felt like a shock. And it didn’t stop there: Jungkook went on to perform 'Seven', which turned into a collab when J-hope surprised us by rapping Latto’s parts live. The whole crowd went wild.

Jungkook performing 'Seven' with J-hope

J-hope also performed his new single Killin’ It Girl for the first time, which had just dropped earlier that day.

At one point, J-hope acknowledged the members in the audience, and we saw RM, V, Jimin, and Suga sitting across the arena from my section. I could just about catch them on my camera zoomed way in, but thankfully they were also shown on the big screen, waving at the crowd. The arena erupted into more screams and chhers — because suddenly, almost all of BTS were right there in front of us.

V, RM, Suga, and Jimin

And then came the moment I’ll never forget. During the encore, J-hope began 'Spring Day' (which wasn't on the tour setlist) with his rap, and then Jin’s voice filled the arena. My ultimate bias, Kim Seokjin, appeared and I felt a bit teary eyed. I never truly expected to see him there, but there he was. He followed it with his solo 'Don’t Say You Love Me'.

'Spring Day' and 'Don't Say You Love Me'

And just when I thought it couldn’t get any more overwhelming, Jin started singing 'Jamais Vu', and J-hope and Jungkook reappeared on stage to perform with him. That song has always held a special place for me, especially because it was originally sung by what I’d consider my bias line — Jin, Jungkook, and J-hope. Even though I eventually settled on Jin as my ultimate, seeing the three of them perform it together live was something I couldn’t have imagined. I was bawling so I could barely hold my phone steady to record.

Jin, J-hope, and Jungkook performing 'Jamais Vu'

Afterward, the members spent a little more time greeting us, exchanging a few words and playful banter, before J-hope closed the show with 'Equal Sign' and 'Neuron', just as in the rest of his tour.

It was a night that exceeded even my highest expectations. I’d already seen the show multiple times, but this finale was something else. The fact that it all happened on June 13, BTS’s debut anniversary, made it even more meaningful, like we were part of something truly historic and unforgettable.