In early 2025, HYBE just had its national GDP moment in North America—thanks to one man: j‑hope. His Hope on the Stage tour didn’t just sell out arenas—it nearly doubled HYBE’s North American revenue. We’re talking a jaw‑dropping 85.7% increase, totaling 133.25 billion KRW (about $100 million) in Q1 alone. That’s not growth, that’s rocket fuel.
What made it explode? North America saw ten sold‑out shows across major cities like Brooklyn, Chicago, San Antonio, Oakland, and two massive nights at LA’s BMO Stadium. All in all, about 145,600 tickets sold in the U.S., and around 33,000 more in Mexico City—adding up to roughly 178,000 fans in total attendance.
Analysts from Meritz Securities credited j‑hope’s solo performances and HYBE America’s roster for driving the surge. The success didn’t just pad album sales—it redefined HYBE’s bank balance in the West. Fans are relentless with celebratory captions like “Ace things only” and “j‑hope is carrying the whole company.”
ARMY on X went full hype machine:
“85.7% is Huge Number WE’RE SO PROUD OF YOU J‑HOPE, ACE OF K‑POP”
“Hybe isn’t promoting him at all, yet he brings in the most profit… he’s the one making the label relevant.”
Let’s track the timeline: j‑hope started the tour in February 2025 in Seoul, then moved through Asia before hitting North America. The tour finished in June at Goyang Stadium in South Korea—coinciding with BTS’s 12th anniversary show and a surprise OT7 reunion on stage. Jin and Jungkook joined him to perform Jamais Vu, turning his solo finale into an unofficial BTS festival.
This isn’t just about fan love—it’s business muscle. HYBE’s overall Q1 performance saw a 39% year-over-year increase to about 500 billion KRW, with concert revenue alone tripling. J‑hope’s tour stood out, contributing massively to that surge. It’s rare for a solo idol to power such a spike.
So what’s the takeaway?
- j‑hope’s first solo world tour smashed it in ticket sales and artistry
- HYBE benefited massively—especially in North America
- ARMY’s pride isn’t just memes—it’s economics
And if after all that it still feels like j‑hope is just having fun on stage—he’s also proving he can run a company’s revenue chart while making millions dance along. In short: j‑hope + Hope on the Stage = ace energy, ace tour, and ace returns—for HYBE and the entire fandom.
