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During their Tokyo concert on Friday, April 17, BTS member j-hope shared a heartfelt and somber update with fans. He revealed the passing of his grandmother, a woman who played a pivotal role in his upbringing and remained one of his most devoted supporters throughout his rise to global stardom.
Speaking directly to the thousands of fans gathered at the Tokyo Dome, the K-pop star chose vulnerability over silence. “I know this is heavy, but I felt a need to share what’s truly on my heart today,” he explained, addressing the audience. “Shortly after arriving in Japan, I received the news that my maternal grandmother—who helped raise me since I was a young child—had passed away.”
“Initially, I was in shock and struggled to process the news. However, spending time with the other members, sharing meals, and pouring myself into rehearsals provided more comfort than I could have imagined,” j-hope shared. “My grandmother took immense pride in our journey. She believed in what we were doing, and I like to think that if she was watching over us today, she would have cherished every moment of this performance.”
The performer concluded by expressing profound gratitude toward the fans, acknowledging that their unwavering support made his first appearance following the loss a deeply meaningful experience.
BTS is currently touring in support of their latest album, ARIRANG, which recently celebrated its third consecutive week at the top of the Billboard 200. Following their initial shows in Goyang and the Tokyo Dome, the group will continue their trek across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Australia, with the global tour scheduled to conclude in March of next year.
Coinciding with the Tokyo performance, a candid interview featuring j-hope was published by Rolling Stone. In the piece, the artist discussed his perspective on leadership within the group, noting, “It’s simply part of my role on the team. It feels natural… though it’s strange to label it a ‘role.’ I just aim to remain resilient and contribute whatever I can for the rest of the members.”
Additional reporting provided by Billboard Korea.
