"Comparable to Michael Jackson" — Japan’s Nippon TV Praises BTS’s J-Hope for His Dance Skills



BTS’s j-hope has become a hot topic in Japan after receiving high praise for his dance performance on a popular Japanese TV show.



On July 5, j-hope appeared on Nippon TV’s ‘THE MUSIC DAY 2025’, performing his solo track “MONA LISA.” ‘THE MUSIC DAY’ is a special annual music program that has been airing since 2013 and broadcasts live for eight hours every summer, featuring numerous high-profile artists.



Wearing a headset microphone, j-hope flawlessly delivered a live performance while showcasing dynamic and intricate dance moves. Fans in the packed audience responded with enthusiastic cheers and support.

Before the performance, an interview was conducted by Sho Sakurai, a member of the group Arashi and the show’s MC. During the segment, it was revealed why Japanese BTS fans often name j-hope as their favorite member. The most cited reason: his world-class dancing ability.



The program also featured clips of professional dancers praising j-hope. Hibiki (17) and Moe (14) — both prominent young dancers and winners of international dance competitions — commented:




“Even among BTS, j-hope truly stands out.”


“His smiling face is memorable, and that brightness is reflected in his dancing, which makes it enjoyable for the viewers as well.”




Following this, Takahiro, a renowned Japanese dancer, choreographer, and performance director, gave exceptional praise to j-hope:




“There’s a dance term called ‘picture’ — it means suddenly stopping to create a symbolic pose that leaves an impression. j-hope is incredibly skilled at this, just like Michael Jackson was.


While too many abrupt stops can feel awkward, j-hope connects each movement so seamlessly with the music that you can feel the rhythm throughout.


I have great respect for j-hope.”






Written by Han Hae Seon
Translated by Lee So Yun