Brazilian fans create large j-hope mural near São Paulo stadium
Brazilian fans have unveiled a large mural of BTS member j-hope near MorumBIS Stadium in São Paulo as part of a fan project to celebrate his arrival for the group's 'ARIRANG' world tour. The #HopeInMotion project, funded by local fans over nearly six months, includes planned events and a fan giveaway during the three-day concert series.
Local j-hope fanbases completed a large mural near MorumBIS Stadium through the "#HopeInMotion" project, which raised funds over nearly six months. Organizers plan to hold events at the site during the three-day BTS "ARIRANG" world tour and distribute 5,000 fans to ground seat spectators on the final day.
A large mural depicting BTS's j-hope has appeared on the path leading to MorumBIS Stadium in São Paulo, Brazil. The artwork is the result of the "#HopeInMotion" project, spearheaded by local Brazilian j-hope fanbases who spent nearly half a year collecting funds to complete the piece. The fan project was launched as BTS visited São Paulo for their "ARIRANG" world tour. The mural features a large depiction of j-hope wearing sunglasses and pointing forward.
BTS began their performance at MorumBIS Stadium in São Paulo on the 28th, with the concert series continuing for three days through the 30th and 31st. The project organizers announced plans to hold events in front of the mural on all three concert dates, with a plan to distribute 5,000 j-hope fans to audience members in the ground seats on the final day. Among local fans, j-hope is also affectionately known by the Brazilian nickname "Rafael."
j-hope mural erected on the way to the stadium
The mural was produced through the "#HopeInMotion" project organized by Brazilian j-hope fanbases. The project organizers first announced the mural production plan via X in May. At that time, a fan appealed for donations and participation in prize draws to raise production costs, stating they intended to paint a mural honoring "the most Brazilian Korean in the world" on the way to MorumBIS Stadium. The fundraising period lasted for nearly six months, with the project being completed through fan donations and prize draws.
The location of the mural changed from the original plan. While it was initially intended to be painted on a different road, the organizers moved the location closer to the stadium, explaining the change was "for everyone's safety and accessibility." The mural was positioned on the path to the stadium so that fans visiting the venue could see it. Photos and videos released on social media show not only the completed mural but also the production process, including footage of the creator painting on a ladder and a dancer performing in front of the artwork.
Depicting j-hope in sunglasses with dance and graffiti
In the photos and videos shared on social media, j-hope is depicted wearing sunglasses and pointing forward with one finger. The mural features a large image of j-hope's face, accompanied by a figure dancing amidst pink clouds and a red star. Colorful graffiti lettering fills the frame, blending various colors and shapes within the mural. As the completed work and the production process were revealed, fans shared scenes from the site online ahead of the concert.
Scenes of dancing in front of the mural were also filmed. A dancer performed breakdancing on a checkered mat laid on the ground. While the scene connected to j-hope's reputation as an artist known for his dancing, the core of the project is to establish the mural near the stadium and hold on-site events during the concert period.
Fan messages flowing before completion
Fans responded to the project's progress even before the mural was finished. One fan wrote on X, "I don't think everyone realizes it yet, but we are in 'Hope World' right now. It is becoming truly beautiful." "Hope World" is the title of j-hope's first mixtape released in 2018. Another fan left a message for j-hope in Korean, saying, "This is a sight you must see even from inside a car. Your own universe unfolds." Subsequent posts included reactions such as "I'm already tearing up. It's so cool" and "Thank you to the #HopeInMotion team."
An overseas account that reports BTS chart news also shared a video, noting that Brazilian ARMYs created a j-hope mural right in front of the stadium for the ARIRANG tour. Posts uploaded by fans contained impressions of the mural along with messages of support for j-hope.
Events and fan distribution in front of the mural during the concert period
The "#HopeInMotion" project does not end with the installation of the mural. The organizers stated they will hold various events in front of the mural on the 28th, 30th, and 31st during the BTS performances. On the final concert day, the 31st, they plan to distribute 5,000 j-hope fans to ground seat spectators. The schedule and distribution plan are as follows:
| Date | Plan |
|---|---|
| 28th | Event in front of the mural |
| 30th | Event in front of the mural |
| 31st | Event in front of the mural · Distribution of 5,000 fans to ground seat spectators |
The affection of Brazilian fans for j-hope is evident in his name. Among local fans, j-hope is called by the Brazilian nickname "Rafael," and local fan accounts reporting j-hope news also use this nickname. One fan wrote under a video of the mural, "Run here, Rafaelo, run (Corre aqui, Rafaelo, corre)." Over the three days of the concert, fans will hold on-site events with the mural in front of the stadium and distribute fans on the final day.
Covers K-pop for KSW Journal, and also writes about Culture and K-Variety.
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