HOPE ON THE STREET Episode 6 Review: Created by BTS’ J-Hope and directed by Park Jun-soon – the 6-episode series gives an insight into J-Hope’s love for dance and various styles of street dance. Guided by exclusive producer Young Jae-shin, executive supervisor Gyewon Suh, and producer Jiwon Yoon, the series follows J-Hope as he goes on a journey to understand dance, friendships, life, etc.
J-Hope travels to South Korea, Osaka, New York, and Paris to meet with expert dancers such as Kim Hak-nam, known as Boogaloo Kin, GUCCHON, LOCK WOONG, and Massangila Lumengo, aka Yugson, among other stars of the dance world.
HOPE ON THE STREET Episode 6 Review
The episode takes us back to the place that ignited his passion to dance and perform – Neuron. A crew formed by artists based in Gwangju, South Korea – Neuron comprises talented dancers, rappers, singers and videographers. They usually take part in various performances like battles, concerts, etc. Many fans are aware that Neuron is the beginning of a young Hoseok who turned into the talented dancer known as J-Hope.
He is seen dancing on a stage that he grew up in with long-time friend and talented performer Boogaloo Kin. They reminisce about the early days and he talks about being back on this particular stage after many years – making him feel strange yet happy.
As they make their way to the Neuron studio, J-Hope indulges Boogaloo Kin in an incident that took place as a child – his parents asked him to dance since he was crazy about it and he had no choice but to show all he had learned – which was popping. Cracking up at the thought of a young Hoseok dancing away in the family living room, the BTS member talks about how Neuron was his roots and it feels like he is going back home.
They visit the old markets and think back at all the beautiful memories shared in his hometown as they dance away in front of the marketgoers – just having a fun time together. He meets with his four teachers – DAEK2, DXNG WXX, AD.BOMB and MISHKA. The reunion feels strange to him as well as the four leaders of Neuron as they talk about the BTS member succeeding but yet carrying the aura of his younger self with him.
J-Hope feels like himself with them as he laughs during practice sessions – making him feel all the emotions of his younger self. The four of them praise him for his persistence in being a good dancer. In the beginning, all he knew was popping but over the years, he learned all types of dance styles – making them feel proud.
As a young kid with a yearning to learn dance but having no money to pay for the lessons, he would go in between sessions to dance with the people and fearlessly ask them questions about what they learned that day. Seeing his determination, his teachers asked him to join the sessions – free of charge. They were so moved by his love for dance that they took him under their wings and he flourished as an amazing dancer right from his days at Neuron.
He takes them out for drinks and dinner when they give him an emotional gift – an album filled with pictures that represent his time with Neuron. A young Hoseok with his smile eyes and heart smile – as he enjoys spending time with them during performances or trips. He treasures the memories and laughs along with them as they talk about his good nature and sweet laughs.
The episode ends with Boogaloo Kin and J-Hope expressing their feelings to each other. Boogaloo Kin thanks him for bringing him on his journey of finding himself as he got to spend more time with him as well as show his skills as a dancer. He ends it by praising him for his hard work all these years and hopes for a season 2 so that they continue going on this journey!
HOPE ON THE STREET Episode 6 Final Thoughts
The last episode feels more emotional than the ones before, even though J-Hope didn’t cry once. The viewers get to see a more raw and real side of the BTS member as people from his past reveal factoids and instances about him. His reunion with Neuron feels like seeing old friends coming together and repeating the old stories and while the viewers don’t relate to the story, they relate to the sentiment because it gives them a sneak peek into Hoseok, before he became J-Hope.
The idea of using his songs to create lyrical memories of his visits to people of his past as well as his heroes is absolutely brilliant because we get to see him dance flawlessly as well as go on this journey of memories. It is a unique concept that beautifully connects the scenes to create a musical-like effect. He has great chemistry with Boogaloo Kin – as dancers and friends walking around different cities, talking about a plethora of topics. We, too, hope that they come back for a season 2!
HOPE ON THE STREET is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.