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Jin from BTS released his first solo album, HAPPY, this Friday (15), along with the main single ‘Running Wild’. With this album, all BTS members now have solo discographies in this second phase of their careers, which includes military service and solo activities before their return as a seven-member group.
Jin, who was discharged from the military in June this year, hasn’t stopped for a moment since then. He’s appeared on TV shows, recorded special YouTube episodes for ARMYs, and, in less than six months, managed to produce a full album with two incredible music videos. Clearly, the man hasn’t taken a single break.
With messages of happiness and love, Jin brought an album entirely focused on pop rock, from the pre-release single ‘I’ll Be There’ to ‘Another Level’, a track featuring heavy guitar sounds and Jin’s powerful vocals. Known for his voice that typically suits ballads, he delivered an exceptional performance in this rock-infused pop style. The track ‘Falling’ also falls into this category, though it’s slightly more melodic compared to the other two.
‘I will come to you’ is the slow-tempo ballad we needed from Jin — calm, melodic, and carrying a beautiful message to touch every ARMY’s heart.
My personal favorite is definitely the duet with WENDY from Red Velvet, ‘Heart on the Window’. It’s the perfect song for a romantic comedy soundtrack, featuring two powerful vocalists from the third generation of K-pop whose voices blend beautifully. Without a doubt, this one is going straight to my repeat playlist and staying there.
The main track, ‘Running Wild’, is a song where Jin steps out of his comfort zone, singing entirely in English. During his special live event for the album’s launch, where he performed for ARMYs who won through Weverse, he sang this song live twice and appeared completely at ease singing in another language — despite it being so long since BTS last released a song in English.
And speaking of being at ease, Jin, even as one of the shyer members of BTS, delivered an incredible display of charisma and an unforgettable show for those who attended live or watched the broadcast. The singer performed his new solo tracks, as well as ‘Moon’ from the Map of the Soul 7 album, ‘Super Tuna’, and ‘The Astronaut’, the track Jin released before beginning his military service in 2022.
Seeing Jin back on stage brings a tremendous sense of peace to everyone who endured the 18-month period of his absence. It gives meaning to this challenging time for BTS fans, which often feels endless. Now, Jin proves that yes, it will come to an end — and it will bring a beautiful new beginning.
Don’t forget to listen to HAPPY from start to finish and appreciate the masterpiece that Kim Seokjin worked so hard to create.