Prior to starting his enlistment in the South Korean military at the end of 2022, Jin – the eldest member of BTS – put out “The Astronaut”. In collaboration with Coldplay’s Chis Martin, the single details how no galaxy could keep him away for too long. And while he is now the first in the group to complete their conscription, he is the final one to release a solo album. His new EP, Happy, makes good on the promise of his return, and offers sincerity and encouragement that will uplift any listener.
Unlike his bandmates, who mostly sought to showcase different sides to themselves in their own projects, Jin shares what feels like an inevitability. Watch or read any official content, and it is quick to see that he is steadfast in the pursuit of laughter. Throughout his career, he’s spoken often about his desire to be a reliable source of happiness for his fanbase. During a conversation last year with fellow member, SUGA, he talked about how he doesn’t see the point in dwelling on the past, and is committed to finding as much joy as possible in his day-to-day life.
Such an optimistic mindset might seem hollow to some, but Jin is no stranger to acknowledging more vulnerable emotions. In 2018 he was the one who revealed BTS had considered disbanding due to tough times they had endured, and he’s confessed personal insecurities before in songs “Abyss” and “Awake”. His willingness to embrace the dark makes the light he shines that much warmer and authentic.
The album opens with “Running Wild”, an upbeat pop-rock track, co-produced and co-written by Take That’s Gary Barlow. It stands apart as the only song delivered in one language (English), and its cinematic music video functions like a sequel to “The Astronaut”, emphasizing the richness of Jin’s messages to live fully with the people you care for. “Lovin’ ‘til the sun is out / Running ‘til there’s nothin’ left / ‘Til our last breath”, he sings in an effortless falsetto.
The Official Music Video for 'Running Wild' by Jin
Having been gone for 18 months, it would be understandable to take some time off, but Jin jumped right into reconnecting with fans. Days after he came back, he held an event where he performed and hugged hundreds of ARMY. Since then, he’s filled his schedule with carrying the torch at the Olympic Games, climbing a mountain, visiting uninhabited islands, playing games with the Coast Guard, becoming an ambassador for Fred and Gucci, and more.
This is simply who Jin is, a superstar who always has his supporters at the forefront of his mind, and “I’ll Be There” doubles down on this affection and devotion. With declarations like, “I’ll stay the same, I’ll be there for you," and “I swear that I will always sing for you," this rockabilly track reaffirms his nature and mission to remind others that they are not alone.
The Official Music Video for 'I'll Be There' by Jin
At the halfway point, Jin departs from his signature sound with “Another Level”. On top of heavy, thunderous guitars, he dips into his lower register as he describes enduring life’s struggles. Words of determination (“I’ll leap with all my strength, without limits / Burning towards the end”) are reminiscent of “Epiphany”, a solo song within the BTS discography (“I’m shaking and afraid but I keep going forward”). “네가 닿을 때까지 (Falling)” takes another turn to modern rock and J-pop, with the help of Taka and Toru from the Japanese band ONE OK ROCK. As Jin boldly lays his heart out, he ironically also expresses shyness around the person who has captured his soul.
“Heart on the Window” is a sentimental and lush pop ballad, featuring Red Velvet’s WENDY. A perfect mix of two distinctly smooth voices, they sing appreciation for the smaller ways in which love can embed itself and grow “More every minute / More every hour”. It takes effort to avoid stagnation, and the lyrics depict the two of them choosing to put in the work of aligning their hearts. It ends unresolved, leaving room for anticipation, hope, and an open story.
For the entirety of this album, it feels as though Jin is running through each track, searching for something or someone, until he reaches this resting place, “그리움에 (I will come to you)”. A gentle acoustic piano accompanies his tender vocals as he earnestly communicates the longing he held throughout his military service. The last thing he says in this record is an echo of what he’s been saying all along, “If you need me, I will come to you”.
The vows he’s made from start to finish are not empty, as his decade-long genuine relationship with his audience proves this project is a heartfelt, fully realized note of his gratitude. Straightforward and easy to listen to, Happy is a representation of Jin’s consistency and his resilient steps towards collective and individual cheerfulness. Whether that positivity feels imminent or far in the distance, Jin is here to find bright spots and love together.
