Among the many passions that define Kim Seokjin, known globally as Jin, are the anthemic music of Coldplay, his self-proclaimed status as "Worldwide Handsome," and, most significantly, his role as a cornerstone of the phenomenon that is BTS. Even within a group renowned for its profound connection with its fanbase, ARMY, Jin’s attentiveness to their sentiments is remarkably profound. He views his solo EPs and performances primarily as a means to sustain fan engagement during BTS’s hiatus periods, a testament to his unwavering commitment. This dedication extended to his active advocacy for extending BTS’s tour schedule, a move that underscored his desire to maximize fan experiences. Furthermore, Jin has carved out a distinct identity within the group as its designated rock enthusiast, even collaborating with his idols, Coldplay. However, the relentless pace of his career has, paradoxically, left him with less time than he’d ideally prefer to immerse himself in the live music scene. "I haven’t actually been to many concerts," he admitted during a February interview at HYBE’s headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, a statement that might surprise many given his extensive performance history. "Even though I’ve done so many."
"Loser" and the Pursuit of Rock Authenticity
Jin’s solo endeavors have consistently showcased his affinity for genres that lean into the rock spectrum. His track "Loser," a collaboration with Korean artist Choi Yena, exemplifies this. Reflecting on the song during the interview, Jin, who is 35 in traditional Korean age reckoning (33 by international count), expressed a desire to capture a youthful energy. "I’m so glad to hear you liked it," he remarked, acknowledging the song’s positive reception.
The creative process for "Loser" involved Jin actively pushing the sonic boundaries. "I tend to like rock-adjacent genres, and have always wanted to include that sound in a solo album," he explained. "So I made more requests than usual." He elaborated on his hands-on approach to shaping the track’s intensity: "In the early stages, the song didn’t sound as intense, so I asked for things like, ‘What if we amplified the shouting – what if we changed the sound?’ I made a lot of adjustments." This meticulous attention to detail highlights his artistic vision and his drive to translate his personal musical preferences into his solo work.
Navigating the Demands of Idoldom at 35
The conversation naturally turned to the perception of age within the K-pop industry and Jin’s personal feelings about reaching 35. Despite his youthful appearance and energetic demeanor, Jin acknowledged the physical toll that a career in idol performance entails. "I guess it’s always physically taxing," he stated. "While it’s true that the same moves can feel a bit more difficult now, that’s just my burden to bear." His commitment to his audience remains paramount: "For audiences, I need to display myself at top form. So I’ve got to work harder."
Jin candidly admitted to being aware of his physical capabilities in comparison to his fellow BTS members. "To be honest, I’m aware that I don’t move quite as well as the other members," he confessed. This self-awareness has fueled a rigorous work ethic, a practice he maintains to this day. "So I’ve always come early to practice, or stayed late to catch up. I still do that."
Despite these challenges, his "Worldwide Handsome" persona remains a significant part of his identity. When playfully challenged on his enduring good looks, Jin responded with characteristic charm. "Yeah, I guess I got lucky," he said with a smile. "I do think I’m more good-looking than the other members. Even though everyone is very handsome. I should have at least one thing I’m best at in the group." This lighthearted banter underscores the camaraderie and playful self-assurance that characterize BTS.
The Echoes of Solo Tours and the Road Ahead for BTS
Jin’s recent solo tour, which injected a potent rock energy and explored new artistic avenues, was a distinct departure from the established BTS sound. When asked how this experience might influence his approach to future BTS tours, Jin offered a pragmatic perspective. "So I only toured with the band for a few months. Whereas I toured with BTS for over a decade. So I don’t think the band experience will make a big difference." He emphasized the deep-seated synergy within BTS, cultivated over years of shared creative output. "The group spent over 10 years making music together and getting in sync. I think we’ll probably get back into touring harmony without much trouble."
He reiterated the collective eagerness of the members to return to live performances, acknowledging the challenges they’ve faced. "All of the members have been wanting to tour so bad; they’ve been going at it with gritted teeth. It’s been tough for me to keep up, but I’ll do my best." This statement hints at the personal efforts he undertakes to maintain the high standards expected of a BTS performance.
The Strategic Timing of "Arirang" and Fan-Centric Decisions
The writing process for Jin’s solo album coincided with the final stages of his solo tour. The interviewer noted the quality of the track "Arirang," suggesting that more of Jin’s songwriting contributions would have elevated it further. Jin, with a smile, acknowledged the sentiment but explained the practicalities of album production and his unwavering commitment to the fanbase. "I do think it would have been better. But the other members did a beautiful job. Plus, if I had been greedy and pushed the whole session just so I could add my own songs, this interview would be happening months from now. Wouldn’t the fans be too bored during that time?"
He further detailed the logistical constraints: "The recording was scheduled about three months in advance, and my tour was scheduled earlier than that. So the timing just didn’t work out." This decision-making process clearly prioritizes fan satisfaction and the overall timely release of BTS’s collective work over individual creative impulses, showcasing a mature understanding of group dynamics and fan expectations.
The Subtle Influence of Rock on BTS’s Sound
While Jin’s solo album leaned heavily into rock influences, he expressed uncertainty about the extent to which these elements permeated the broader BTS sound. "I don’t know if there are too many rock elements in this album," he mused. "Our group has always had a hip-hop foundation, after all. The other members enjoy rock music, too, but I’m the biggest fan. So that’s why my solo album has a rock approach. But I don’t know if it had a big influence beyond that."
However, he conceded that his solo concert experiences might have indirectly inspired his bandmates. "If there’s anything… the others saw me in concert and kept telling me they want to perform, too. So if I influenced anything, it could be that my concert inspired the others to want it so much, and gave them a bit of a push. That might have had a small effect." He recounted a poignant moment where V, after witnessing Jin perform, was so moved by the experience that he became emotional on stage. This anecdote illustrates the powerful impact of live performance and Jin’s ability to inspire his fellow artists.
"Viva La Vida": An Enduring Source of Inspiration
When asked to name his all-time favorite rock song, Jin’s immediate answer was "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay. His admiration for the band is well-documented, having been a guest at their concerts on two separate occasions. He vividly recalled his experience at their show, even when not officially part of the performance. "I really wanted to watch that song, even though I wasn’t called until much later. So I remember I was jumping up and down backstage while I watched the song alone."
The emotional resonance of "Viva La Vida" is profound for Jin. "There are other great songs, of course, and popular songs, too, but that song in particular feels special to me," he stated. "When I watch that stage, I can feel my heart pounding. It has such a stirring, emotional quality. It’s the kind of song that gives me all kinds of new inspirations. So I thought about those feelings a lot when I made my solo album." This deep connection to the song clearly informed his creative process for his solo work.
The Joys and Jabs of Being the Eldest
The role of the eldest member in a group can often come with distinct responsibilities and dynamics. Jin, however, perceives his position within BTS as largely egalitarian. "I am the eldest, but within the team, the members don’t really… treat me like the eldest? Is that weird to say? I guess they don’t think of me as the eldest. Nor do I act like it."
What he cherishes most is the comfortable, familiar rapport he shares with his bandmates. "But when they act all friendly, calling me brother, and they treat me comfortably, that’s what I like the most." Conversely, he humorously identified a pet peeve: "I guess the inverse of that is that I don’t like when they get overly casual? Like when they slap my butt, for example. I’d say that’s my least favorite part," he confessed with a laugh. This lighthearted complaint highlights the easygoing and affectionate nature of their relationships.
Acknowledging the Shifting Tides of Age
The conversation returned to the topic of age, with Jin acknowledging the palpable differences between his mid-twenties and mid-thirties. "Yeah, I know, I know. But I realized, there’s definitely a difference between 25 and 35." He further elaborated on how the experiences of aging are often first encountered by the eldest member. "You’re absolutely right. Let me tell you what a fellow member told me once. He said, ‘Jin, if you’re having trouble, you can try harder and overcome it!’ and he’s about two, three years younger than me, right? He came back to me after two, three years and said, ‘Wow, this is how bad you felt at this age? I had no idea.’" This anecdote offers a glimpse into the shared journey of growth and understanding within BTS.
Career Aspirations Beyond BTS
Jin’s recent success on the Korean variety show Kian’s Bizarre B&B garnered widespread acclaim, prompting questions about his future career aspirations, particularly regarding acting. However, Jin reiterated his unwavering loyalty to BTS. "I’ve always thought there’s no reason to continue if it’s not with the group," he stated definitively. "I guess a solo career is just not that important to me."
He clarified his vision for any potential solo ventures: "If I did anything, it would be… trying something different within the group when the fans are bored. I’m not interested in acting or anything like that." He expressed a consistent disinterest in pursuing acting roles or other individual career paths outside of BTS, emphasizing that his focus remains firmly on the group and its collective endeavors.
The Long Game: Extending the Promise of BTS Tours
Looking ahead, Jin articulated his most significant personal ambition for the next five years: a deeply rooted desire to connect with fans worldwide through extensive touring with BTS. "My biggest dream has been to go on tour with BTS and meet as many fans as I can, from all over the world." He revealed that the initial tour plans were significantly shorter than he felt was adequate to fulfill their promises to fans. "But when we first got our tour plans, it didn’t have very many stops, and it was only going to last about three to four months."
His proactive stance in advocating for an extended tour schedule was driven by a sense of obligation to their global fanbase. "’Now that we’re back, we promised so many people that we would come and meet them, and I feel like this is breaking our promise. I’d like to restructure this tour so that we can touch on more cities than this.’ So that’s how we landed on the final tour schedule. We were able to extend a four-month tour to over a year." This detailed account underscores Jin’s profound dedication to ensuring that BTS’s return to the global stage is as comprehensive and fan-inclusive as possible, demonstrating his role as a thoughtful and considerate leader within the group.
