Jin steps out of the BTS hive with 'Happy'

Singer talks hope and going solo

Jin of BTS released his new album Happy earlier this November. Aside from bearing clever touches of the cover art, the solo release reflects on the singer's journey as an artist and his position in life currently, especially post the completion of his military service last summer.

During his recent appearance on Jimmy Fallon's show, Jin elaborated more on the concept, his intention behind it, and what sets it apart from his work as a BTS member. "A BTS album incorporates the opinions of all the members, so it is a mix of many individual opinions. Whereas for this album, it includes my opinion only, so it feels more personal to me," he shared.

Despite the fact that his band's albums emerge from a harmonious collaboration between different minds, Jin's own special touch is apparent across the solo songs he has put out. Even if one were to go as far back as the second studio album Wings, in which all the members have solo tracks, Jin's contribution foreshadows the musicality he carries now.

The 2016 album featured his song Awake, which highlights sentiments that his new tracks echo. In Running Wild, Jin wishes to take off to a better tomorrow, but Awake suggests that he didn't always have those wings. All he had was the determination to keep pushing, which is what has enabled him to soar now.

Similarly, Epiphany from the Love Yourself album series emphasises on, as the album title suggests, self-love. The song also captures the importance of sticking by oneself despite the obstacles, experiences, and flaws that are inherent to one's nature and life.

Even the tracks dedicated to his fans hold the same level of depth. From Moon to The Astronaut, it seems that Jin is keen on employing a consistently hopeful theme that fits his worldview best.

And it stands true that his love isn't just limited to the melodies. When asked who came up with the popular nickname "Worldwide Handsome" for him, Jin confidently declared, "Because I'm so handsome, I gave it to myself. I think it expresses me the best."

Jin, who continues to prove that self-love isn't just for show, has released a six-track album, inviting those who are curious to see how he views the world. Happy was teased with a pre-release single called I'll Be There, which was made in collaboration with Max, who has worked with BTS on other occasions in the past. The album opener, Running Wild, is what truly offers a look into the dynamic mind of Kim Seokjin.