Jin (BTS)

Kim Seok-jin (Korean: 김석진), known professionally as Jin (진), is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and member of the South Korean boy band BTS. Jin has co-written and released three solo tracks with BTS: “Awake” in 2016, “Epiphany” in 2018, and “Moon” in 2020, all of which have charted on South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart. In 2019, Jin released his first independent song, the digital track “Tonight”. He made his official debut as a solo artist in October 2022, with the release of the single “The Astronaut”.

Apart from singing, Jin appeared as a host on multiple South Korean music programs from 2016 to 2018. In 2018, he was awarded the fifth-class Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit by the President of South Korea along with his bandmates for his contributions to Korean culture.

Jin Details:

Jin Early Life and Education:

Kim Seok-jin was born on December 4, 1992, in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. His family consists of his mother, father, and elder brother. He is of the Gwangsan Kim clan. In 2007, he traveled to Australia for a study camp in order to learn English.

Jin originally wanted to be a journalist but decided to pursue acting after watching Kim Nam-gil in Queen Seondeok. While in junior high school, he was scouted by South Korean K-pop agency SM Entertainment off the street, but rejected the offer at the time. Initially intending to be an actor, Jin attended Konkuk University and graduated with a degree in Film Studies on February 22, 2017. He later enrolled in graduate school at Hanyang Cyber University to pursue studies in areas other than music.

Jin Career:

Jin, a member of the internationally renowned K-pop group BTS, was scouted by Big Hit Entertainment for his striking looks while pursuing acting. Despite lacking a musical background, Jin auditioned for the company as an actor and eventually became an idol trainee. He made his debut as one of the vocalists in BTS on June 13, 2013. Throughout his career with BTS, Jin has showcased his talent through solo songs such as “Awake,” “Epiphany,” and “Moon.” “Awake,” which he co-produced, was released in 2016 as part of BTS’ album Wings, while “Epiphany” served as a trailer for the group’s Love Yourself: Answer album, released in 2018. In 2020, Jin released “Moon” as part of BTS’ album Map of the Soul: 7, which achieved significant success on various music charts.

Beyond his musical endeavors, Jin was appointed as Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture by South Korean President Moon Jae-in in July 2021, alongside his BTS bandmates. This prestigious appointment aims to leverage BTS’ global influence to lead discussions on future generations’ issues and enhance South Korea’s diplomatic efforts on the international stage, highlighting Jin’s impact beyond the realm of music.

In 2016, Jin collaborated with V on the single “It’s Definitely You,” featured on the soundtrack for the drama “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth.” Their partnership earned them a co-nomination for Best OST at the 2017 Melon Music Awards. Additionally, Jin featured on an alternate version of “So Far Away,” a track from Suga’s mixtape, released during BTS’ fifth anniversary celebrations in 2018.

Jin has also displayed his vocal prowess through solo covers, including “Mom” by Ra.D, “I Love You” by Mate, and “In Front Of The Post Office In Autumn” originally by Yoon Do-hyun. These covers were well-received and showcased Jin’s emotive delivery. In celebration of BTS’ sixth anniversary in 2019, Jin released his first independent song titled “Tonight.” Composed by Jin and Big Hit producers, the acoustic ballad, co-written with RM, reflects Jin’s affection for his pets and garnered positive reviews for its soothing ambiance.

Jin continued his solo endeavors with the release of “Abyss” in 2020, a heartfelt acoustic ballad expressing his struggles with anxiety and self-doubt. Co-written and co-composed with RM and producers Bumzu and Pdogg, the track resonated with listeners for its emotional depth. Expanding his artistic horizons, Jin lent his vocals to the main theme song “Yours” for the TvN drama series “Jirisan” in October 2021. The single’s release, accompanied by a music video featuring scenes from the show, showcased Jin’s versatility as a vocalist.

In December 2021, Jin delighted fans with the release of the catchy trot-style song “Super Tuna” as a birthday gift. The song quickly gained popularity, topping charts and sparking a viral dance challenge on TikTok. Jin’s collaboration with Nexon for MapleStory in August 2022 marked his foray into the gaming industry, highlighted by the mini web series “Office Warrior Kim Seok Jin.”

Expanding his solo discography, Jin released his debut solo single “The Astronaut” in October 2022, co-written with Coldplay. The song’s release was accompanied by a live performance with Coldplay during their Music of the Spheres World Tour, elevating Jin’s solo career to new heights.

Additionally, Jin’s endorsement deal with Ottogi as the new face of Jin Ramen further solidifies his influence beyond music, showcasing his appeal across various industries.

Jin Personal Life (Girlfriend):

As of 2018, Jin lives in Hannam-dong, Seoul, South Korea. Additionally, he and his older brother opened a Japanese-style restaurant in Seoul called Ossu Seiromushi in 2018.

Like other BTS members, Jin is also single.

Military service:

On October 17, 2022, Big Hit announced that following the release of “The Astronaut” and the completion of its subsequent promotional activities at the end of that month, Jin would begin the enlistment process and carry out his mandatory military service. The singer was previously granted an automatic postponement in 2021 until the end of 2022, following revisions made to the Military Service Act in December 2020. On November 4, 2022, Jin filed paperwork with the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) requesting a termination of the postponement in order to proceed with his conscription. He enlisted as an active duty soldier on December 13 at the Yeoncheon Army base in the North Gyeonggi Province. Following the completion of his basic training with the 5th Infantry Division in January 2023, Jin was appointed as an assistant training instructor with the same division.

Jin Discography:

Singles

• “It’s Definitely You” (죽어도 너야)
• “Tonight” (이 밤)
• “Abyss”
• “Yours”
• “Super Tuna” (슈퍼 참치)
• “The Astronaut”

Jin Filmography:

Jin Movies:

Jin TV Series / Web Series: