Over the past two years, BTS has experienced some unexpected developments. The members’ enlistment for mandatory military service naturally led to a temporary break from group activities. Jin was the first to enlist in December 2022, and over the following year, the rest of the members began their service one by one. Despite this, BTS consistently provided fans with a variety of content. Each member pursued solo albums with unique artistic intentions and strategies, appeared in diverse video content and TV shows, and collaborated with other artists, seamlessly filling the gap during their hiatus. While the sequential enlistment might seem like the primary reason for this success, it’s clear that meticulous planning, execution, resource investment, and, above all, the members’ exceptional work ethic were the driving forces behind it. In short, BTS has demonstrated something entirely unprecedented. Even in the face of the inevitable challenge of military service for Korean K-pop idols—paired with the historical trend of boy bands halting music work for solo endeavors—BTS has demonstrated a completely new approach. Remarkably, it took less than two years for all seven members, from RM to Jin, to secure spots on the Billboard 200’s Top 10.
Jin officially began his solo career with the single The Astronaut, released in October 2022, just before his enlistment. As the first BTS member to be discharged, he also marked the beginning of “the end of BTS’ military service era,” taking full advantage of the momentum. His schedule was packed—discharged in June and appearing at BTS FESTA the very next day, with only one day off during an eight-day stretch—followed by the release of a six-track EP and music videos before the year’s end. Not a moment was wasted. What’s fascinating is that this intense pace, along with the album’s message, reflects the thoughts Jin has openly shared in various interviews. He simply wants the people who love him to be happy, and in return, that also makes him happy. Fittingly, the album’s title is Happy. Such consistency might seem like a common trait for K-pop artists. But from once aspiring to become an actor to now expressing a desire to stay with the team forever, and from choosing band-driven sounds that perfectly align with the theme of being “happy,” Jin’s sincerity and resolve leave no room for doubt. Whether as a member of BTS or as a solo artist, his goal remains the same: to stay true to himself and his message.
What are the tracks that Happy has to offer? Jin previously demonstrated a modern approach to band music with The Astronaut, featuring Coldplay and Kygo. However, his delicate voice and exceptional skill in ballads were more prominent, causing many to overlook the rock genre as a key element of the track. With the album Happy, Jin ventures into musical territories previously unexplored. “Running Wild,” which features Gary Barlow of the British pop band Take That as a producer, delivers a dynamic pop-rock sound brimming with momentum. The most striking aspect is the way the band's sound is placed—slightly behind the vocals but maintaining a sense of resonance, created with real instruments rather than digital samples. This setup allows Jin's diverse vocal range and techniques to shine, effortlessly aligning with the song's progression and emotional crescendo. The music video focuses on capturing beautiful moments, even in a world on the brink of collapse, not as a dystopia but as a final glimpse of beauty. In this sense, it embodies the pursuit of happiness at its fullest. While “Running Wild” smoothly presents a classic rock sound from a pop artist’s perspective, the rest of the album feels like variations or explorations of this theme, weaving a tapestry of musical experimentation and heartfelt sincerity.
The first track released, “I’ll Be There,” adopts an approachable rockabilly style, with a music video that depicts a grand festival coming to life as various people are drawn to Jin’s performance. The video is as captivating as the song itself, with its skillful pacing and editing that introduces new characters, who gradually connect with the song’s message. Just like the lyrics, it culminates in a moment where everyone can “Smile brightly so we can all be happy.” “Another Level” explores the emotional intensity of alternative stadium rock, blending various genre elements to amplify its impact. It’s easy to picture Jin performing this track on a grand stage, surrounded by dazzling stage effects. “Until I Reach You” becomes the album’s most contemporary indie rock piece, featuring contributions from ONE OK ROCK’s Taka and Toru. Another notable track is “Heart on the Window,” a duet with Wendy of Red Velvet. With lyrics by Isran, the song beautifully conveys some of the most universal emotions through the simple image of drawing a heart on a foggy window. The collaboration between two of K-pop’s finest vocalists elevates this track into a timeless pop ballad. The album closes with “Longing,” a piano ballad dedicated to fans, offering a sentimental and comforting conclusion to Jin’s musical journey in Happy.
Happy reflects the artistic heights BTS has achieved over the past two years. For artists with a long history in group work, solo projects are often seen as expressions of individual artistic ambition or rites of passage. Both approaches can lead to remarkable outcomes. However, as easy as it is to categorize every project into one of these two mutually exclusive options, the reality is that countless other meaningful (or “happy”) possibilities exist. Jin may not be the only artist to turn this self-evident perspective into a musical work, but he is certainly a rare example of someone who achieves it without forgetting who he is, the love he receives, and what he wants to give back. By acknowledging his fans and speaking directly to them, he also brings together talented artists from the U.S., U.K., Japan, and Korea to create a cohesive soundscape, persuading listeners with his own voice. As Jin hoped, Happy shows us a way the world can become just a little bit better.