W. Korea Interview: Amazing JIN

Soon after completing his military service, BTS member Jin appeared in front of W Korea’s camera as an ambassador of French high jewelry, Maison FRED. Jin looked even younger than when he enlisted, sporting a short hairstyle that hinted at his recent time as Kim Seok-jin (Jin’s given name). His clear eyes sparkled with curiosity, his mouth often mentioned the word, ‘happiness,’ radiating positive energy throughout. W Korea spent a day with Jin, who appeared like an ordinary ‘young man.’ Having enlisted in winter, Jin is back, like a dream on a summer day.


W Korea: Congratulations on completing your military service and becoming FRED’s ambassador. We are so lucky to be working with you for your first editorial photograph as FRED’s ambassador in a healthy appearance right after getting discharged. You look gorgeous with that high jewelry.

Jin: At first, I wondered whether jewelry would suit me. Once I tried it, I gained more confidence since I looked much better than I had thought. I owe ARMY for inspiring confidence and FRED for making jewelry that suits anyone (laughs).


You finished your military service on June 12 at ROK Army’s 5th Infantry Division Recruit Training Center in Yeoncheon-gun County, Gyeonggi-do Province. I heard that Yeoncheon-gun County is scorching in the summer and freezing in winter. What was the weathers like in the middle of summer and winter?

The weather was beyond imagination. I enlisted in the army in December 2022. My colleague took a screenshot of the weather app on enlistment day, and the felt temperature was -30°C (laughs). I couldn’t believe that winter temperatures could drop that low. Those who had been at the base longer told me the summer weather exceeds imagination, but I didn’t believe them at first. When summer came, I realized they were right. It was not unbearable since I am pretty tolerant to heat, but the temperature almost reached 40°C.


That sounds scary. We heard the news that you were assigned as an assistant drill instructor and were promoted to elite soldier. To earn the title, elite soldier, you need to qualify certain conditions, such as hitting 18 or more out of 20 shots in shooting, finishing a 3-kilometer run within 12 minutes and 30 seconds, and passing army combat fitness test. J-hope enlisted for the military service last April and he also got promoted to the elite soldier. Perhaps, that’s because you two trained and worked out as BTS members. Do you think you could still become an elite soldier without your career as musicians, training for intense performances?

I don’t think so. I usually get easily exhausted, and I am not an athletic person. At first, it was challenging for me to run 3 kilometers within 15 minutes. However, I gradually got in shape as I practiced running every day. When I was a new recruit, I always finished running in the top ranks. I suppose I was able to get promoted to elite soldier because I have built up the stamina to complete a 3-kilometer run.


Actually, a lot of male celebrities we met mentioned that they felt a sense of stability from a well-regulated military lifestyle compared to a fast-paced one. Did you rediscover yourself during your military service?

I don’t think I necessarily discovered a new side of myself during my service. Even before joining the army, I never really associated myself with words like celebrity, singer, or artist. I simply thought, ‘I am Kim Seok-jin an ordinary person like everyone else, and this there wouldn’t be anything major,’ and ‘I hope I can serve my time well.’ Well, being a soldier did increase my stamina.


On the next day of discharge, you gave hugs to 1,000 fans at ‘2024 FESTA’ at the Jamsil Sports Complex on the BTS debut anniversary day, June 13. Hugging 1,000 fans shows your mindset and determination.

I had a wonderful time, and I wish the event had lasted longer because time passed faster than I planned. I contemplated what I should do after my discharge, and I thought a ‘hug event’ would be a good idea. I actually suggested to my agency that we organize the hug event. I’m relieved that the fans enjoyed it. My dream came true at the event, and the overwhelming feeling I experienced is indescribable.


We heard that you are working on a solo album. After setting remarkable milestones with BTS and completing your military service, you must have pondered many aspects of music. What’s on your mind these days?

What came to mind the most was performing on stage. That is why, when working on my music, I assess if they are suitable for performances. As BTS, we’ve had numerous performances, and I try to recall those that elicited the most excitement from fans. It’s a quality that I prioritize.


What do you consider to be a ‘good singer’ or a ‘good song’?

I think a ‘good singer’ has strong technical skills for vocals. Effectively delivering emotion is also crucial, as demonstrated by those with a ‘gifted voice’. I still have a long way to go, and I always strive to be better. I sincerely hope my songs bring happiness to more people. During recording, for parts that require deeper emotions, I add more breathe, and for more subtle expressions, I send my sound down to the chest.


To have made such attempts must mean you have a solid database built within yourself from all the years of experience. From your solo songs in the BTS albums and those released on SoundCloud to your solo single “The Astronaut,” what is your biggest takeaway?

In the past, I focused on delivering ‘good music’, but my perspective shifted slightly. Through meeting ARMY at concerts, I’ve become more invested in performances and stages. I learned that even I don’t feel as excited when singing songs that aren’t exactly uplifting when on the stage. This has led me to prioritize songs that are suitable for performances. These, of course, are my personal reflections outside of BTS albums.


You are also famous for your unpretentious attitude and positive energy. You are described as a simple person who doesn’t let headache-inducing thoughts consume you, doesn’t get stressed easily, and focuses on the present moment. Were you the same kind of person when you were a child?

I don’t get stressed a lot. I often remind myself that the world is full of happiness (laughs). There are times when I do feel stressed, but I try my best to minimize it. Of course, I get angry from time to time. However, I believe there’s no point in holding onto anger. Life has its ups and downs, so it makes sense to move on from the downs as quickly as possible.


What is your favorite thing about yourself?

It’s just me, myself. I like how I look, and my current situation. I don’t want to choose just one thing, I’d say my favorite thing about myself is simply me. ‘Love Myself!’


When you make an important choice, do you trust your instinct and own decision or do you listen to others? If you listen to the voices of others, where does your confidence come from?

I generally trust my instinct and my own decisions, but when it comes to work, I listen to the experts because they have more work experience than me. However, I do stand firm on ensuring that the things I am certain about get done.


As you get older, there are moments when you get to reconsider what friends mean. A psychologist said that friendship is the greatest achievement in life. We heard that you maintain close relationships with a few friends who have known you since childhood. Do you sometimes wish you had more friends?

I believe I already have enough close friends. I have our BTS members as well as those I meet regularly. While I do occasionally meet other friends, it’s challenging to meet them often as they live far away and have busy lives. I also don’t actively seek to make more friends because I want to ensure I give enough attention to my current friends. I click well with them, and I am happy with my relationships with them.


When do you feel that someone has ‘crossed the line’ in a relationship?

When someone says something hurtful and brings up things. There are people who use expressions that degrade others in the middle of conversations. I may hold back once or twice, but it’s really difficult for me to deal with such individuals. I choose not to continue relationships with those kinds of people.


Last June, BTS celebrated the band’s 11th anniversary. What important lesson did you learn from those 11 years?

The lesson I learned is to ‘just live happily.’ We all perceive the same situation differently. I try to let go of things as quickly as possible. What’s done is done, and you can’t rewind the clock. It’s better to move on and focus on remembering the good things. That is the biggest lesson I have learned.


How would you describe the present moment of BTS? While we don’t know when BTS will begin the second chapter, it will be differ from the first. Could you share your thoughts?

Personally, I don’t like to refer to it as a ‘second chapter,’ because circumstances may change, but life simply continues. I’m the type of person who finds satisfaction in the present rather than dwelling on the future, and I don’t foresee any significant changes. There may be big and small events, but I believe I will always remain unchanged.


What are the things and moments that make you happy? Could you describe the moment of being yourself and feeling comfortable and joyful?

These days, I feel happiest when I am working. We all have to work, so someone who feels happy while working would be a truly happy person. I hope this feeling continues as long as possible (laughs).


Happiness is often like gazing at a distant star. Do you have any word to share with people who feel that way?

I feel happy when people around me laugh, which is why I try to make others laugh. This realization came to me over time. I believe everyone has their own path to happiness. Negative thoughts drain me. I hope everyone reading this interview lives a happy life. I wish all of you happiness always.