The Pulse of K-Entertainment

Jin
ArtistBigHit Music

Jin

Jin (김석진) was the first BTS member to enlist and the first to return, setting the tone for a military era that tested the group's bond with its global fanbase. Born Kim Seokjin in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, he joined Big Hit Entertainment in 2011 after being scouted on the street while attending Konkuk University. Within BTS, his tenor vocals anchored some of the group's most emotionally resonant tracks, from "Epiphany" to "Awake." His 2022 solo single "The Astronaut," co-written with Coldplay, debuted at number one in multiple markets before his December enlistment. Following his June 2024 discharge, Jin released his debut solo album Happy in November 2024, featuring lead single "Running Wild" and the fan-favorite "I'll Be There." The album's warm, feel-good energy proved that two years of military service did nothing to dull his vocal presence or his connection with ARMY. Outside music, his brand portfolio reads like a luxury directory: FRED Jewelry, Gucci, Laneige, and Alo all count him as an ambassador. His signature warmth and comedic timing have made him one of K-pop's most beloved personalities, a reputation he continues to build through variety appearances and his collaboration with Ottogi on his own line of ramen.
8 articles20 creditsDebut: June 13, 2013South Korean

Gallery

Discography

2026
ARIRANGAlbum
2024
HappyAlbum
2024
Running WildSingle
2024
I'll Be ThereSingle
2022
The AstronautSingle
2021
Super TunaSingle
2020
BEAlbum
2020
Map of the Soul: 7Album
2020
AbyssSingle
2019
TonightSingle
2018
Love Yourself: TearAlbum
2016
WingsAlbum

Filmography

2024
Run JinVariety Show

Brand Partnerships

2026
BTS ARIRANG - Lyrical ArmorCampaign
2025
Dongwon TunaEndorsement
Global Brand AmbassadorDongwon F&B
2024
FRED JewelryEndorsement
2024
GucciEndorsement
2024
LaneigeEndorsement
2024
Alo YogaEndorsement
2024
IGINCampaign
Co-FounderIGIN

Fans Also Ask

What is Jin's real name?
Jin's real name is Kim Seok-jin (김석진). He was born on December 4, 1992 in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. He originally enrolled at Konkuk University studying Film Studies, graduating in 2017, before going on to complete graduate studies at Hanyang Cyber University. He is the oldest member of BTS.
Was Jin the first BTS member to complete mandatory military service?
Yes. Jin enlisted in December 2022 and was honorably discharged on June 12, 2024, making him the first BTS member to complete his mandatory military service. He re-entered civilian life two months before releasing his debut solo album Happy and was the first of the seven members to return to active music activities.
What are Jin's solo albums?
Jin released his debut solo album Happy in November 2024, his first full-length project following discharge from military service. He followed it with the Echo EP on May 16, 2025. Prior to his solo debut, he released the pre-discharge single The Astronaut in October 2022 in collaboration with Coldplay, which charted in multiple countries.
What was Jin's first solo world tour?
Jin launched the RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR in 2025, his first solo world tour following military discharge. The tour spanned South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Named after his Run Jin solo variety series, the tour sold out multiple arenas and marked his formal re-introduction as a solo headliner.
How was Jin originally recruited into BTS?
Jin was scouted by Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE) off the street while he was studying acting. He had no prior music background and was originally intending to become an actor. After auditioning as an acting candidate, he was redirected into the idol trainee system. He debuted with BTS on June 13, 2013 as one of the four vocalists.

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