Jin of BTS has released his highly-anticipated album Happy on 15 November 2024. This is Jin’s first solo album aside from previously-released solo tracks on BTS albums, unofficial releases, soundtrack, or single releases.
Happy was put together like a special gift to spread happiness to listeners. Jin reveals his honest thoughts and feelings on what happiness means to him in the hopes that those who listen to the album will also find joy. The album is a genuine, heartwarming gesture that invites listeners to join him on a journey to find happiness, offering them a sense of strength and comfort in their day-to-day lives.
The album has a total of six tracks including main track “Running Wild” and pre-release single “I’ll Be There,” set to drop on October 25 ahead of the album release. Other tracks include “Another Level,” “Falling,” “Heart on the Window (with WENDY),” and “I will come to you.” Heavily influenced by the sound of the rock genre, each track is infused with a unique musical style and color, further accentuating Jin’s prowess as a versatile artist and vocalist. Jin also participated in the overall production of the album as a songwriter including writing the lyrics of “I will come to you,” a track dedicated to ARMY (BTS’ official fandom) with his heartfelt message.
‘A Ray of Sunshine,’ finding happiness together
In various interviews, Jin has often stated the importance and value of happiness and how much it means to him both as a member of BTS and as a human Kim Seok Jin (Jin’s given name). In Happy, Jin candidly and wholly shares a range of emotions such as love, excitement, and courage – essential ingredients to achieving true happiness. He wholeheartedly takes the role of a ‘ray of sunshine,’ lightening up those around him with his contagious positive energy.
Jin’s bright, uplifting energy, which can be felt throughout the album, is confident and inspiring. Jin is known for saying “As long as ARMY is happy” on regular occasions, and this sentiment is emphasized in “I will come to you,” a track that conveys Jin’s appreciation of the moments shared together with ARMY and the happiness they bring him.
Small moments of everyday life come together to form great happiness
In the album, Jin put in a great amount of effort into visually illustrating the idea that small moments of happiness come together to create greater joy. The album’s concept photos are divided into three different themes – ‘Journey,’ ‘Imagine,’ and ‘Navigate,’ and captures Jin appreciating the little moments of joy. They offer an authentic portrait of moments where Jin feels truly happy in his life. The concept photos present him as a handsome but somewhat quirky employee, an ordinary person relaxing and daydreaming in bed, and a person who entertains himself with various hobbies such as tennis, cooking, camping, and fishing. They offer a portrait of happiness that is found in moments such as finding joy amid trying moments, having the freedom to dream in one’s own personal space, and fully indulging in one’s favorite hobbies.
The music video for the main track “Running Wild” employs the theme of running breathlessly toward hope. Set against a tumultuous backdrop of an impending apocalypse, it finds value in life’s little moments of happiness and love that shine even brighter in such circumstances. While chaos surrounds him, Jin tries to navigate a peaceful life—watching movies and shopping with his beloved dog. Even if the world were to end tomorrow, he chooses to spend his time with his precious loved ones as usual, illustrating his idea of true happiness. The surprise twist at the end further emphasizes the message Jin wants to convey.
TRACK LIST
- Running Wild
The album’s lead single “Running Wild,” co-produced by Gary Barlow of the legendary British rock band Take That, is a British rock-based pop-rock track with distinctive sounds of new wave genre. Jin’s soothing low voice followed by his falsetto in the hook adds a dynamic layer to the track. With a positive and hopeful message about pushing forward—running until you’re out of breath—the track radiates joy, capturing the warmth and passion of love with infectious energy. - I’ll Be There
The pre-released track of the album, “I’ll Be There” is rooted in rockabilly, a genre that blends elements of rock and roll with country music, which represents one of the earliest styles of rock and roll. American singer songwriter MAX, whose music has won over critics and fans alike, took part in the production of the track. The catchy hook is easy to hum, set against a fast-tempo rhythm—a defining feature of the genre. The track conveys a sincere message, aiming to uplift those who feel downhearted and alone by delivering joy through Jin’s playful yet straightforward style, showcasing his distinctive wit. - Another Level
The alternative rock track “Another Level” delivers a powerful vibe, using the metaphor of leveling up in a game to symbolize the determination to move forward despite hardships. As the track builds toward its climax, it offers a surge of energy to inspire listeners to keep pushing ahead. - Falling
Joined by Taka and Toru, members from the renowned Japanese band ONE OK ROCK, “Falling” is a modern rock track infused with J-pop vibes. The lyrics delve into the universal theme of deepening love, making it relatable to everyone, while being further enhanced by Toru’s exceptional guitar work. - Heart on the Window (with WENDY)
The pop track “Heart on the Window (with WENDY)” incorporates elements of the new wave genre and features WENDY from Red Velvet, whose trendy yet emotive voice harmonizes beautifully with Jin’s. The lyrics convey the track’s emotional allure, drawing a poignant comparison between the changing seasons seen through a window and the passage of time, articulating a theme of enduring love. - I will come to you
With Jin writing the lyrics for the track dedicated to ARMY, “I will come to you” serves as a letter that encapsulates feelings of yearning. The ballad track, enriched by lyrics that convey sincere emotions, reflects on the time spent away from fans, promising a return on a warm spring day. Jin’s tender voice is gently layered over the acoustic piano, creating a mesmerizing listening experience.
For “I’ll Be There”, it was released on 25 October 2024 as Jin’s pre-release track. “I’ll Be There” is rooted in rockabilly, a genre that blends elements of rock and roll with country music, which represents one of the earliest styles of rock and roll. American singer songwriter MAX also participated in the production of the track. The catchy hook is easy to hum, set against a fast-tempo rhythm—a defining feature of the genre. The track conveys a sincere message, aiming to uplift those who feel downhearted and alone by delivering joy through Jin’s playful yet straightforward style, showcasing his distinctive wit.
Listen to Jin’s first solo album “Happy” by clicking here.