Jin of BTS Sets the Stage with Rockabilly Flair in Debut Solo Single "I'll Be There"
The BTS member is establishing his own colours and sound amongst his member with his new pre-release single.
Jin of BTS has made his first major foray into the solo music scene with the release of his debut single, I’ll Be There, a track that brings a refreshing rockabilly energy to the K-pop superstar’s discography. The single offers fans an enticing preview of Happy, his highly anticipated solo album, set to drop on November 15.
With its rock-country fusion and infectious rhythm, I’ll Be There showcases Jin’s evolution as a solo artist. Known for his heartfelt ballads and pop charm, the 31-year-old singer surprises listeners by embracing a classic rockabilly vibe, a genre that merges rock and country roots with a playful edge. A press release for I’ll Be There emphasizes its message, describing it as “a sincere track that aims to uplift those who feel downhearted and alone, delivering joy through Jin’s playful yet straightforward style.” Notably, Jin collaborated on the track with American singer-songwriter MAX, adding a polished and international flair to the production.
This release will mark a significant milestone for Jin. While he has offered fans glimpses of his solo potential over the years with songs like 2021’s Super Tuna and 2022’s The Astronaut—a collaboration with Coldplay—Happy will be his first full-length solo effort. The timing couldn’t be better, as the singer recently completed his military service in June and has since been engaged in an active return to public life.
Slated for release next month, Happy features six tracks that map Jin’s journey toward a personal and universal concept of happiness. The album, according to Big Hit Music, will explore themes of love, courage, and excitemen as he shares his personal musings on happiness.
Happy sees Jin collaborating with a notable lineup of global talent, merging sounds from across the musical spectrum. Take That’s Gary Barlow lends his signature songwriting to “Running Wild,” adding a pop-rock resonance, while Japanese rock titans Taka and Toru of One OK Rock contribute to “Falling,” infusing a raw intensity. The album also features work from an impressive roster including Jacob Attwooll, Pdogg, Ghstloop, Evan, Arcades, Matt Attard, and Joshua Thompson, collectively pushing Jin’s sonic boundaries.
To celebrate Happy, Jin will host a fan showcase on November 16-17 at Seoul’s Jangchung Arena, a fan gathering titled the “Jin ‘Happy’ Special Stage.” During the event, Jin is set to perform tracks from the new album and provide fans with behind-the-scenes insights into the album’s creation. Big Hit Music also confirmed that the event will be live-streamed, allowing Jin’s global fanbase to tune in and connect virtually.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Jin is diving into a variety of other creative endeavors. Earlier this month, he treated fans to a refreshed version of Super Tuna, reigniting excitement for the track he originally released in 2021. His comeback also saw him join the Olympic torch relay for the 2024 Paris Olympics, an appearance that underscores his continued influence both in and beyond music.
Fans can also look forward to Jin’s role in Kian’s Bizarre B&B, a reality show soon to stream on Netflix, where he will join an ensemble of other South Korean stars in a quirky, unscripted format. In the world of fashion, Jin’s presence continues to expand as he partners with luxury brands such as Gucci, Alo Yoga, and Laneige, positioning himself as a rising force in style and lifestyle circles.
