Kim Seok-jin (Korean: 김석진; born December 4, 1992), known professionally asJin, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and member of the South Korean boy bandBTS. Jin has released three solo tracks with BTS: "Awake" in 2016, "Epiphany" in 2018, and "Moon" in 2020, all of which have charted on South Korea'sGaon Digital Chart. In 2019, Jin released his first independent song, the digital track "Tonight". He made his official debut as a solo artist in October 2022, with the release of the single "The Astronaut".
Apart from singing, Jin appeared as a host on multiple South Korean music programs from 2016 to 2018. In 2018, he was awarded the fifth-class HwagwanOrder of Cultural Merit by thePresident of South Korea along with his bandmates for his contributions to Korean culture.
Early life and education
Kim Seok-jin was born on December 4, 1992, inAnyang,Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.[2] His family consists of his mother, father, and elder brother.[1] He is of theGwangsan Kim clan.[3] In 2007, he traveled to Australia for a study camp in order to learn English.[4]
Jin originally wanted to be a journalist but decided to pursue acting after watchingKim Nam-gil inQueen Seondeok.[5] While in junior high school, he wasscouted by South KoreanK-pop agencySM Entertainment off the street, but rejected the offer at the time.[6] Initially intending to be an actor, Jin attendedKonkuk University and graduated with a degree in Film Studies on February 22, 2017.[1] He later enrolled in graduate school atHanyang Cyber University to pursue studies in areas other than music.[7]
Jin was scouted byBig Hit Entertainment for his looks while walking down the street[8]—he was studying acting at the time and had no background in music[9]—and subsequently auditioned as an actor for the company before becoming anidol trainee.[10] On June 13, 2013, he made his debut as one of the four vocalists inBTS.[11] Under the band's name, Jin has performed three solo songs: "Awake", "Epiphany", and "Moon". "Awake", which he co-produced, was released in 2016, as part of BTS' second Korean studio albumWings.[9] The song peaked at number 31 on theGaon Digital Chart and number six on theBillboardWorld Digital Song Sales chart in the United States.[12][13] He shared a Christmas version of "Awake" for free onSoundCloud that December.[14]
"Epiphany" was released as a trailer for BTS' then upcoming compilation album,Love Yourself: Answer, on August 9, 2018. Described as a "buildingpop-rock melody" byBillboard, the song's lyrics discussed self-acceptance and self-love.[15] The full version of the song was eventually released as a track onAnswer,[16] peaking at number 30 on the Gaon Digital Chart and number four on the US World Digital Song Sales chart.[17][18] In October, Jin was awarded the fifth-class HwagwanOrder of Cultural Merit by South Korean presidentMoon Jae-in alongside his bandmates.[19]
"Moon" was released in 2020, as part of BTS' fourth Korean studio albumMap of the Soul: 7.Variety writer Jae-Ha Kim described the track as apower pop song addressed to the band's fans.[20] "Moon" peaked at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart and number two on the World Digital Song Sales chart.[21][22]
In 2016, Jin collaborated with bandmateV on the single "It's Definitely You", released as part of theHwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth original soundtrack,[24][25] and later received a co-nomination for BestOST at the2017 Melon Music Awards.[26] In June 2018, Jin featured on an alternate version of "So Far Away", a song from bandmateSuga's debut mixtapeAgust D (2016), alongside bandmateJungkook, which was released during the band's fifth anniversary celebrations.[14] Jin's solo covers include "Mom" byRa.D, "I Love You" by Mate, and "In Front Of The Post Office In Autumn", originally byYoon Do-hyun in 1994.[27][28][29] They were released on SoundCloud on May 7, 2015,[30] December 3, 2015,[28] and June 7, 2018,[14] respectively. He has also made several appearances as a co-host for Korean music award shows, such asMusic Bank andInkigayo.[31]
Jin in 2018
On June 4, 2019, Jin released his first independent song "Tonight" via SoundCloud as part of BTS' sixth anniversary celebrations.[32] Theacoustic ballad was composed by Jin and Big Hitrecord producers Slow Rabbit and Hiss Noise. Written by Jin and bandmateRM,[33] the song's lyrics are inspired by Jin's relationship with his pets.[34] The track was met with a generally positive reception, with praise for Jin's vocals and the song's calming atmosphere.[35]
Jin released his second independent song "Abyss" via SoundCloud and YouTube on December 3, 2020. An acoustic ballad inspired by his feelings of anxiety, doubt, and burnout, Jin co-wrote and co-composed the track with RM and record producersBumzu andPdogg. In a post to the official BTS blog, Jin spoke about his insecurities regarding music and how those darker emotions drove him to write and release the song.[36]
In October 2021, Jin sang the main theme for theTvN drama seriesJirisan. Titled "Yours", the single's release was accompanied by a music video featuring footage from the show.[37][38] On December 4, Jin released the shorttrot-style song "Super Tuna" via SoundCloud as a gift to fans in celebration of his 29th birthday. It quicklywent viral after an accompanying performance video was posted on the BTS YouTube channel that same day.[39] The video ranked first on YouTube's World Popular Music Video for eight consecutive days and trended in 56 countries, including Korea, Peru, and Singapore. A subsequent dance challenge arose onTikTok, with videos using the sound receiving over 141.8 million cumulative views in 10 days.[40]
Jin collaborated withNexon in August 2022 as a special game developer forMapleStory. The project was chronicled in the form of a two-episode mini web series,Office Warrior Kim Seok Jin, published to MapleStory Korea's YouTube channel.[41] On October 21, "Tonight", "Abyss", and "Super Tuna" were made available on streaming services worldwide as official singles under Jin's name. All three songs subsequently simultaneously occupied the top three of the November 5 issue of the World Digital Song Sales chart, making Jin the third solo artist in the history of the chart to do so.[42][43] Jin released his debut solo single "The Astronaut", which he co-wrote with the British rock bandColdplay, on October 28.[44] He performed the song live with the band later that same day inBuenos Aires, Argentina during theirMusic of the Spheres World Tour; the show was broadcast live to cinemas worldwide in over 70 countries.[45] The single earned Jin his first solo entry on theBillboard Hot 100 at number 51 and his third number one on the World chart.[43]
The following month, South Korean food manufacturing companyOttogi announced Jin as the new advertising model for itsJin Ramen instant noodles brand; a commercial featuring Jin was released on November 11.[46][47] The partnership was a success, with Ottogi recording the highest first quarter exports with 15.4% increase in domestic sales and 40% increase from US subsidiary in 2023.[48]
On November 12, the first two episodes of Jin's web showThe Drunken Truth (also known asJin's Traditional Alcohol Journey) aired on BANGTANTV channel on YouTube; episodes 3 and 4 aired a week later on November 19.[49] On the show, Jin learned the process of brewing alcohol, includingmakgeolli, with veteran alcohol artisan Park Rok-dam and celebrity chefBaek Jong-won. On December 13, Jin began his military enlistment.[50]
2024–present: Solo activities post-enlistment
Following his discharge from the military in June 2024, Jin hosted a fan event atJamsil Arena in honor of BTS' 11th anniversary,[51] thenserved as a torchbearer for the South Korean delegation at theSummer Olympics in Paris.[52] On August 13, the first episode of Jin's web variety showRun Jin, a spin-off ofRun BTS, aired on YouTube and is scheduled to air every Tuesday at 9 p.m. KST.[53] The series features Jin competing in activities by himself or with different guests each episode.[54][55]
Jin was appointed the firstglobal brand ambassador for the French jewellery and watch brandFred,[56] with a global ambassadorship forGucci following that.[57] In September, he became the first male global ambassador forLaneige and the face of its Cream Skin campaign.[58] In October, Jin was name the global ambassador ofAlo Yoga; of the partnership, vice president of marketing and creative at Alo Yoga Summer Nacewicz said Jin "has the ability to ignite change through his powerful platform."[59] A new campaign launched in January 2025, ahead of the brand's first South Korea flagship store opening in April 2025.[60]
An extended version of his 2021 single "Super Tuna" was released in October, along with a new music video.[61] Big Hit published news of Jin's debut mini album,Happy, shortly afterwards. Comprising six tracks, the album was released on November 15.[62] It was supported by two singles: "I'll Be There"—released October 25[63]—and "Running Wild"—released the same day as the album.[64] The latter earned Jin his second entry on the US Hot 100, at number 35.[65]Happy peaked at number 2 onBillboard US World Albums and number 4 onBillboard 200.[66] It is certified platinum in Japan[67] and 3× Platinum in Korea.[68] In November, Jin appeared as a guest on thetvN variety showHandsome Guys.[69][unreliable source?] In December, it was announced that Jin will sing the theme song for theTvN drama seriesWhen the Stars Gossip.[70]
On February 26, 2025, Jin was named as the global brand ambassador ofJin Ramen.[71] In April, Jin appeared onNetflix's variety showKian's Bizarre B&B, along with Kim Hee-min, better known asKian84, and actress Ji Ye-eun.[72] On April 14, Big Hit announced that Jin's second album,Echo, would be released on May 16.[73] It charted at number 3 onBillboard 200,[74] while its lead single "Don't Say You Love Me" entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 90.[75] He also embarked on his first solo tour,RunSeokjin Ep. Tour, during the summer: the tour began on June 28–29 inGoyang before heading toChiba,Osaka,Anaheim,Dallas,Tampa,Newark,London, andAmsterdam.[76] The tour concluded on November 1, 2025, inIncheon.
Artistry
Jin is atenor and plays the guitar.[77][78] In the 2019 novelBTS: The Review, members of theGrammy panel praised Jin's stable breath control and strongfalsetto, calling it a "silver voice".[79] Journalist Choi Song-hye ofAju News noted that BTS' singles such as "Spring Day" and "Fake Love" displayed Jin's vocal stability, while the B-side "Jamais Vu" showcased his emotional range.[6] Hong Hye-min ofThe Korea Times described Jin's voice as "tender, sorrowful, [and] free-spirited" and considered it to be the "standout element" on the solo ballad "Epiphany".[80] Critic Park Hee-a, discussing "Epiphany", stated that Jin "sings the most sentimental emotions" of the solo tracks onLove Yourself: Answer (2018). In a review of "Fake Love", Park said that Jin's belting "prove[d] [the song's] effectiveness".[81]
Public image
Philanthropy
In December 2018, Jin donated food, blankets, and dishes for the Korean Animal Welfare Association to celebrate his birthday.[82] He also donated 321 kilograms of food to theKorea Animal Rights Advocates (KARA), another Korean animal welfare non-profit organization.[83]
Since May 2018, Jin has been a monthly donor toUNICEF Korea, requesting that his donations be kept private at the time. They were eventually publicized following his induction into the UNICEF Honors Club in May 2019 for donating over₩100 million (aboutUS$84,000).[84]
In January 2025, Jin donated₩100 million toKorea University Medical Center, as part of its 'Global Goodwill Life Love Project,' to help patients in underdeveloped countries who suffer from economic difficulties and lack of medical services.[85]
Influence
In 2019, Jin was ranked as the overall 13th most popularidol and sixth among girls aged 13–19 in South Korea, via data collected by analytics companyGallup Korea.[86]
He and his older brother opened a Japanese-style restaurant in Seoul called Ossu Seiromushi in 2018.[89]
In December 2024,Korea Economic Daily reported that Jin andBaek Jong-won plan to launch a new liquor brand, Igin, through Yesan Doga, the agricultural corporation the two established and affiliate of Baek's Theborn Korea.[90] Igin will incorporates the characteristics and local produce of Yesan, hometown of Baek.[91] Park Rok-dam, veteran alcohol artisan who previously appeared in Jin's web showThe Drunken Truth, will lend his expertise to the brand as well.[92]
Igin Apple Gin, a 40%-ABV distilled liquor made from Korean rice and apples, will reportedly spearhead the brand, along with two ready-to-drink cocktail varieties at 4% ABV each: a tangy apple and plum flavored drink and a sweet apple and watermelon drink.[92]
Health
In March 2022, Jin injured his left hand and underwent surgery to correct it, following which he abstained from certain performances during BTS'Permission to Dance on Stage concerts in Las Vegas, withdrew from some group events, and sang while seated for most of the band's performance at the64th Annual Grammy Awards.[93][94]
Military service
Jin on June 12, 2024
On October 17, 2022, Big Hit announced that following the release of "The Astronaut" and the completion of its subsequent promotional activities at the end of that month, Jin would begin the enlistment process and carry out hismandatory military service.[95] The singer was previously granted an automatic postponement in 2021 until the end of 2022, following revisions made to the Military Service Act in December 2020. On November 4, 2022, Jin filed paperwork with theMilitary Manpower Administration (MMA) requesting a termination of the postponement in order to proceed with his conscription.[96][97] He enlisted as an active duty soldier on December 13 at theYeoncheon army base in the NorthGyeonggi Province.[98][50] Following the completion of his basic training with the5th Infantry Division in January 2023,[98] Jin was appointed as an assistant training instructor with the same division.[99] He was formally discharged on June 12, 2024, becoming the first member of BTS to complete their military obligations.[100]
Jin dances to the song on a beach accompanied by two backup dancers while animated, ocean-related graphics appear on-screen. The choreography featuresfishing and fish-like dance moves. The song's co-producerBumzu appears in the video as one of the dancers.
Jin portrays as an alien astronaut who accidentally crash-lands on Earth and must eventually choose between staying with hisfound family or returning to his home planet.
Filmed inUljin,North Gyeongsang Province.[161] As in the original version, Jin is shown performing the song at a beach. He is accompanied by two dancers in some scenes, while in others he is seen relaxing on the sand, fishing, and playfully interacting with a tuna fish. He eventually proposes to it, asking it to bite his fishing rod.
Jin also appeared in theshort film "#7 Awake", directed by Yong-seok Choi ofLumpens and released on September 13, 2016, in promotion of BTS' fourth studio albumWings.[166]
^abccredited under BTS but is a solo performed by Jin[152]
^Hosted by the Hong Kong Asia Pacific International Group and Sunway Records, the Asian Pop Music Awards bases its winners on the "Asian Pop Music Chart" launched in September 2019.[181]
^Established in 2024, the Asia Star Entertainer Awards is an awards ceremony hosted by South Korean media outletsNewsen andStar1 and organized by the ASEA Organizing Committee and Japan's Zozotown to honor K-pop artists who have achieved significant results on the global stage.[184]
^the Brand of the Year Awards is an awards ceremony based on nationwide surveys hosted by the Korea Consumer Brand Committee and organized by the Korea Consumer Forum.[186]
^A Japan-Korea joint project held by "IDOL CHAMP," a global support app for K-Pop idols, which awards the "Best Artist" who is most supported by global K-Pop fans and the "Next Star" who will carry the future of K-Pop.[196]
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^Jang, Woo-young (October 24, 2023).'2023 AAA' 인기상 온라인 투표 시작..팬들 손으로 직접 뽑는다 ['2023 AAA' Popularity Award online voting begins...chosen by fans].OSEN (in Korean).Archived from the original on October 27, 2023. RetrievedOctober 27, 2023 – viaNaver.
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^2020亚洲流行音乐大奖结果出炉 林俊杰获5奖成最大赢家 [2020 Asian Pop Music Awards results are out JJ Lin won 5 awards as the biggest winner].VCT News (in Chinese). December 28, 2020.Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. RetrievedJanuary 7, 2021.
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^Jang, Woo-Young (December 2, 2017).[2017MMA]에일리, OST상 수상...끝나지 않은 '도깨비' 열풍 [[2017 MMA] Ailee won the OST award... The 'Goblin' craze is not over yet].Herald Pop (in Korean).Archived from the original on February 7, 2022. RetrievedFebruary 7, 2022 – viaNaver.
^MMA 2025 – 부문별 투표 [MMA 2025 – Category Voting].Melon (in Korean).Archived from the original on December 5, 2025. RetrievedDecember 5, 2025. (Note: Click on tab labelled "부문별 투표" to view open categories then click through each subheading to view nominees.)
^Lee, So-hyun (December 5, 2025).'2025 멜론 뮤직 어워드', 임영웅·지드래곤→로제·제니 TOP10 확정…부문별 투표 시작 ['2025 Melon Music Awards', Lim Young-woong, G-Dragon→ Rosé, and Jennie TOP10 confirmed... Voting by category begins].Top Star News (in Korean).Archived from the original on November 20, 2025. RetrievedDecember 5, 2025 – viaNaver.
^Park, Hyo-sil (April 14, 2023).서가대 월간 시상식 굳건한 BTS, 치열한 투바투x세븐틴 ["Seoul Music Awards" Monthly Award Ceremony. Strong BTS, fierce TXT and Seventeen].Sports Seoul (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 14, 2023. RetrievedApril 14, 2023 – viaNaver.
^Moon, Wan-sik (October 5, 2022).방탄소년단 진, 팬앤스타 초이스상 개인부문 1위..TMA 5관왕 [BTS Jin, 1st in the individual category at the Fan N Star Choice Awards.. 5 TMA crowns] (in Korean). MT Star News.Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. RetrievedOctober 5, 2022 – viaNaver.
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Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit (2018)
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