“Records and numbers are important, but there’s nothing better than a lot of people being happy through our music.”
Kim Seok-jin (김석진), professionally known as Jin, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and member of the global phenomenon BTS under Big Hit Music. Since BTS’s debut on June 13, 2013, Jin has served as one of the group’s vocalists and is often referred to as the “Worldwide Handsome” for his striking visuals and charming personality. Known for his warm, emotive voice, Jin brings a distinct tone to BTS’s music, often delivering emotional high notes and soft melodic layers. Beyond music, Jin has contributed to BTS’s global appeal through his humor, culinary skills, and genuine fan engagement, becoming a beloved figure in both Korean entertainment and the worldwide fandom.
General Profile
Full Name: Kim Seok-jin
Stage Name: Jin (진)
Born: December 4, 1992 – Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Role in BTS: Vocalist, Visual
Role
Description & Contributions
Notable Examples
Vocalist (Sub-Vocal)
Brings a clear, emotive tone and strong high register to BTS’s vocal line. Known for stable live performances and emotional delivery.
“Epiphany,” “Moon,” “Awake”
Performer & Visual Center
As BTS’s official visual, he maintains the group’s image standard, blending performance with charisma. Often placed center in choreographies for visual impact.
“Spring Day” stage performances, award show appearances
Concept Contributor
Participates in brainstorming album concepts, VCRs, and stage ideas. His whimsical humor and artistic sensibility influence BTS’s public persona.
Input in “Run BTS!” skits and concert VCRs
Variety & Public Relations Face
Frequently represents BTS in variety shows, global events, and interviews with a lighthearted, approachable charm. His comedic timing strengthens BTS’s connection with audiences.
“Run BTS!” episodes, award speeches
Group Morale Builder
Known for his steady encouragement, dad-jokes, and care for members’ well-being. Helps maintain a positive team atmosphere, especially during intense schedules.
Behind-the-scenes moments in “Bangtan Bombs”
Song writing Contributor
Co-wrote and participated in lyrical development for his solo and group tracks.
“Moon,” “Abyss,” “Epiphany”
Global Cultural Ambassador
Uses his personality and visuals to draw global media interest. His presence often draws in new fans and generates viral moments internationally.
Worldwide trending for “Worldwide Handsome” moments
Kim Seok-jin — Career Timeline Table
Year / Period
Milestone / Event
Details
2010
Scouted by SM Entertainment
Declined as he wanted to pursue acting; focused on studies at Konkuk University.
2010
Street-cast by Big Hit Entertainment
Initially thought it was a scam; joined as an acting trainee before moving to vocal training.
2010–2012
Pre-debut training
Developed vocal skills, stage presence, and acting experience while preparing for BTS’s lineup.
June 13, 2013
BTS Debut
Debuted as vocalist and visual with 2 Cool 4 Skool; known for “Worldwide Handsome” charm and strong stage presence.
2014–2015
Expanding musical role
Featured in Dark & Wild and The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series; began contributing more complex vocal lines.
2016
First BTS solo track
Released “Awake” on WINGS, co-writing lyrics; emotional ballad showcasing vocal depth.
2017
International recognition
Gained attention for live performances of Spring Day and Awake; praised for emotional delivery.
2018
Release of “Epiphany”
Featured as a comeback trailer for Love Yourself: Answer; became a global anthem for self-love.
2019
Stadium world tours
Performed in Love Yourself: Speak Yourself world stadium tour; strengthened global fanbase.
2020
Solo single “Abyss”
Self-penned and released on SoundCloud; shared to express burnout and gratitude.
2020–2021
Key BTS projects
Contributed to Map of the Soul: 7 and BE; continued strong live and recorded performances.
Oct 28, 2022
Release of “The Astronaut”
Collaboration with Coldplay; topped iTunes in 100+ countries and charted globally.
Dec 13, 2022
Military enlistment
First BTS member to enlist; served in the 5th Infantry Division.
2023
Military service recognition
Praised for exemplary conduct; content from pre-enlistment continued to trend.
June 2024
Discharge from service
Returned to public life with expectations for solo and group projects.
2025
Post-service activities
Resumed music and public engagements; anticipated BTS reunion activities.
BTS-RELATED ACHIEVEMENTS — Kim Seok-jin
Musical Contributions within BTS
Core Role:Vocalist and Visual since debut, responsible for stable high notes, emotional delivery, and harmonies that complement the rap and dance-heavy BTS sound.
Notable BTS Tracks Featuring Prominent Jin Vocals:Spring Day, Epiphany, Awake, Life Goes On, The Truth Untold, Crystal Snow, Run BTS.
Known for blending warmth and power in live performances, especially during emotional ballads.
Discography Highlights
Studio Albums with BTS: Participated in all BTS albums from 2 Cool 4 Skool (2013) to Proof (2022), contributing as a lead vocalist in multiple tracks.
Solo Tracks in BTS Albums:
Awake (WINGS, 2016) — Co-lyricist; self-reflective ballad about perseverance.
Epiphany (Love Yourself: Answer, 2018) — Self-love anthem that became a fan-favorite.
Moon (Map of the Soul: 7, 2020) — A heartfelt love letter to ARMY, highly praised for its sincerity.
Major Concert Tours & Performances
Participated in all major BTS tours:
The Red Bullet Tour (2014–2015)
The Most Beautiful Moment in Life On Stage (2015–2016)
WINGS Tour (2017)
Love Yourself World Tour (2018–2019)
Love Yourself: Speak Yourself Stadium Tour (2019)
Signature solo performances during concerts (Epiphany, Moon) were widely acclaimed for their live vocal quality.
Record-breaking Achievements with BTS
Billboard 200 & Hot 100 Records: Multiple #1 albums (Map of the Soul: 7, BE, Proof).
Grammy Nominations: Contributed vocals to BTS songs nominated for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.”
Global Chart Success:Butter, Dynamite, Permission to Dance topping major charts worldwide.
YouTube Milestones: Participated in MVs surpassing 1B views (Dynamite, Boy With Luv, Butter).
Special Group Moments
Known for delivering BTS’s heartfelt speeches during award shows, often adding humor and warmth.
Popularized several iconic phrases like “Worldwide Handsome” that became part of BTS’s global branding.
Actively engages in group songwriting discussions, especially for ballads and fan-dedicated songs.
Solo Musical Breakthroughs
The Astronaut (October 2022)
First BTS member and only Korean soloist to receive RIAJ Gold certification in Japan; Korea Million Seller for Circle Chart (1,040,155 sales)
Debuted at #51 on the Billboard Hot 100, highest by a Korean soloist that decade
Listed at #68 on Rolling Stone’s Best Songs of 2022
Achieved longest-charting solo track on Billboard World Digital Song Sales in the decade (15 weeks)
Reached #4 on Billboard Japan Hot 100 and became the 4th Korean act to hit #1 on iTunes in 100+ countries
Pre‑Release Solo Hits & OST:
“Yours” OST became fastest Korean OST on Spotify to surpass 35 million streams (Jan 2022)
“Super Tuna” Special Performance Video topped YouTube trending (4 days straight) and exceeded 100 million views by Sept 2024
Debut EP Happy (Nov 2024)
First full solo EP, sold 845,690 copies on Day 1 and 953,886 first‑week sales on Hanteo — topped 2024’s Hanteo solo artist rankings
Featured collaborations with Gary Barlow (Take That), Red Velvet’s Wendy, and Taka (One Ok Rock)
The title track “Running Wild” debuted at #53 on Billboard Hot 100 and placed Jin’s second solo entry on the chart
Second Solo EP Echo (May 2025)
Released May 16, 2025. Peaked at #3 on Billboard 200; lead single “Don’t Say You Love Me” debuted at #90 on Hot 100
The album received widespread acclaim from global media outlets
Featured guest Yena on track “Loser”
Milestone on Spotify (July 2025)
First K‑pop soloist to have two separate albums (Happy and Echo) each spend 10 weeks on Spotify Weekly Top Albums Global Chart
Chart-Toppers & Records
On Feb 4, 2025, “Close to You” debuted at #1 on Billboard World Digital Song Sales, becoming his 7th No. 1 on that chart—most by any K‑pop soloist
Brand & Cultural Impact
Named Male Solo Artist – Vietnam at the 2025 Korea First Brand Awards, based on consumer surveys across Asia KStarTrend.
Became the Korean male soloist with the most RIAJ-certified albums, earning gold for The Astronaut and Echo, and platinum for Happy—first to have three Korean-language albums certified in Japan
Appointed global ambassador for luxury brands including Gucci (Aug 2024), Maison Fred, Laneige (first male ambassador, Sep 2024), Alo Yoga (Oct 2024), and Jin Ramen (Feb 2025)
Brand Endorsements & Global Ambassadorships – Seok‑jin (Jin)
Gucci
Appointed global brand ambassador in August 2024.
Praised by Creative Director Sabato De Sarno for embodying Gucci’s values of individuality, authenticity, and warmth (Harper’s Bazaar) (Wikipedia)
Fred Jewelry
Became Fred’s first solo global ambassador in July 2024—a landmark collaboration following BTS’s group partnership with Louis Vuitton Teen Vogue.
Laneige
Named the brand’s first male global ambassador in September 2024, fronting their Cream Skin campaign Amore Pacific.
Alo Yoga
Appointed global ambassador in October 2024, supporting the brand’s expansion into South Korea. A campaign launched in early 2025 ahead of the brand’s flagship store opening WWD
Ottogi Jin Ramen
Modeled for the product in November 2022, fulfilling a longtime dream; partnership continues with global packaging and stickers Reddit.
Visit Seoul (Tourism)
Represents Seoul in campaigns themed around “Feel Seoul Good” promoting culture and travel misterkorean.com.
Dongwon Tuna
Partnered with Dongwon Tuna in early 2025, with branded ads tied to his viral track “Super Tuna” including special packaging and stickers Sportskeeda.
Dolby Atmos
Collaborated in a campaign named “Love More in Dolby”, starring in commercials to support his single “I’ll Be There” around October 2024 Sportskeeda.
Gelato Pique
Released a special collection (Gelato Pique meets Jin) in June 2025, designing cozy loungewear items globally alongside this Japanese brand.
Community & Media Insights
Reddit fans noted: “jin’s solo ambassadorships so far: 1. fred jewelry 2. gucci 3. visit seoul 4. laneige … the man is just bagging endorsements left and right” Reddit
After a brand comparison post on Weverse, Jin shared: “I think I’m gonna focus on what I’m doing now and probably won’t take on any more…? (Though if something I really like pops up, I might totally change my mind, haha!)” indicating he’s selective, despite abundant offers
Brand Ambassadorship Summary Table
Brand / Campaign
Role / Ambassadorship
Highlights
Gucci
Global Brand Ambassador (Aug 2024)
High-fashion representation; global campaign presence
Fred Jewelry
First solo global ambassador (Jul 2024)
Jewelry luxury brand under LVMH
Laneige
First male global ambassador (Sep 2024)
Skincare campaign Cream Skin
Alo Yoga
Global Ambassador (Oct 2024)
Sportswear & wellness collections
Ottogi Jin Ramen
Model & Endorser (Nov 2022–present)
Iconic ramen brand matching Jin’s name
Visit Seoul (Tourism)
Honorary Tourism Ambassador
Promoting urban culture and experiences
Dongwon Tuna
Brand Campaign Partner (2025)
Linked with Super Tuna viral song
Dolby Atmos
Campaign Collaboration (2024–2025)
Music promotion campaign for I’ll Be There
Gelato Pique
Creative Collaboration (June 2025)
Loungewear capsule collection
Jin currently holds one of the most diverse and high-profile portfolios among BTS members, spanning luxury fashion, skincare, lifestyle, tourism, food, and audio experience brands globally.
Public Persona & Media Presence
Hosted Run Jin, a spin-off of RUN BTS, showcasing variety content and viral moments—including a surprise cameo from Tom Cruise
Served as torchbearer for South Korea at the 2024 Paris OlympicsWikipedia.
Became favorite choice in fan polls as most suitable male idol MC for ASEA 2025, receiving over 72 million votes Sportskeeda
First World Tour: RunSeokjin Ep. Tour (Summer 2025)
Tour Overview
Jin’s inaugural solo tour, “#RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR,” unfolded from June 28 to August 10, 2025 across 9 cities globally, totaling 18 shows. It was built around the concept of “Run Seokjin” — reflecting his YouTube variety series — symbolizing his intent to “run” directly into fans’ arms. (Wikipedia) (India Today NE)
Tour Stops & Schedule
Asia
June 28–29: Goyang Auxiliary Stadium, South Korea – inaugural shows were livestreamed via Weverse. (Pollstar News) (Wikipedia)
July 17–18: Anaheim, CA – his performance at Honda Center broke attendance records for a Korean artist there. (Korea Joongang Daily) (The Times of India)
The opening featured a theatrical moment where Jin emerged through a screen to press a buzzer and shout “Challenge!” a narrative device inspired by his variety origins.( Korea Joongang Daily) (Indiatimes)
Showcased a dynamic setlist blending ballads (Echo, Background, Missing), rock-infused tracks, and playful interactive segments like fan costume choices for “Super Tuna.” (Korea Joongang Daily) (Indiatimes)
Emotional interludes included a medley of BTS songs (Dynamite, Butter, Spring Day), with appearances from fellow BTS members at select shows. Korea Joongang Daily
True to his Run Seokjin brand, segments like “Call out ARMY” games and joking interactions highlighted his humor and fan engagement. (Korea Joongang Daily) (Indiatimes)
Summary Table — RunSeokJin EP. Tour
Category
Details
Tour Name
RunSeokJin EP. Tour (#RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR)
Duration
June 28 – August 10, 2025
Shows / Cities
18 shows across 9 cities
Opening Venue
Goyang Auxiliary Stadium — livestreamed for global fans
Notable Milestones
Broke attendance records at Anaheim’s Honda Center; first Korean soloist to headline London’s O2
Performance Highlights
Theatrical entrances, emotional ballads, fan participation, BTS medleys, guest appearances
Launched June 28 – August 10, 2025, spanning Asia, North America, Europe—the first solo world tour by Jin
Featured a surprise BTS reunion at opening shows in Goyang and highlighted performances of solo tracks and BTS hits, with appearances by RM, J‑Hope, and V Indiatimes.
250806 | [TouringAsiaPop] MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT 🏆🔓 First Asian Soloist to Headline O2 Arena Back to Back Shows 🏆🔓 14,000+ Tickets Sold 🏆🔓First Asian Soloist to Sell Out O2 Arena 🏆🔓1st Solo BTS Member to Tour in London 🏆🔓 Highest Single Night Attendance outside Asia So Far
Summary Table
Area
Highlights
Solo Music
The Astronaut, Happy, Echo—charted internationally; multiple certifications
Streaming & Charting
Highest Hot 100 solo entries; Spotify milestones; Billboard DM Digital Song Sales records
Brand Influence
Ambassador for Gucci, Fred, Laneige, Alo, Jin Ramen; consumer-based brand awards
Cultural Engagement
Paris Olympic torchbearer, variety show host (Run Jin), MC polls favor
Touring
First solo world tour with surprise BTS reunion, widespread global stops
Kim Seokjin (Jin) Solo Achievements Timeline
Date
Milestone
November 2021
Releases OST “Yours” for Jirisan — fastest Korean OST to hit 35M Spotify streams.
December 2021
Drops surprise viral track “Super Tuna”; dominates YouTube trending for 4 days straight.
October 28, 2022
Releases solo debut single “The Astronaut” (co-written by Coldplay). Hits #51 on Billboard Hot 100.
Late 2022
Becomes first Korean soloist with RIAJ Gold in Japan and Million-seller in Korea.
June 2023 – June 2025
Completes military enlistment; becomes trending figure even while inactive.
August 2024
Announced as Global Ambassador for Gucci.
September 2024
Named first male global ambassador for Laneige.
November 2024
Releases first solo EP Happy; sells over 950K in first week (Hanteo); debuts at #53 on Billboard Hot 100.
January 2025
Wins 2025 Korea First Brand Award – Male Solo Artist – Vietnam.
February 2025
Becomes K-pop soloist with the most #1s on Billboard World Digital Song Sales (7 total).
May 16, 2025
Releases second solo EP Echo; debuts at #3 on Billboard 200, earns RIAJ Gold.
June 10, 2025
Completes military service.
June 28, 2025
Kicks off first solo world tour – RunSeokjin Ep. Tour in Goyang, South Korea.
July 2025
Becomes first K-pop soloist with two albums (Happy & Echo) on Spotify Weekly Top Albums for 10+ weeks each.
August 2025
RunSeokjin Ep. Tour continues through Europe and North America; high demand and critical praise.
KOMCA Song writing & Composition Credits
As of early 2025, Jin has 14 credited songs registered under his KOMCA profile, including both BTS group solos and his solo releases: “Awake,” “Epiphany,” “Moon,” “Tonight,” “Abyss,” “Super Tuna,” “The Astronaut,” plus others from Happy and Echo
Among BTS members, Jin ranks lower in KOMCA credits compared to other prolific members (e.g. RM, Suga, J‑Hope) (Pinkvilla) (Pantip)
No indication yet of Jin being promoted to full KOMCA membership status (as some super-creators are) allkpop.
Individual Achievements & Awards
Major Awards
Music Mundial Awards 2025 – Visual of the Year (2024): Recognized for his impactful visuals, likely tied to The Astronaut or Super Tuna.
Hanteo Music Awards (2023, for 2022 work): Jin won Global Artist – Africa as a solo artist for contributions in 2022
Chart & Streaming Milestones
Billboard World Digital Song Sales Chart (Feb 4, 2025): Jin’s “Close To You” debuts at #1, giving him a record 7th solo #1 on that chart—most among K‑pop soloists
Billboard Hot 100 entries:
“The Astronaut” debuted at #51 (2022) — Jin’s first solo entry
“Running Wild” debuted at #53 (2024) — his second solo entry on the Hot 100
YouTube & Spotify milestones:
“Super Tuna” video surpassed 100 million views by Sept 2024; trended #1 on YouTube for four consecutive days
“The Astronaut” also surpassed 100 million views by late 2023
Jin exceeded 500 million Spotify streams under his personal profile by April 2023 Reddit.
Certifications & Industry Recognition
“The Astronaut” (2022):
Earned RIAJ Gold certification (Japan).
Sold over 1 million copies on Korea’s Circle Chart (~1,040,000) — million-seller status.
Ranked #68 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Songs of 2022 list
📋 Summary Table
Category
Achievement / Metric
KOMCA Credits
~14 registered song credits (BTS solos + Jin solo works)
Billboard Hot 100
2 solo entries: “The Astronaut” (#51), “Running Wild” (#53)
World Digital #1s
“Close To You” – 7th solo #1; most for any K‑pop soloist
YouTube Views
Super Tuna & The Astronaut each surpassed 100M views
Spotify Streams
Over 500M streams in Jin’s personal profile (by April 2023)
RIAJ Certification
The Astronaut – Gold in Japan
Circle Chart Sales
Million-seller status for The Astronaut
Awards
Visual of the Year at Music Mundial 2025; Global Artist – Africa at 2023 Hanteo Awards
Notes & Context
Jin’s KOMCA involvement largely includes writing and composition credits for his solo songs plus selected BTS group tracks like “Tonight” and “Abyss.” He is not among the top-tier KOMCA creators in sheer song volume (Wikipedia) (US BTS ARMY) (Pinkvilla)
His individual success reflects a rapid transition from BTS lead vocalist to globally charting solo artist with significant commercial and critical milestones.
No international award nominations (e.g. VMAs) have featured Jin as a solo nominee as of mid-2025, sparking fan discussions about snubs despite his accomplishments Indiatimes.
