BTS Star Jin Shines Beyond the Stage with Variety Shows and Solo Returns
Jin, a member of global supergroup BTS, is proving his multi-faceted talent through diverse challenges since completing his military service. His solo variety show ‘Run Seokjin’, broadcast weekly on BTS’s YouTube channel, has become a hot topic among fans and general viewers alike.
Launched just five days after his military discharge with a grueling climb of Mt. Hallasan in Jeju Island, Jin’s return was nothing short of explosive. Since then, he’s plunged into a series of physically demanding episodes, including coast guard training, abandoned house exploration, Ultimate Fighting Championship-style challenges, gymnastics, and fencing. To date, 32 episodes have been released, receiving a combined total of over 77.7 million views as of April 29.
What sets the show apart is Jin’s personal involvement in planning each episode and tackling every mission himself, showcasing not only his creativity but also his genuine desire to connect with his fandom, the A.R.M.Y.
The guest lineup is just as thrilling. From idols to comedians, athletes, and YouTubers, Jin’s cross-industry connections shine through. He even brought in Japanese actor-director Matsushige Yutaka, known for Solitary Gourmet, for a Korean sauna experience. Additionally, fans were delighted by his reunion with Ki-an84 and Chea Yeon-hong on the Netflix reality show Daehwanjang Ki-anjang, in which Jin also played a major role. His relatability, quick adaptability, and humor left a lasting mark on fans and casual viewers alike.
Jin solidified his TV star status by topping the FUNdex’s non-drama popularity ranking for the third week of April. His appearances off-stage, backed by authenticity and charm, contrast and complement his world-class musical persona.
In ‘Run Seokjin’, he often elicits laughter with clever ‘loopholes’ in games, leading fans to coin the term “Jin-myeoldeulda,” meaning ‘falling for Jin’. His enthusiasm also bleeds into his musical ventures. Jin’s upcoming mini-album ‘Echo’, dropping on May 16, promises seven genre-spanning tracks inspired by life’s echoes. He participated in songwriting for most of the album, including songs like “Nothing Without Your Love,” “Loser (feat. YENA),” “Rope It,” and “Traveler in Clouds.”
The lead single, “Don’t Say You Love Me”, captures the painful irony of clinging onto love while a relationship falls apart. To celebrate, Jin will hold his first solo fan concert ‘#RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR’ on June 28-29 in Goyang, Korea, before embarking on an 18-show world tour across Japan, the U.S., the U.K., and the Netherlands.
On April 25, Jin made a surprise appearance at Coldplay’s final Korean concert for their Music of the Spheres World Tour. This marks his second appearance alongside Chris Martin after their celebrated performance on April 19. Together, they performed their hit collaborations “The Astronaut” and “My Universe”, electrifying the stadium and proving that Jin’s universe knows no bounds.
