Jin is home!

Kim Seokjin – best known to ARMYs as Jin – has completed his 18 months of mandatory military service in the South Korean army. He enlisted on December 13, 2022 and came home on June 12, 2024. Jin has been a huge asset and major player in the K-pop scene. The President of South Korea awarded him and his bandmates the fifth-class Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit; his three BTS solo tracks all charted on the Circle Chart; and his official solo debut "The Astronaut" smashed records when it sold over 700,000 copies on release day alone.

 

“The Astronaut” also debuted at number one on the Circle Album Chart and entered the Billboard Japan Hot 100 at number 43 and the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 51. This song’s success is especially relevant given its lyrics. A love letter to fans before his departure for military service, the song uses a recurring cosmic metaphor to convey his appreciation for the time he’s had with everyone.

 

 

A unique and emotional journey, the song was an international effort. Jin co-wrote it with legendary British rock band Coldplay; Norwegian DJ Kygo; and Bill Rahko. Those are some heavy hitters in the global musical landscape, and they crafted a fitting sendoff for one of BTS’ most beloved members.

 

Now, the song serves a dual purpose. Jin has returned, and you can be sure it’ll see a spike in plays as he adjusts to civilian life and returns to his life as an idol. We look forward to more music from Jin very soon.