With a simple but hearty title, Happy is not just Jin’s debut album—the seventh and final member of BTS to release a full-fledged solo project—but a statement on his creative journey and his fans’ significance throughout it. While the 31-year-old keeps BTS’s ARMY at the forefront of his work, mind, and in interviews, Jin shares his love of rock music in hopes of inspiring joy within listeners further.
In what was described as a “organic and seamless” process, Jin collaborated with a diverse range of international artists to realize his musical vision for Happy: New York City singer-songwriter and past BTS collaborator Max co-wrote the buzzy single “I’ll Be There,” Gary Barlow of British boy band Take That worked on the focus track “Running Wild,” Taka and Toru of Japan’s ONE OK ROCK co-produced and played instruments on “Falling,” while “Heart on the Window” is a duet with K-pop girl group member Wendy of Red Velvet, who grew up in South Korea, Canada, and the States.
“Putting the album together has allowed me to pause and reflect on just how much ARMY means to me,” Jin tells Billboard. “As I worked on each track, I thought about what I wanted to convey to them—how I wanted to bring joy and happiness to them while also expressing how much I missed them during our time apart.”
With Happy, Jin proves his capacity to creatively grow and explore fresh musical landscapes while still staying deeply connected to the roots of his BTS journey. With warmth, optimism, and universal messages, Happy has the qualities to not only enchant loyal fans but also entertain entirely new audiences—and does so while conveying his most authentic self.
Read on to see what the “Worldwide Handsome” superstar tells Billboard about Happy’s sounds, timing and meaning, and much more. How are you doing at this exciting time? Was making your comeback to music after a break difficult, or was it a natural return?
JIN: I’m thrilled to be back with my first solo album, Happy. My first thought upon making this comeback was to reconnect with my ARMY. Creating the album was a way for me to share something with them, and the whole process just felt like a return to something natural.
With the release of Happy, all of BTS’ members will have officially released a full solo project! While we’ve got a lot of excellent solo singles from you, can you share insight as to why we are getting your first solo album now?
Prior to enlisting, my primary focus was on our group activities, so a solo album didn’t feel appropriate at that moment. But with all the members now taking turns serving, it felt like the right time to share something personal with ARMY, who have supported us all along. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I’ve enjoyed making it.
I know you’re a big fan of and emotionally connected to BTS’ 2016 single “Spring Day.” Was finding music that resonated with you, like “Spring Day,” whether emotionally or with rock influences, an inspiration?
“Spring Day” has always had a special place in my heart, but for this album, I wanted to explore something a little different. I set out to create a more vibrant, upbeat atmosphere, so the overall feel of the album is more lively and energetic. I’d probably consider exploring the emotional tone of “Spring Day” in the future.
Happy is defined as “Jin’s journey to true happiness” and “an authentic portrayal of Jin as a solo artist.” What did that journey entail?
The journey ahead heavily revolved around my connection with the Army. As I worked on each track, I thought about what I wanted to convey to them—how I wanted to bring joy and happiness to them while also expressing how much I missed them during our time apart. Putting the album together has allowed me to pause and reflect on just how much ARMY means to me.
You introduced the LP with “I’ll Be There,” which has a rockabilly and rock n’ roll sound. Why did you choose this song to reintroduce yourself?
I really liked the track and thought it should be shared with ARMY first. The fun, catchy vibe of the track felt like a positive way to start things off. I wanted to bring joy and comfort to those who might be feeling down, and it’s my way of offering a little cheer before the full album comes out—sharing a song I like.
“Running Wild” has a lot of energy and universal themes that will appeal to so many people. What are your goals or hopes for Happy’s main single?
With “Running Wild,” I wanted to create a track full of energy. I hope it inspires people to keep moving forward—whether that means running, working out, or just pushing themselves to overcome a challenge.
You brought a range of international collaborators to Happy. What were you looking for in your collaborators?
That’s a challenging question, as my primary desire was to collaborate with individuals whose music and talents I greatly admired. Each collaborator brought something unique to the table, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have worked together with such talented artists to bring Happy to life.
As I listened, I wondered if you had ever considered creating your own band in the past or teaming up with a rock act as a side project.
The only band I, now and forever, will be part of is BTS. Band music is a genre I’m personally interested in, and I enjoy exploring different styles as a solo artist. But at the end of the day, my roots and connection to music will always be with BTS.
All of my solo projects are meaningful, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be “The Astronaut.” I hold it particularly dear due to the remarkable chance I had to work with Coldplay, a band I greatly respect. I’ll never forget the moment when I first heard the song—the things I felt when Chris [Martin] first played the song.