BTS member Jin, known for his powerful vocals and lighthearted humor, recently sat down with VOGUE JAPAN to discuss his evolving mindset as both a member of the iconic group and a solo artist.
When asked about the differences in his approach to songwriting and performing between BTS and his solo endeavors, Jin revealed a poignant contrast. “When I work solo, I have to do everything by myself,” he explained. “So I have a lot of freedom and can do what I want, but at the same time I also feel a sense of pressure. In the group, even if I’m lacking in some areas I’m reassured because the members are there with me, so I’m more relaxed.”
His dedication to bringing joy to his fans, ARMY, shines through in his responses. “The thing I put most importance on in life is happiness,” he said. “The people who make me happy are my fans, the ARMY. If I can make ARMY happy, they’ll make me happy. I need to keep going for them (laughs).”
Jin’s genuine and heartwarming nature is evident when discussing what makes him feel most like himself. “What makes me feel most like myself is when I make someone laugh,” he shared. “When someone smiles because of me, it makes me feel alive.” He even attributes his self-confidence to his unique features, saying, “My strength? I guess it’s my face! (laughs) Of course, there are many people more handsome than me out there, but I like my face.”
His admiration for hardworking individuals further highlights his character. “The people I look up to are those who try their best at their work,” he shared. “I have met people from all walks of life, all of whom show great pride in their work. I’m very envious of that, and I want to be like them. I really respect that way of being.”
Reflecting on his journey, Jin acknowledged the significant change in his perspective since BTS gained worldwide recognition around the time he turned 25. “When I was 25, I was so busy with work that I’d sometimes complain about it,” he said. “I wish I could tell my younger self that thinking like that doesn’t help, but honestly, I don’t think it would have made a difference. As I’ve gotten older, my mindset has naturally changed. I’m sure that 10 years from now, I’ll probably want to give my current self a talking-to as well (laughs).”
Jin also shared insights into his mental health practices, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and managing stress. He credits his newfound ease with going with the flow and embracing a more relaxed approach to life and work. His diverse hobbies, including cooking, tennis, gaming, and fishing, provide additional avenues for stress relief and personal fulfillment. “I don’t know what I want to try in the future, I’ll have to wait and see,” he said about exploring new hobbies. “All of my current hobbies are things that I came across through work or by chance, so I’m hoping I will be able to find different hobbies as I live a little longer (laughs).”
Ultimately, Jin’s unwavering dedication to ARMY remains his primary driving force. “It’s my dream to make ARMY members happy,” he expressed. “So as long as they’re happy, I can work until I’m exhausted. I am currently in the process of realizing that dream.”
Jin’s journey as both a member of BTS and a solo artist is a testament to his dedication, his genuine personality, and his evolving perspective on life. With a focus on bringing joy to his fans, a healthy approach to his work and personal life, and a constant desire to grow, Jin continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
