For the devoted members of the BTS Army, the countdown to June 2025, when all seven members of the iconic Korean boy band will reunite after their mandatory military service, has been a long one. But before that momentous occasion, there’s another reason for fans to celebrate: Jin, the eldest member of BTS who completed his service over the summer, has released a new single titled ‘I’ll Be There,’ and it’s a powerful testament to his musical evolution.
Much like fellow former boy-bander Harry Styles, who transitioned into a successful solo career with a distinctly rock-influenced sound, Jin seems to be venturing away from the pop genre he’s known for. As a ‘90s baby, his affinity for rock music comes as no surprise. His Spotify playlist features favorites like ‘Iris’ by The Goo Goo Dolls, along with tracks by The Fray and Styles himself. Even before enlisting in the military in 2022, Jin released his debut single ‘The Astronaut,’ a collaboration with Coldplay’s Chris Martin, showcasing his musical direction.
‘I’ll Be There’ marks the latest chapter in Jin’s journey, released ahead of his highly anticipated solo album, ‘Happy,’ set to drop on November 15th. If ‘The Astronaut’ was a love letter to his fans, whom he affectionately calls his “universe,” then ‘I’ll Be There’ doubles down on that dedication.
In an exclusive interview with Vogue, Jin shares his excitement about his return and hopes his fans love the song as much as he does. And with the raw emotion that permeates the lyrics, even though they’re primarily sung in Korean, there’s no doubt his fans will be captivated. The chorus is particularly striking, with Jin’s heartfelt declaration: “I swear I will always sing for you, sing for you, I’ll always be there for you.”
The powerful message continues throughout the song, with Jin promising in Korean that if his fans ever feel sad or alone, they can always lean on him. The outro features a catchy rhythmic clapping reminiscent of Anna Kendrick’s popular 2013 song ‘Cups’ from Pitch Perfect, adding another layer of intrigue to the track.
The accompanying music video shows Jin performing with his band in a parking lot, creating an image of a humble, up-and-coming talent. However, in reality, Jin has already reached phenomenal heights, but the video emphasizes the genuine passion and artistry at the heart of his music. With the release of ‘I’ll Be There,’ and the upcoming ‘Happy’ album, Jin is poised to captivate audiences worldwide, proving his individual talent and solidifying his place as a musical force to be reckoned with.