Jin

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Jin's path to stardom started with a pivot from journalism to acting after being inspired by Kim Nam-gil in Queen Seondeok. While studying acting at Konkuk University, he was scouted off the street by Big Hit Entertainment, transitioning from an actor trainee to an idol. He graduated with a degree in Film Studies on February 22, 2017, before enrolling in graduate school at Hanyang Cyber University for non-music studies. His musical narrative includes co-producing "Awake" (2016), which peaked at number 31 on the Gaon Digital Chart, and releasing "Epiphany" (2018) as a self-love anthem that reached number 30. The track "Moon," released in 2020, described by Variety as a power pop song to fans, achieved a number one peak on the Gaon Digital Chart. In 2019, he shared his first independent song, "Tonight," via SoundCloud, inspired by his relationship with his pets.

In Their Own Story

On December 3, 2020, Jin released "Abyss" to address feelings of anxiety and burnout, co-writing the track with RM and producers Bumzu and Pdogg. Later that year, he collaborated with Nexon as a special game developer for MapleStory, chronicled in the web series Office Warrior Kim Seok Jin. His solo trajectory accelerated on October 28, 2022, with "The Astronaut," co-written with Coldplay. He performed this track live with the band in Buenos Aires during their Music of the Spheres World Tour, a show broadcast to over 70 countries. The single landed at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured his third number one on the World chart. Following his military enlistment on December 13, he returned in June 2024 to host an event at Jamsil Arena and serve as a torchbearer for the South Korean delegation at the Paris Summer Olympics.

Reader's Guide

Post-enlistment, Jin released his debut mini album "Happy" on November 15, 2024, supported by singles "I'll Be There" and "Running Wild." The latter entered the US Hot 100 at number 35. The album peaked at number 2 on Billboard's World Albums chart and number 4 on the Billboard 200, earning platinum certifications in Japan and Korea. In October 2024, an extended version of "Super Tuna" was released with a new music video; the original 2021 song had previously garnered over 141.8 million TikTok views in 10 days. Jin also expanded his brand roles, becoming the first global ambassador for Fred and Gucci, the first male global ambassador for Laneige, and the face of Alo Yoga's campaign launching in January 2025. He will release his second album, "Echo," on May 16, which is set to chart at number 3.

Did You Know?

• Jin was scouted by SM Entertainment while in junior high school but rejected the offer to pursue acting.
• In October 2021, his trot-style song "Super Tuna" trended in 56 countries and sparked a dance challenge with over 141.8 million TikTok views in just 10 days.
• Jin made history on November 5 by simultaneously occupying the top three spots of the World Digital Song Sales chart with "Tonight," "Abyss," and "Super Tuna".
• He co-wrote his debut solo single "The Astronaut" with the British rock band Coldplay and performed it live in Buenos Aires in October 2022.
• Following his discharge from the military in June 2024, Jin served as a torchbearer for the South Korean delegation at the Summer Olympics in Paris.