Jin
Jin sat down with a group of playful puppies for a new interview released Monday (June 10), in which the BTS vocalist opened up about his new solo album Echo, his dream collaboration, and what fans can expect from his first-ever solo tour.
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In a new episode of BuzzFeed’s The Puppy Interview, BTS’ Jin answered fan questions while playing with a group of adorable pups, offering insight into his solo career, musical influences and tour ambitions.
“I’ve only met him in passing, but I’d love to collab with Bruno Mars one day. It’d be a lot of fun, I’m a huge fan of him,” Jin said, adding, “I often practised my vocals by singing ‘Just The Way You Are’ before debut, it’s one of my favourite songs.”
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On May 16, the K-pop star unveiled the project featuring seven tracks: “Don’t Say You Love Me,” “Nothing Without Your Love,” “Loser” featuring YENA, “Rope It,” “With the Clouds,” “Background” and “To Me, Today.” JIN first announced the mini-album about a month before its release, with a statement describing Echo as offering the musician’s “perspective on universal life experiences, capturing everyday emotions with warmth and sincerity.”
The new EP arrived about a year after JIN became the first member of BTS to be discharged from the South Korean militaryEcho follows the November release of Jin’s debut solo EP Happy, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200. The project featured single “Running Wild,” which marked Jin’s second Billboard Hot 100 entry separate from his mega-famous boy band, following 2022’s “The Astronaut”; the two tracks reached Nos. 53 and 51 on the chart, respectively.
“Built on dynamic band sounds, the album showcases his versatile vocals across a spectrum of moods and styles,” the description continued at the time. “It reflects a deeper layer of vocal maturity and personal storytelling that underscores Jin’s evolving artistry.”
Watch Jin’s full BuzzFeed Puppy Interview here.
BTS’ Jin made a triumphant return to U.S. late-night television this week, delivering a stirring performance of his new single “Don’t Say You Love Me” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (aired May 21).
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The appearance marked Jin’s first U.S. promo stop since the release of his sophomore solo album Echo and comes just months after completing his mandatory military service in South Korea.
Taking the stage with signature poise, Jin performed the emotional ballad under soft, moody lighting, accompanied by a live band and backing vocalists. His warm yet melancholic tone filled the studio as he sang the reflective lyrics from “Don’t Say You Love Me,” a track that has quickly become a standout on Echo, which dropped last Friday (May 16).
Before the performance, Jin joined Fallon for a light-hearted interview segment that included a comedic role reversal, with Jin briefly acting as the show’s emcee.
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When asked about his next chapter as a solo artist, Jin shared details about his upcoming Hi-Seokjin fan tour. “You might be expecting my vocal skills, but I hope you’re most excited to see my face up close,” he joked with a smile.
The Hi-Seokjin event series kicks off this Friday in New York City, where Jin will meet with 1,000 fans for an exclusive concert and fan interaction. He’ll then return to South Korea to play two sold-out shows in Goyang on May 28 and 29, with additional Asian dates expected to follow.
Echo has already topped the iTunes charts in over 60 countries and received early critical praise for its blend of tender ballads and experimental production.
“Don’t Say You Love Me” serves as the centerpiece of the project, showcasing Jin’s evolution as a solo vocalist and storyteller.
Jin previously appeared on The Tonight Show in November 2024 to perform “Running Wild,” a track from his debut solo EP. His return signals a strong re-entry into the global spotlight as he prepares to embark on his first official fan tour, while BTS continue to pursue solo activities during their staggered enlistment period.
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BTS’ Jin is embarking on a beauty journey with one of the top brands in the industry. Weeks after announcing a partnership with Gucci, the 31-year-old recording artist has officially been named Laneige’s first-ever male brand ambassador, the Korean beauty brand revealed Monday (Sept. 30).
As part of the new partnership, Jin stars in the latest campaign for Laneige’s bestselling Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer. The milky moisturizer and toner, which starts at $16, features ceramide and peptides for nourishing and strengthening the skin barrier and white leaf tea water to sooth and hydrate thus promoting radiant-looking, moisturized skin. Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer is available at various retailers such as Sephora, Amazon, Sephora at Kohl‘s and Laneige.com.
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“I am truly delighted to become a brand ambassador for a brand that is loved by so many people around the world. I am thrilled to start my beauty journey with Laneige, and eager to share what we have in store,” Jin said in a statement, per Women’s Wear Daily.
The company shared Jin’s new campaign via Instagram on Monday with the caption, “When two icons come together.”
Jin has been busy since completing his military service in June. Last week, he attended Gucci’s spring/summer 2025 women’s fashion show at Triennale, Milano in Italy, marking his first time attending a fashion show in the city as a Gucci Global Brand Ambassador.
Laneige has been teasing the Jin reveal on Instagram for the last several days, dropping hints and behind-the-scenes clips of the campaign, including a shot of the back of his head. Naturally, the BTS Army was quick to identify Jin as the newest ambassador for Laneige. Sydney Sweeney became Laneige’s first global ambassador in 2022 and expanded the partnership earlier this year.
The top-selling makeup and skincare brand is known for viral products such as the Lip Sleeping Mask, Divine Lip Duo and Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream.
Shop the Jin-approved Cream Skin below.
Laneige
LANEIGE Cream Skin Refillable Toner & Moisturizer, 50 ml
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