Pop

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 is known to keep BTS’ ARMY at the forefront of his work, mind and in interviews, making his first public appearance after completing his mandatory military service at an event to hug 1,000 fans this past summer, Jin shares his love of rock music in hopes to inspire joy within listeners further. Described as an “organic and seamless” process, Jin tapped a range of international collaborators to complete his musical vision on 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 want 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 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 happy to be back with my first solo album, Happy. Making this comeback, my first thought was to reconnect with 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 great solo singles from you, can you share insight as to why we are getting your first solo album now?

Before enlisting, I was focused mainly on our group activities, so a solo album didn’t feel right at the time. 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 described as “Jin’s journey to true happiness” and “an authentic portrayal of Jin as a solo artist.” What did that journey entail?

The journey behind revolved heavily around my connection with ARMY. As I worked on each track, I thought about what I wanted to convey to them, how I want 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 was this the song to reintroduce yourself?

I just really connected to the track and felt it was the right one to share with ARMY first. The fun, catchy vibe of the track felt like a good 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 on Happy. What were you looking for in your collaborators?

That’s a tough question since I simply wanted to work with people whose music and talents I 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.

Thinking about your solo songs — including four No. 1s on Billboard‘s World Digital Song Sales chart with “Astronaut,” “Super Tuna,” “Yours” and, last week’s chart-topper “I’ll Be There” — are you able to pick a favorite?

All of my solo projects are meaningful, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be “The Astronaut.” It is especially close to my heart, thanks to the incredible opportunity I had to collaborate with Coldplay, whom I deeply admire. I’ll never forget the moment when I first heard the song, the things I felt when Chris [Martin] first played the song.

Anything else to share with international ARMY at this time?

I’ll keep giving my all so that I can connect with all of you in person soon!