BTS’ Jin has officially embarked on his solo journey with the release of Happy, his debut album, out today (Nov. 15).
Featuring six tracks, the album taps into a blend of musical styles and collaborations that make it a standout addition to this year’s new releases. The K-pop sensation didn’t hold back on collaborations in his EP. The lead track, “Running Wild,” comes with star power, co-produced by Take That’s Gary Barlow.
“Heart on the Window” pairs him with Wendy of Red Velvet for an emotionally charged duet, while “Until It Reaches You” teams him up with Taka and Toru from Japanese rock band One Ok Rock, adding a rock edge to the mix. Renowned South Korean producers Pdogg and GHSTLOOP lend their expertise to the album’s polished production.
It comes after fans were treated to the pre-release single, “I’ll Be There,” on Oct. 25, featuring American artist MAX, a track that has already sparked excitement across ARMY circles. The bi-lingual tune fuses 1960s bubblegum rock and modern dance-pop, with Jin singing, “I swear that I will always sing for you/ Sing for you, oh-oh-oh/ I’ll be there for you.”
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In a recent interview, Jin said of the project, “I have a very clear idea of what kind of emotions I want to share with our fans … I want our fans, our ARMY, to be happy.”
The release comes ahead of his solo debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Nov. 20, where he’ll perform live as part of his promotional rollout. The news was announced by Jimmy Fallon in a video posted on Nov. 12.
The upcoming Fallon appearance will come six years after BTS made its full-band debut on Fallon’s show. In 2018, the group — which is also comprised of SUGA, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — performed Billboard Hot 100 No. 11 hit “Idol” and “I’m Fine,” as well as tried out that year’s “Fortnite” dance trend.
Jin’s solo era is unfolding as several BTS members complete their mandatory service in the South Korean military, which the “Abyss” artist became the first to complete in June. J-Hope is the only other member of the group to have completed his since then; full-band activities are on pause until next year.
Stream Happy below.