[magazine kave=Lee Tae-rim Reporter]
Kim Seok-jin, we call him ‘Jin’. As the eldest member and emotional vocalist of the boy group BTS, loved by the world, he is not just a symbol of stunning appearance but a person with human warmth and artistic authenticity. His story is more like a tale of an ordinary boy who becomes a star through hard work rather than a special destiny.
Born on December 4, 1992, in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do, Kim Seok-jin was a cheerful and positive child loved by those around him. During his school years, he stood out for his looks, but he did not initially aspire to enter the entertainment industry. At one point, he dreamed of becoming a reporter and wanted to convey the stories of the world through writing. However, as his interest in the arts grew, he leaned towards acting. He entered the Theater and Film Department at Konkuk University and officially stepped into the world of acting. His confidence on stage and serious attitude of immersing himself in the emotions of the characters made him stand out.
Then one day, a casting director he met by chance on the street changed his life. Initially dreaming of becoming an actor, he stepped onto a new path as a ‘singer’ after receiving an offer from Big Hit Entertainment. Although he started later than anyone else and was not familiar with singing or dancing, he was more diligent than anyone. He practiced every night until the lights in the practice room went out and endlessly worked to fill in his shortcomings. People around him called him ‘someone who quietly walks his own path’. Thus, in 2013, Jin took his first step into the world as the eldest member of BTS.
His debut was not glamorous. BTS debuted with the unfamiliar concept of ‘hip-hop idol’, and their music was not easily accepted by the public at first. However, Jin began to shine within the team with his unique warm voice and presence. On stage, he held a solid center, and off stage, he led the members as the team's spiritual support. He took care of the younger members like a brother and valued teamwork more than anyone.
As time passed, BTS gradually built their own color. Jin also grew beyond being just a visual member to a true ‘vocalist’. In 2016, he presented his first solo song to the world with ‘Awake’. The lyrics, ‘I may not be enough now, but I will spread my wings’, resonated with his reality. Jin's voice was delicate yet strong. The emotions he conveyed were not just musical techniques but the culmination of tears and efforts shed over a long time.
In 2018, he sang about the journey of finding oneself through ‘Epiphany’. The message that one must love oneself to reach true happiness touched the hearts of many. Jin's voice was soft yet firm, and the emotions resonated in the hearts of those listening to the song. In 2020, he sang about his affection for fans through ‘Moon’, further solidifying the emotional connection between Jin and his fans. He always referred to fans as ‘the stars that illuminate my sky’, and fans called him ‘our moon’.
From this point on, Jin established himself not just as a member of a group but as an independent artist. His music was unadorned, and his messages contained comfort. The public felt emotions through his voice and empathized with his sincerity. The anxiety of ‘Awake’, the realization of ‘Epiphany’, and the dedication of ‘Moon’ were all facets of the path that Kim Seok-jin had walked. He grew through his songs and found his true self in that growth.
As BTS soared to become a global group, Jin's presence became even more solid. On the Billboard stage, at award ceremonies, and at fan meetings around the world, he always conveyed humorous and warm energy. In interviews, he jokingly said, “I am Worldwide Handsome,” but within that, confidence, positivity, and self-deprecating humor coexisted. Jin used his appearance not as a means of pride but as a tool for laughter and communication. He was a true ‘balanced idol’.
In 2021, the release of ‘Super Tuna’ showcased another side of him. While it sounded like a simple humorous song, it contained his desire to laugh with fans. This song sparked the ‘Super Tuna Challenge’ worldwide, bringing happiness to many fans. Jin was an artist who could convey comfort through music while also gifting small joys in everyday life.
In 2022, during BTS's activity hiatus, he released his first official solo single ‘The Astronaut’. This song showcased his musical maturity while containing a message for fans. In the lyrics themed around space, Jin sang about ‘the journey to find his star’, which was soon the fans. His voice deepened, and the range of emotions widened. This song ranked high on music charts in various countries, proving his potential as a solo artist.
He immediately enlisted for military service, stepping away from the stage for a while, but fans missed his absence and quietly waited. Jin diligently served in the military and was remembered as a ‘diligent and warm soldier’ by both seniors and juniors. Even during his service, he left letters for fans, asking them not to forget him and promising to meet again. That promise will become a reality with his discharge in June 2024.
After his discharge, Jin immediately reunited with fans, providing a touching moment. He was still warm and still cheerful. The only difference was a deeper gaze and a sense of ease. Moving forward, he plans to resume full activities with BTS while also pursuing his solo music projects. His determination to build his own musical world by participating in songwriting and composing remains strong.
Jin's future still shines. He chose authenticity over glamour and believed in the essence of music over trends. A person who expresses himself through song, shares emotions with fans, and makes the world a little warmer. The path he has walked is already a narrative, and the path he will walk in the future is the beginning of another story.
Jin speaks to the world today with his unique smile. “I am Worldwide Handsome.” But now we know that what lies within that statement is not just a simple joke, but a cheerful declaration from someone who loves himself, his fans, and the world. His music is still ongoing and will continue to shine like ‘moonlight’ illuminating the hearts of many in the future.
