CELEBRITY / VOICE

BTS JIN IS ONLY JUST GETTING STARTED──“What makes me feel most like myself is when I make someone laugh.”

As a member of BTS, record-breaking band, JIN is one of Asia’s most recognizable faces. With a winking sense of humour—he was nicknamed ‘Worldwide Handsome’, after all—and distinctive vocals, the 31-year-old is fast becoming a global icon in his own right. After being discharged from South Korea’s compulsory military service this summer, the artist’s solo career is now in full swing. To mark this exciting new chapter, VOGUE JAPAN caught up with JIN for an exclusive photoshoot, to find out what’s next for the star.

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A sunny disposition

Since being discharged from the South Korean military in June, JIN’s star has continued to rise, with regular appearances on variety shows as well as the official BTS YouTube channel. Here he wears a sunny yellow knit from Sacai which combines a shirt and sweater into a single garment.

──Is there a difference in your mindset when you’re performing and songwriting as part of BTS and when you’re solo?

JIN　When I work solo I have to do everything by myself. So I have a lot of freedom and can do what I want, but at the same time I also feel a sense of pressure. In the group, even if I’m lacking in some areas I’m reassured because the members are there with me, so I’m more relaxed.

Big time sensuality
JIN is known for mixing his sense of humour with a strong work ethic, trying his best to keep the ARMY (BTS’s suitably named legions of fans) happy. Here, he wears a Gucci cardigan and shorts, accessorised with a silk crepe bow tie.


──What makes you most happy in life, and what do you consider to be most important about what you do?

JIN　The thing I put most importance on in life is happiness. The people who make me happy are my fans, the ARMY (BTS Fandom). If I can make ARMY happy, they’ll make me happy. I need to keep going for them (laughs).

Unique personal style
JIN wears a cardigan and shorts with a pair of chunky loafers and calf-high socks, all taken from Gucci’s Resort 2025 collection; JIN now serves as a Global Brand Ambassador for the house. “I am very excited to welcome JIN as Global Brand Ambassador,” wrote creative director Sabato de Sarno. “His warm and kind personality is truly magnetic, and his style is simply unique.”


──What makes you feel most “yourself”? What do you think your strengths are, and what do you like about yourself?

JIN　What makes me feel most like myself is when I make someone laugh. When someone smiles because of me, it makes me feel alive. My strength? I guess it’s my face! (laughs) Of course, there are many people more handsome than me out there, but I like my face.

Endless potential

JIN wears a peak lapel jacket by Yohji Yamamoto. Note the asymmetrically staggered pockets—a design that fits JIN’s playful persona to a tee.

──What kind of person do you look up to most?

JIN　The people I look up to are those who try their best at their work. I have met people from all walks of life, all of whom show great pride in their work. I’m very envious of that, and I want to be like them. I really respect that way of being.

Finding new ways to bloom
As he’s gotten older, JIN says he has come to understand himself better. Here he wears a jumpsuit from Gucci. Elegant, but tough!


──『VOGUE JAPAN』celebrates its 25th anniversary this year! Around the time you turned 25 (in 2016-2017), was also when BTS gained worldwide recognition. What’s your biggest memory from that time? And what advice would you give to yourself back then?

JIN　When I was 25, I was so busy with work that I’d sometimes complain about it. I wish I could tell my younger self that thinking like that doesn’t help, but honestly, I don’t think it would have made a difference. As I’ve gotten older, my mindset has naturally changed. I’m sure that 10 years from now, I’ll probably want to give my current self a talking-to as well (laughs).

“My strength? I guess it’s my face!”
“Of course, there are many people more handsome than me out there, but I like my face,” laughs JIN. He wears a yellow knit shirt, paired with matching yellow shorts, all from Sacai.


──You have mentioned before that you try your best to live in the moment and avoid stress. What do you do to protect your mental health and how do you make sure your work and private life are fulfilling? You also have many hobbies, such as cooking, tennis, gaming, and fishing—are there any other hobbies or activities you would like to try in the future?

JIN　I used to feel stressed out quite a lot, but recently I have been able to just let things happen and go with the flow, and I don’t feel as stressed anymore. I’ve also gotten more used to working [in the studio and performing], so I feel more relaxed. Hobbies help with relieving stress too. I don’t know what I want to try in the future, I’ll have to wait and see. All of my current hobbies are things that I came across through work or by chance, so I’m hoping I will be able to find different hobbies as I live a little longer (laughs).

An ever-evolving hero
JIN looks suitably suave in a cotton jacket and matching slacks from Yohji Yamamoto. “As I get older, there will come a time when my physical strength will naturally decline, but I want to work just as hard then as I do now,” he says.


──What would you say is your main goal right now?

JIN　It’s my dream to make ARMY members happy. So as long as they’re happy, I can work until I’m exhausted. I am currently in the process of realizing that dream.

Profile
JIN
Born on December 4, 1992, JIN is a member of BTS known for his powerful vocals, lighthearted sense of humor. He was selected as one of the torchbearers participating in the Olympic relay for this year's Paris Olympics 2024. As well as his work with BTS, JIN’s solo hits include “Awake”, “Epiphany”, and “Moon”. His 1st Solo Single “The Astronaut” (released in October 2022) received global acclamation, and his 1st Solo Album “Happy” will be released on November 15th.

Talent: JIN Photos: Heejune Kim Styling: Youngjin Kim Hair: Sohee Han Makeup: Dareum Kim Set Design: Seoyun Choi at Da;rak Sittings Editor: Donghui Ko Production and Coordination: Shinhae Song, Hyojeong Choi at Tano International Shot on location at Korea Furniture Museum Text: Asa Takeuchi Adaptation Editor: Ashley Ogawa Clarke

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