BTS Jin is showcasing his entertainment skills and passion without reservation through his first solo variety show, 'Run, Jin.'
'Run, Jin' is Jin's solo variety show that is posted every Tuesday on the BTS YouTube channel. To meet the love of ARMY (the fandom), he is challenging himself in various fields with the mindset of 'I can do anything.' Since opening with a hike up Hallasan in Jeju Island just five days after his discharge last June, he has continued with high-intensity content such as marine police training, abandoned house experiences, UFC, rhythmic gymnastics, and fencing.
As of now, 32 episodes of the main content have been released, with a total view count of approximately 77.7 million (as of April 29). Planning new concepts and challenging himself every week is no easy task. This was made possible by Jin's sincere desire to communicate closely with fans through 'Run, Jin.'
Another highlight of 'Run, Jin' is its glamorous guest lineup. The cast, which crosses various fields including idols, actors, comedians, athletes, and YouTubers, proves Jin's wide network and affability. He experienced a jjimjilbang with actor and director Matsushige Yutaka, who is famous for the Japanese drama 'The Lonely Gourmet,' and reunited with Kian84 and Jiyun, who he worked with on Netflix's 'The Great Escape.'
Jin's activities continued on Netflix as well. In the recently concluded variety show 'The Great Escape,' he played a central role based on his diligence and cheerfulness. His adaptability to quickly blend into unfamiliar environments and his positive attitude in uncomfortable situations left a deep impression not only on fans but also on the public. He also captured attention; according to the popularity analysis company Good Data Corporation's FUNdex, Jin ranked first in the non-drama cast popularity category for the third week of April.
Having proven his 'world class' status on stage, he led the atmosphere in a down-to-earth and friendly manner in 'Run, Jin' and 'The Great Escape,' showcasing the charm of 'human Kim Seok-jin.' In particular, in 'Run, Jin,' he elicited laughter with unexpected aspects by using 'tricks' while performing games or missions. The expression 'falling for Jin' emerged regarding the exhausted appearance of guests returning home after his all-around activities.
Jin's passion extends to his main career. His second mini-album 'Echo,' set to be released on May 16, contains stories of various moments in life spreading out like different forms of 'echo.' It includes a diverse range of seven songs based on band sounds, and Jin participated in the lyrics of most tracks, including 'Nothing Without Your Love,' 'Loser (feat. YENA),' 'Rope It,' and 'A Journey with Clouds,' adding authenticity. The title track 'Don't Say You Love Me' is a song that depicts the irony of not being able to let go of each other due to love, even as a relationship with a partner is crumbling.
Jin will hold his first solo fan concert '#RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR' on June 28-29 at the Goyang Gymnasium Auxiliary Stadium in Goyang, Ilsanseo-gu. This tour will continue with a total of 18 performances in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and more.
Meanwhile, on the 25th, Jin made a surprise appearance at Coldplay's final performance of 'LIVE NATION PRESENTS COLDPLAY: MUSIC OF THE SPHERES DELIVERED BY DHL' held at the Goyang Gymnasium in Goyang City. This was his second collaboration following the third performance on the 19th. On this day, Jin heated up the venue by singing his first solo single 'The Astronaut' and the collaboration song 'My Universe' with Chris Martin.
[Geum Bit-na, MK Sports Reporter]
