Jin of K-pop juggernaut BTS performs during the "Jin 'Happy' Special Stage" event at Jangchung Arena in central Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Music
Jin, the eldest member of the K-pop megastar BTS, brought joy to fans over the weekend with a two-day fan showcase, "Jin 'Happy' Special Stage," at Jangchung Arena in central Seoul. With the event also celebrating the release of his first solo album, "Happy," the BTS member marked both a heartfelt reunion with his devoted fanbase, ARMY, and a festive start to the winter season.
Released last Friday, "Happy" is a milestone in Jin's 12-year career, standing as his first full solo album. According to BigHit Music, Jin's agency under HYBE Labels, the album "explores the pursuit of happiness, a sentiment he shares with fans."
As a part of this search for joy, the weekend event marked Jin's first major stage appearance since the 2024 FESTA last summer, which took place right after his military discharge in June.
Fans crowded the arena Sunday afternoon, braving the sudden chill hours before the show began. Jin met their enthusiasm with his signature playful humor, joking, "I feel like a king," as cheers reverberated through the stadium during his entrance.
He then launched into "Running Wild," the title track of his new "Happy" album. With the British pop-rock-inspired anthem setting an electrifying tone for the night, Jin bounded across the stage as he made eye contact to connect with each one of his fans.
Jin of K-pop boy band BTS performs during the "Jin 'Happy' Special Stage," at Jangchung Arena in central Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Music
The following show featured a mix of performances and interactive segments, with Jin personally sharing behind-the-scenes stories about the making of his new album. Using a self-made PowerPoint slideshow presentation, he introduced the album to the audience, offering insights into the inspiration behind its creation.
"When I think of the word, 'Happy,' I am reminded of BTS, sleep, rest, food and playing games. But as you all know, ARMY is what makes me the happiest," he said. "I wanted to create an album that would bring joy to you because your happiness becomes my happiness."
The singer then walked fans through the album's six tracks, spanning multiple genres. These included "I'll Be There," a pre-release track unveiled in October; the gaming-inspired "Another Level"; the introspective ballad, "Falling"; the love duet "Heart on the Window"; and "I will come to you," written while reflecting on fans during his military service.
Much to the audience's delight, Wendy of SM Entertainment's Red Velvet made a surprise appearance, joining Jin onstage for their duet, "Heart on the Window." Their harmonies resonating throughout the arena, Wendy remarked, "It was a big honor to work with Jin," revealing the collaboration stemmed from his suggestion.
Jin of K-pop juggernaut BTS, right, performs alongside Wendy of Red Velvet during the "Jin 'Happy' Special Stage" event at Jangchung Arena in central Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Music
Throughout the evening, Jin's steady, powerful vocals stood out, making it hard to believe he had been away from the stage for months, or even years. The dynamic production design, featuring massive LED screens that seamlessly shifted between scenes, also added a cinematic flair to the performance.
For the encore, Jin revisited fan favorites, including "Super Tuna," "Moon" and "The Astronaut." He wrapped up the hour-and-a-half-long show with a cool, confident exit, leaving fans cheering long after the final note.
For those unable to attend in person, the showcase was streamed live for free on the online fan platform Weverse, with real-time translations in eight languages, including English, Japanese, and Spanish, making the celebration accessible to ARMY worldwide.
Fans of BTS' eldest member, Jin, wave the band's official light sticks in support during the "Jin 'Happy' Special Stage" event at Jangchung Arena in central Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of BigHit Music