BTS Jin ELLE Korea August 2026 Interview | Full English Translation

 

BTS Jin — ELLE Korea August 2026 Interview

Q. We wanted to capture a side of you that feels a little unfamiliar and unfiltered, together with Gucci’s free-spirited menswear collection. Did it feel unfamiliar to you as well? You’re usually known for being quite traditional. (laughs)

It did feel pretty awkward when I looked in the mirror. But I’m an idol, after all. If there’s a concept people want to see, I should be willing to become that version of myself. (laughs)

 

Q. You become another version of yourself onstage, too. As you travel around the world performing in stadiums on the “ARIRANG” world tour, there are days when you look as though you might burst into tears at any moment, and others when you look happier than anyone else.

Honestly, I don’t think there have been many times when I was actually holding back tears. Maybe I just have a face that looks like I’m about to cry. (laughs) Sometimes people think I’m trying not to cry even when I’m not. But I can tell you exactly when I smile. Of course, it’s when I see ARMY enjoying themselves. When I look at each of their smiling faces, I naturally start smiling too.

 

Q. In particular, when you performed the Korean version of “NORMAL” at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on BTS’s debut anniversary, a lot of fans talked about your expression for a long time afterward. How do you personally remember that performance?

To be completely honest about this too, there’s a part during “NORMAL” where I encourage the audience to wave their hands. I was so focused on that movement and on the lyrics that I didn’t really have time to get emotional. I’d been singing the song for months, but that day I had to perform it with Korean lyrics, so I had to concentrate on the changed lyrics. (laughs)

 

Q. As clear and straightforward as ever. (laughs) Your fifth full-length album is BTS’s first full-group album in a very long time. You must have already made many memories with this album. Which moment stands out the most?

Probably the moment we opened this tour in Goyang. It rained so heavily that day. Normally, when it rains, you either use an umbrella or go indoors. But you can’t do that when you’re onstage, so we had no choice but to get completely soaked. When else in your life do you get to stand there and let yourself get drenched like that? It was really fun.

 

Q. Personally, the way you express yourself vocally on this world tour has felt very different. Especially in songs like “NORMAL,” “Into the Sun,” and “Like Animals,” there are moments in the higher register that almost feel like you’re howling, as though you’re letting your emotions out more intensely than before.

I’m honored that you’ve given it that much meaning. I’m not sure, though. These songs were simply more emotional than some of our previous ones, so I sang them in a way that matched those emotions. I’m happy you listened to them that way. (laughs)

 

Q. Some time has passed, but your first solo world tour, “RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR,” still remains vivid in my memory. There were so many playful ideas throughout the show, including the game where you guessed song titles from the audience singing along. The fans laughed a lot. Was there a particular reason you wanted to create a concert that made people laugh?

When ARMY laughs, I end up laughing too. We do serious performances quite often, so this time I wanted to create something where people could laugh a little more. Even the members said it was an unusual kind of concert. (laughs) Come to think of it, two concepts I used in my solo concert ended up being incorporated into our group concert too. That was interesting.

 

Q. There’s one scene from that concert that has stayed with me for a long time. During “The Astronaut,” you lay down in the middle of the stage and looked up at the night sky. The concert was designed to entertain the audience, but that particular moment felt as though it belonged entirely to you.

The night sky was really beautiful then. When you’re performing, sometimes your mind wanders for a moment. At that time, I suddenly found it fascinating that I was actually there, existing in that place. I took a breath, lay down, and looked up at the sky. It was so beautiful. So I think I just stayed there and looked at it for quite a while.

 

Q. It has now been 13 years since your debut. If you look back on your life from the moment you were approached by a casting director near a bus stop on your way to school until now, would you say more things happened according to plan, or more things happened unexpectedly?

I’m not really the type to make plans in the first place. If something comes to mind, I immediately ask whether it’s possible. If it isn’t, I just forget about it and move on. So honestly, even I’m not sure whether more things happened according to plan or unexpectedly.

 

Q. Over the past three or four years, you’ve experienced an unusually large number of “firsts.” You held a hug event the day after being discharged from the military, created memorable moments like “Jin Wick” through Run Jin, and experimented with new ideas on your solo tour. What gives you the energy to keep moving toward something new?

Because it’s fun. (laughs) If you keep repeating the same format every time, even something enjoyable will gradually become less interesting. So I’ve always tried to do something new. I wanted to create moments that ARMY could genuinely enjoy. If I had to choose one thing I’d like to praise myself for, it would probably be the time I spend constantly thinking, “What new thing should I try next?”

 

Q. What are you most afraid of right now? I have a feeling you won’t tell us honestly even if there is something. (laughs)

There isn’t really anything I’m particularly afraid of, but just like you said, even if there were, I probably wouldn’t talk about it. (laughs) ARMY tend to worry about me actually having to face the things I’m afraid of. I don’t want to put them in a situation where they have to worry like that.

 

Q. Hearing that answer makes me realize that you’ve always made a particular effort not to worry your fans. Why do you try to show them your brighter side first?

When I’m enjoying my own hobbies, I want to see good things too. That’s natural, isn’t it? ARMY probably watch us because they want to keep good memories with us. Giving them unnecessary things to worry about just doesn’t fit my style.

 

Q. What does “success” mean to Jin now? Has your definition changed since your debut?

A lot of people look at me and smile, and I’ve had many experiences at a young age that most people don’t easily get to have. When we first debuted, simply surviving was one of my biggest concerns. Now, thanks to all the love we receive, I have completely different things to think about. Things like, “How can I make ARMY enjoy themselves?” I think the fact that my concerns have changed in that way is enough for me to call it success.

 

Q. If you had to choose the best decision you’ve made in your life so far, what would it be?

I think it would have to be becoming a member of BTS.

 

Q. Even after spending so many years together, the members clearly adore their oldest member. The younger members, especially Jung Kook, tease you a lot and are very open about showing affection. Are there moments when you think, “Wow, I’m really loved”?

I think my feelings and the members’ feelings are probably similar. I love the members that much, so wouldn’t they love me just as much as I love them? When I feel how much I love the members, I also feel that I’m loved in return.

 

Q. Then how much do you love the members?

As much as they love me. That’s more than enough.

 

Q. You’re someone who has always tried to make people happy or comfort them through music. What does Jin himself receive from music?

Everything. Music has given me the life I have now.

 

Q. One last question. What does it mean to you to be “Kim Seokjin-like”?

I’m someone who wants to live the way I want. Of course, I know I can’t do everything I want.