Jin’s world domination plan: one Seokjinnie at a time

The excitement kicked off when The Tonight Show teased Jin’s upcoming solo debut with a video straight out of a '90s time capsule. Jimmy Fallon, armed with a “Top Secret” envelope, dramatically feeds a floppy disk into a delightfully ancient computer. Once the contents finally load (we’re talking dial-up patience here), Jin’s radiant face and the date of his appearance—November 20—pop up on the screen, leaving Fallon in awe. Nostalgia? Check. Jin? Double check.

Of course, this isn’t Jin’s first rodeo with Fallon. The Tonight Show has practically been BTS’ second stage since their debut there as a full band in 2018. Who could forget their legendary performances of “Idol” and “I’m Fine,” or their attempt at the Fortnite dance trend? And let’s not even get started on their virtual appearances during the pandemic in 2020—lifesavers for ARMYs everywhere. Jin now joins the ranks of Jimin and SUGA, who’ve already made their solo debuts on the show, proving that even in a hiatus (what hiatus?), BTS continues to dominate.

The comeback we didn’t know we needed

After delighting fans—and making them giggle—with his viral bop “Super Tuna,” Jin’s first solo album, Happy, dives into a deeper emotional spectrum. True to its name, the album captures the essence of finding joy, and Jin effortlessly balances his signature wit with moments of genuine warmth throughout the tracklist.

The lead single, "Running Wild," is pure Jin energy: hopeful, uplifting, and bursting with a message of charging ahead with optimism. It’s a perfect reflection of Jin’s adventurous and charismatic spirit. Writing this article while listening to it, it’s impossible not to crack a smile—Jin’s charm is simply contagious.

Fans got a taste of the album’s refreshing vibe with "I’ll Be There," a pre-release single that is, like Jin himself said, as effervescent as cracking open an ice-cold soda. The music video, full of Jin’s trademark wit and handsomeness, is a visual treat that pairs perfectly with the track’s feel-good rhythm. It’s Jin in his element, blending playfulness and sincerity most endearingly.

"This song, released before the album, is as refreshing as a can of soda! Make sure to check out the music video, too, to see how witty and handsome I am!"

Jin

But Happy isn’t all about lightheartedness—Jin takes a poignant turn with "Falling," a collaboration with Taka and Toru from ONE OK ROCK. Their combined artistry shines, especially with Toru’s guitar work adding depth to this introspective piece. It’s a testament to Jin’s versatility, as he seamlessly shifts from humor to heartfelt reflection.

And then there’s "I Will Come to You," a track that might just be the heart of the album. Jin confirmed that the lyrics are a love letter to ARMY, written with all the emotion of someone who’s missed his fans deeply. The song is intimate, warm, and feels like a direct hug from Jin himself.

As if Happy wasn’t already making us cry tears of joy, Jin melted hearts even further with his “musical guide to happiness,” a playlist that included his songs and tracks like Who, by Jimin. Proving that their bond is as beautiful as ever, Jimin turned the emotional levels up a notch by changing his profile picture to a still of Jin from the I’ll Be There music video. Just when you think you’ve recovered, BTS hits you with the feels all over again. Emotional damage? Absolutely—but in the best way possible.

From Super Tuna to supernova

Oh, and let’s not forget the Running Wild remixes album that has just been released. Jin shared in Weverse Magazine how these tracks feel like an extension of himself—crafted with the same care and precision he’s always shown, whether it’s belting out high notes or fishing in the great outdoors. A man of many talents, indeed.

With Happy and his comeback lives, Jin is making it crystal clear: hiatus, who? HYBE has announced that BTS’ next full comeback is planned for 2026, but eagle-eyed fans have spotted a cryptic detail in one of Jin’s music videos—a license plate that reads “December 2025.” For a group known for dropping hints in the most subtle ways, this could mean something exciting is brewing. After all, BTS practically wrote the book on cryptic messaging, and now Stray Kids seems to be taking notes—fans spotted a Friday the 13th reference in one of their MVs, and not long after, they announced their upcoming album HOP, set to release on a Friday—December 13. Coincidence? We think not.

And while Jin keeps us guessing, ARMY isn’t catching a break. Between V’s cozy Christmas single—the duet with legend Bing Crosby—, RM’s introspective documentary, and the constant stream of announcements, it’s safe to say ARMYs never really get a moment of peace. And if you’re an ARMY/STAY? Oh, the struggle is real. Stray Kids just announced a tour across the Americas and Europe, and now all eyes are on Jin. Will the worldwide handsome star grace the American stages again soon? Only time—and maybe another floppy disk—will tell.

For now, all we can do is hold tight to Jin’s love letter, soak in the magic of Happy, and wait for what’s next. Because with Jin, the next move is always worth the wait.