"I hope you feel the overwhelming emotions as you listen to 'Echo'."
BTS's JIN is set to release his second mini album 'Echo' today at 1 PM globally. The album explores the theme of 'resonance', depicting how various moments in life spread out in different forms.
While his previous work 'Happy' focused on delivering happiness, 'Echo' aims to convey deeper empathy and sincerity. From personal to universal themes, love, friendship, and the crossroads faced in daily life, JIN captures emotions and situations everyone might have experienced at least once, through his unique perspective in seven tracks.
The lead single is 'Don't Say You Love Me'. It's a song about the irony of not being able to let go of each other even as a relationship crumbles, due to love. While it deals with the dual nature of love, JIN's vocals and the melody are straightforward and delicate, adding depth to the song's resonance.
JIN will connect with fans through 'JIN 'Echo' Comeback Live: PLAY TIME' on the global superfan platform Weverse at 5 PM today. Ahead of this, he shared his thoughts through a Q&A session with his label, Big Hit Music.
Q. How do you feel about returning with your second mini album 'Echo' after six months?
I've been quite visible on shows recently, but as my main job is a singer, I wanted to present my music and performances. I did feel like taking a break, but my desire to keep going was stronger. (Laughs) I'm thrilled to show 'singer JIN' through my second mini album 'Echo'.
Q. Why did you choose 'Don't Say You Love Me' as the title track and how did you decide on the album's composition?
I wanted the album to consist of songs that are great for performances without limiting them to a specific genre. It's important for the audience to have fun during a performance. However, I especially wanted the title track to be easy on the ears. 'Don't Say You Love Me', despite being slower-paced compared to the other tracks, felt like the most comfortable choice.
Q. Any behind-the-scenes stories from writing the lyrics?
I tend to write lyrics based on the first feeling I get from listening to a song. While working on 'A Journey with the Clouds', I watched a lot of animations. For 'Nothing Without Your Love', I imagined myself performing on stage, which often moved me to tears. The overwhelming emotions made it difficult for me to sing for a while.
Q. How was your chemistry with actress Shin Se-kyung in the 'Don't Say You Love Me' music video?
It was my first time acting alongside an actress, so it felt quite awkward and challenging. The tension made it hard to perform as I had imagined. Nevertheless, I'm truly grateful to Shin Se-kyung for her passionate performance. If you look closely, you might catch me looking a bit awkward. (Laughs)
Q. Any memorable moments from shooting the music video?
On the day we shot the parking lot scene, the wind was blowing fiercely. My hair was flying everywhere, making it impossible to act. Eventually, we had to change the hairstyle and proceed with the shoot, which turned out to be quite satisfying as it presented a fresh image.
Q. When was the last time you felt a strong 'echo'?
I was a guest at Coldplay's concert in Korea last April, and the audience's sing-along gave me a profound sense of resonance. I hope to experience such a moment myself.
Q. Any episodes with Coldplay?
Hearing that the guys were performing in Korea, I hoped for another chance to collaborate, and thankfully, it happened. Those guys are truly amazing. (Laughs) Even during their world tour, they carried around the character doll 'Uddeo' I gave them. After all it's been through, I decided to gift them a new Uddeo.
Q. Why are you also active in shows besides your music activities?
I want to show my face to the fans as quickly and often as possible. I tried to keep my charm hidden, but it was all revealed through shows. (Laughs)
Q. What do you hope listeners take away from this album?
I love music that stirs up emotions. I hope many people feel the same rush of emotions when they listen to my new album. And if they imagine what it would feel like at a concert, that would make me even happier.
Q. Lastly, any message for ARMYs around the world?
To all our ARMYs, I'll be coming to see you soon, so please wait a little longer. Love you!
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)