Image © 2025 BIGHIT MUSIC / HYBE. Used under fair use for editorial and illustrative purposes only.
On May 16, 2025, BTS member Jin released his second mini-album, Echo, offering fans a deeper look into his personal experiences and emotions. In a candid interview with TenAsia, Jin shared insights into the creation of the album and the stories behind its tracks.
Unlike his previous album Happy, which focused on conveying joy, Echo delves into more profound themes such as love, friendship, and the complexities of daily life. The title track, “Don’t Say You Love Me,” explores the paradox of holding onto love even as a relationship unravels. Jin’s delicate vocals and the song’s mellow melody create a poignant listening experience.
Jin revealed that he approached songwriting by capturing the immediate feelings evoked by melodies. For instance, while working on “Journey with the Clouds,” he drew inspiration from animated films, and “Nothing Without Your Love” was influenced by his visions of performing on stage, often bringing him to tears during the creative process.
The music video for “Don’t Say You Love Me” features actress Shin Se-kyung. Jin admitted feeling nervous acting alongside her, noting his initial awkwardness but expressing gratitude for her support. He also recounted challenges during filming, such as strong winds disrupting a parking lot scene, leading to spontaneous changes in his hairstyle.
Reflecting on recent impactful moments, Jin mentioned attending Coldplay’s concert in April, where the audience’s enthusiastic singing deeply moved him. He shared a touching anecdote about gifting Coldplay a new version of the character doll ‘Wootteo,’ which they had carried throughout their world tour.
Beyond music, Jin has been active in variety shows to connect more frequently with fans. He humorously noted that while he initially tried to keep certain aspects of his personality hidden, his appearances on these shows have unveiled more of his true self.
Jin hopes that Echo resonates with listeners, evoking strong emotions and prompting them to imagine experiencing the songs live. He concluded the interview with a heartfelt message to ARMY: “I’ll be coming to see you soon. Please wait just a little longer. I love you!”
Fan Reactions:
“Jin’s honesty and depth in Echo are truly touching.”
“The collaboration with Shin Se-kyung adds a beautiful layer to the music video.”
“His stories about Coldplay and ‘Wootteo’ show his genuine heart.”
Original Article: TenAsia
Image Source: Official teaser via BIGHIT MUSIC / HYBE.
Image © 2025 BIGHIT MUSIC / HYBE. Used for editorial purposes only.