BTS fans got a jolt of carbonated energy in their ears on Friday (October 25) with the release of Jin's pop-rockin' solo single, “I'll Be There.” The effervescent tune with a rockabilly swing will be featured on the K-pop superstar's upcoming debut solo album, Happyis expected to be released on November 15.
The bilingual tune that blends 1960s bubblegum rock and modern dance pop—via Pharrell's “Happy” and with a hint of early Hanson—is a joyous ode to devotion, with Jin promising on the chorus, “ I swear I'll always sing for you/ Sing for you, oh-oh-oh/ I'll be there for you.” In the video, Jin sings the tune in a parking lot under a bridge backed by a live band, as boy and girl skaters and other random fans line up to watch the impromptu performance.
Dressed in jeans and a blue cardigan (over several other shirts) and rocking some jewelry under his right eye, Gene strikes a series of smoldering poses against the bright blue sky. According to a release, the track “conveys a sincere message, aimed at uplifting those who feel down and alone, offering joy through Jin's playful yet simple style.”
Jin helped produce the track alongside American singer/songwriter MAX, and in the video he channels rock star energy by doing an air guitar windmill and striking a few poses alongside Elvis as confetti falls around him. At the end of the clip, Gene happily dances to himself in the abandoned parking lot, clicking his heels as the sun sets behind the bridge.
Jin's upcoming six-track album will include the title track “Running Wild,” as well as “I'll Be There,” “Another Level,” “Falling,” “Heart on the Window” (feat. WENDY)” and ” I'll come to you.” Jin collaborated with a number of other compositions on the album, including Take That's Gary Barlow, who co-produced and co-wrote “Running Wild”.
So far, Jin, the oldest member of BTS at 31, has released a number of solo tracks including “Super Tuna”, “Yous”, “Abyss”, “Awake”, “Tonight”, “Epiphany” and “Moon, as well as contributing to the soundtracks of a number of Korean TV shows and collaborating with Coldplay on his 2022 debut solo single 'The Astronaut.'” Jin was discharged from South Korea's mandatory military service in June and his solo debut comes to him as ARMYs patiently wait for the remaining band members to complete the required hurdles in anticipation of BTS' expected comeback in 2025.
Check out the “I'll Be There” video below.
