<Interview> ”BTS” JIN, 'Echo' release... ”I'm really grateful to Sin Se Gyeong”
JIN's second mini-album 'Echo' will be released simultaneously worldwide at 1 p.m. on the 16th.
While his previous album 'Happy' focused on bringing happiness to people, 'Echo' is a more honest and deeply sympathetic work. From you and me and us, to love and friendship, to the crossroads of choices we face in our daily lives, JIN captures the emotions, situations, and daily life that we all experience at one time or another from his unique perspective, and expresses them in the seven songs.
The title track is 'Don't Say You Love Me'. The song is about the contradiction of not being able to let go of each other easily because of love, even when the relationship with the lover is falling apart. The melody and JIN's vocals sound plaintive and delicate while dealing with the dual emotions of love.
The following is a question-and-answer session with JIN.
Q. How do you feel about your comeback with your 2nd mini-album Echo after 6 months?
I have been appearing on variety shows a lot lately, but I am still a singer by profession, so I really wanted to showcase my songs and stage presence to my fans. Of course, it is not that I did not want to take some time off. But I have been working energetically because of this desire. I am very happy to be able to show you my performance as “singing JIN” through this mini-album “Echo”.
Q. What is the composition of the album and why did you choose the title track “Don't Say You Love Me”?
We composed the album with songs that are easy to perform at the concert without setting any genre restrictions. The reason is that the audience can enjoy the album only if the performances are exciting. However, we wanted the title track to be an easy song to listen to above all else. The tempo of “Don't Say You Love Me” is slower than the other songs on the album, but I was confident that it would be the most relaxing song to listen to.
Q. Do you have any stories behind the lyrics of the songs on the album?
I write lyrics by maintaining the feeling that comes to mind when I hear a song. When I wrote “Traveling with the Clouds,” I watched a lot of anime. When I wrote “Nothing Without Your Love,” I pictured myself performing in a concert hall. That may be why I often felt so emotional while writing this song. I got so emotional that I got choked up and couldn't sing for a while.
Q. How was it working with actress Shin Se Kyung in the music video for “Don't Say You Love Me”?
It was my first time working with an actress, so it was very awkward and unfamiliar. When I got nervous, things did not go as well as I had imagined. I am very grateful to Ms. Shin Se-kyung for her passionate performance. If you look closely, you may find me looking awkward (laugh).
Q. What do you remember when you were shooting the music video?
The day we shot the scene in the parking lot, the wind was really strong. My hair was so disheveled that I couldn't act. We ended up shooting with a different hairstyle than we had originally planned. I am personally satisfied that I could show you a fresh image.
Q. What is the most memorable moment for you as “echo” recently?
Last April, I participated as a guest at Coldplay's concert in Korea, and the audience's chorus that day was a great echo for me. I hope to have such an opportunity someday.
Q. What was your episode with Coldplay?
When I heard that Coldplay was going to perform in Korea, I wanted to perform with them again, and thankfully the feeling was mutual. They are indeed our seniors (laughs). Even during the world tour, he has been carrying around “Wut,” a character doll that I presented to him. I gave him a new Utd. because I knew he must have experienced a lot of hardships in the past, including being drenched by rain.
Q. Why are you so active in variety shows in addition to your musical activities?
It is because I want to show my face to my fans early and often. I wanted to hide my charm, but it was all revealed through variety shows (laughs).
Q. How do you hope this album will reach listeners?
I like music that makes my heart beat faster. I hope that many people will feel those emotions while listening to my new album, just as I did. I also hope that you can listen to it while imagining what it would be like at a live concert. I would be even happier if you could listen to it while imagining what it would be like at a live concert.
Q. Finally, please give a message to ARMY members around the world.
ARMY, I will be coming to see you soon, so please wait a little longer. I love you!
