BTS' Jin reminisces on previous plan to quit supergroup

BTS member Jin, left, appears with webtoon artist and TV personality Kian84 in footage from the latter's YouTube channel. Captured from Kian84’s YouTube channel

Just days after K-pop supergroup BTS launched its long-awaited comeback, member Jin revealed he once planned to leave the group after seven years.

Jin made the remarks in a video released Sunday on the YouTube channel run by webtoon artist and TV personality Kian84. The interview comes just days after BTS returned with its full-group album, "ARIRANG."

Jin discussed the group's packed schedule, centered around a world tour in April and May. In the video, which was filmed earlier this year, Jin said he expected to leave Korea by the end of February to shoot music videos and appear on overseas shows and YouTube channels.

BTS' Jin performs at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul during the concert "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG" celebrating the release of the group's fifth studio album, "ARIRANG," March 21. Courtesy of BigHit Music.

Half-buried in snow alongside Kian84, the singer reflected on his journey with the group since his debut at age 22.

Asked about the biggest difference, Jin said, "My mindset has changed for the better."

"Honestly, back then I fully intended to quit after about seven years. But the more I did it, the more fun it became — and it turned into something real," Jin said. "I'm so grateful to our fans."

He added that he never thought he would keep going for more than a decade.

"I never thought I'd keep going this long ... As time went on, I found myself thinking, 'Maybe I can give this everything I've got,' and that feeling only kept growing. I've become a more positive person," he said.

The pair first collaborated on the Netflix variety show "Kian's Bizarre B&B." When Kian84 said he wanted Jin to appear in a potential sequel, Jin cited his packed schedule.

"The timing didn't work out," Jin said.

Getting better with time

The conversation also touched on what fans call razor-sharp choreography.

"Normally, with veteran performers, synchronized choreography loosens a little. But not BTS — their moves are sharper and more intense than ever," Kian84 noted.

Displaying his trademark self-deprecating humor, Jin brushed off the compliment.

"Our members are incredibly talented. I'll be honest — I'm not on their level. But I have a pretty clear sense of my strengths. What I do best is get by on my looks," he joked.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.