"To understand other people's feelings and being empathetic" — BTS' Jin shares his take on being a gentleman in his latest interview for GQ JAPAN

On Friday, November 8, 2024, GQ JAPAN published an exclusive interview by Shizuko Mizuta with BTS' Kim Seok-jin. While discussing his forthcoming debut solo album, Happy, the Grammy-nominated musician was told that he has been hailed as "TOKYO NEW GENTLEMEN" by Japanese fans.

When asked by the magazine about his thoughts on being a gentleman, the I'll Be There singer stated that being able to understand other people's feelings and "being empathetic" towards others makes a gentleman.

"Yes... It's great not to be bound by rules, but I think a gentleman is someone who also has basic manners. That includes manners in behavior, but also inner things, such as being able to understand other people's feelings and being empathetic, which are things that cannot be seen with the eye," he said.

The BTS idol added another important aspect of being a gentleman is to make others feel comfortable around them. He said:

"The most important thing is for everyone to like each other and spend time together comfortably, and in order to achieve that, I think it is necessary to polish beauty both on the inside and the outside."

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BTS' Jin talks about his military service, Namjoon's leadership, navigating his solo journey, and more

The Epiphany singer shared that he ranked in the top 20% of his military unit when during his mandatory enlistment from December 13, 2022, to June 12, 2024. He elaborated that seeing older people running 5 km every day motivated him to strive for better, which helped him earn the Special Warrior title in his unit.

The publication also asked about how BTS members communicate their ideas and opinions with one another. In response, Jin lauded Kim Namjoon's leadership skills that helped guide the band in the proper direction. He said:

"In our case, I think RM, the leader, plays a big role. He listens to all of our opinions, then presents the best way and guides us. He is reliable and trustworthy. RM and I both have our own goals, but we don't assert them strongly in group activities, and we want to reflect them in our solo works."

Continuing his conversation with Shizuko Mizuta, Jin shared how bright colors have inspired him to experiment with his hair, music, and also his upcoming album, Happy. He highlighted the importance of bright colors in fostering happy and positive thoughts in his life. His album Happy reportedly touches on the themes of happiness, dreams, and self-love and is set to release on November 15.

As Jin wrapped up his interview with GQ JAPAN, the publication asked if the K-pop sensation has any advice for people struggling with a sense of direction in their lives. Jin stated that as an ordinary person himself, he lacks any "special talents" and has worked hard on the role that was "given" to him.

Jin asserted that if he could do it then "anyone can do it"

"I want to tell them, "You can do it." I'm just an ordinary person, and I don't think I have any special talents. I just worked hard on the role I was given. [...] I want to tell them, "Anyone can do it". I want you to keep your peace of mind. Even when you're busy, don't lose sight of yourself, and find a way to make yourself happy first. That's not selfish," he added.

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BTS' Jin released I'll Be There, a pre-release single from Happy, on October 25, 2025. The album will be released with the title track, Running Wild, and four other tracks on November 15, 2024, across all music streaming services.