BTS member Jin has shared a whimsical teaser for his upcoming second solo mini-album, Echo, set to release on May 16, 2025. The trailer features Jin inside a claw machine surrounded by stuffed teddy bears and an alpaca, blending humor and nostalgia while announcing his comeback.
The teaser, released on April 20, shows Jin dressed in formal black-and-white attire as a claw gently lifts him alongside a blue alpaca. He smiles before revealing a handwritten sign with the album’s release date. The playful concept ties into Jin’s love for gaming and his iconic alpaca character, RJ, from the BT21 universe .
진 (Jin) ‘Echo’
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) April 20, 2025
2025.05.16.
1PM (KST) | 0AM (ET)#진 #Jin #Jin_Echo pic.twitter.com/omoOMfuhZn
Echo: A Follow-Up to Jin’s Debut Album Happy
Echo marks Jin’s second solo project after his debut album, Happy, released in November 2024. That album explored themes of personal joy and growth, featuring collaborations with artists like Gary Barlow and One OK Rock. Fans praised its emotional depth, and Jin celebrated its launch with a two-day live event, Happy Special Stage, in Seoul .
The new album is expected to continue Jin’s focus on heartfelt storytelling, with themes of resilience, everyday emotions, and personal reflections. A press release describes it as blending dynamic band sounds with Jin’s vocal maturity, offering a mix of warmth and sincerity .
Promotions and Collaborations
Leading up to the release, BIGHIT MUSIC has rolled out a detailed schedule, including:
- Concept photos (April 22–24)
- Music video teasers (May 10–12)
- Behind-the-scenes content (May 14)
The tracklist, revealed on April 17, includes a collaboration with singer Choi Ye Na, sparking excitement about their musical chemistry. The title track, Don’t Say You Love Me, was also confirmed .
Jin’s Recent Activities and Military Service
Jin completed his mandatory military service in August 2024, an experience he says influenced his perspective on life and music. Since then, he has appeared on the Netflix variety show Kian’s Bizarre B&B, showcasing his playful personality beyond music .
His love for gaming remains well-known—from his Maple Story obsession to winning against League of Legends pro Faker on RUN BTS. The claw machine teaser cleverly nods to these interests .
Fan Reactions and Pre-Order Details
Fans (ARMY) have flooded social media with excitement, dissecting the teaser’s nostalgic and lighthearted tone. Pre-orders for Echo are available in multiple versions, including a Weverse-exclusive edition and a MusicPlant gift set with collectible photocards .
“Jin’s teaser is so him—funny yet meaningful. I can’t wait for May 16!” tweeted one fan. Others praised the alpaca reference, calling it a perfect Jin touch .
Credits: Bighit Music
