BTS’s Jin Marks Return as ‘King of K-pop’ with 2024 FESTA Event
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On the afternoon of June 13, BTS’s Jin celebrated his return by meeting with 4,000 ARMYs (BTS fandom) at the ‘2024 Jin Day: Clear Skies’ fan event held at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul.

‘2024 Jin Day: Clear Skies’ was organized based on Jin's idea of spending meaningful time with fans at a close distance, creating a touching experience for ARMYs. During last year’s '2023 FESTA', Jin had promised to visit fans the following year via the Weverse global fandom platform.

Jin made a grand entrance on stage riding a bicycle and sang his solo track 'The Astronaut'. He shared his emotions, saying, "I finally returned to the home I missed so much. I was so nervous it felt like debuting again, I struggled to sing properly as my face and hands were trembling. I just got discharged yesterday, so I’m still adjusting. Please kindly forgive any mistakes."

He continued, "I haven’t sung in 18 months, and I was worried I might forget the lyrics due to the overwhelming cheers from ARMYs, so I sang with my eyes closed. It’s tough. Where are you guys? I miss you. Calm down, heart."

Jin then began interacting closely with the fans, saying, "I thought I’d have so much to say to ARMYs, but just being here with you makes me feel calm. I was anxious and shaking off-stage, but just looking at you gives me peace. I want to come closer and greet you," and he moved towards the audience, amplifying their cheers.

Expressing his affection for fans, Jin said, "I missed you all so much. This is the life I used to live," reflecting on his return to civilian life after military service.

Jin shared stories from his time in the military, saying, "Many of you might wonder how I spent my time while away. I was in the military and got along well with many friends. They were mostly younger, with new recruits being much younger than me. I would ask them jokingly, 'What year were you born?'"

Jin recalled his emotional discharge on June 12, where he shed tears while hugging his fellow soldiers. He said, "I promised not to cry, but seeing my friends cry made me sad, and I ended up crying too. One friend joked that he would hold on to my leg and cry when I was discharged, but he didn't. I'm a bit disappointed."

Jin also prepared performances of his solo songs 'The Astronaut', 'Super Tuna', and 'Moon'. Notably, he performed the second verse of 'Super Tuna' for the first time live, which delighted the fans.

Additionally, Jin presented various segments where ARMYs could enjoy different facets of his personality. He attempted recent dance challenges and engaged with fans through a mukbang, showcasing his nickname 'EATJIN'.

Jin remarked, "I wanted to learn and experience what I missed while I was away. I didn't have much time to prepare as I was discharged just yesterday," he said with a shy smile, tackling the 'Spacing Challenge' as his first mission. He also entertained the crowd with a performance of Jungkook’s ‘Seven’ challenge and his solo track ‘Super Tuna’.

Jin updated fans on the current status of the other BTS members serving in the military, saying, "They are doing their best in their respective places. Soon, we’ll all be back, and I am looking forward to our reunion. Friends, come back soon."

With Jin’s discharge, BTS is gradually concluding their military service hiatus. J-Hope is set to be discharged next on October 17, followed by the remaining five members around similar dates, paving the way for BTS to resume group activities.

RM and V, who enlisted on December 11 last year, are scheduled for discharge on June 10, 2025. Jimin and Jungkook, who enlisted on December 12 last year, will be discharged on June 11, 2025. Suga, who started serving as a social service agent last September, will complete his duty on June 21, 2025.

In closing, Jin expressed his gratitude, saying, "During a leave, the company asked what should be done on June 13, and I insisted that I should handle it as I was the only member available. I recorded ‘Super Tuna’ and prepared various things from midnight onwards. It may have been a short and shaky time, but I’m grateful for your joy and support. I always want to be by your side and be your light. Thank you for being here today and for waiting faithfully. I love you, ARMY."

Jin was discharged as a sergeant from the 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, on June 12. To celebrate the group's first member to complete military service, other BTS members visited the discharge ceremony, except for Suga, who is currently serving as a social service agent. RM, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook gathered to congratulate Jin on his discharge.