
Kim Seok-jin – Age, Height, Military Discharge, Bio
Kim Seok-jin, professionally known as Jin, is a South Korean singer-songwriter and one of the most prominent members of BTS, the globally celebrated K-pop group. Born on December 4, 1992, in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, Jin has built a multifaceted career spanning vocals, songwriting, and entertainment. His journey from aspiring actor to international music icon reflects both his artistic versatility and the remarkable rise of BTS on the world stage. Following his completion of mandatory military service and discharge on June 12, 2024, Jin continues to expand his solo ventures while maintaining his connection with millions of fans worldwide.
As the oldest member of BTS and one of four vocalists in the group, Jin contributed significantly to some of the band’s most memorable performances. His distinctive “silver voice” has featured prominently in choruses and bridges across numerous hits. Beyond his work with BTS, Jin has pursued solo activities, releasing tracks such as “Awake,” “Epiphany,” and “Moon,” each showcasing his individual artistry. His 2024 release “Super Tuna” achieved viral success, demonstrating his continued relevance in the post-military entertainment landscape.
Who is Kim Seok-jin?
Kim Seok-jin, whose professional name is Jin, is a South Korean singer-songwriter who rose to fame as a member of BTS. He officially debuted with the group on June 13, 2013, under Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE Corporation). Prior to joining BTS, Jin was scouted by Big Hit representatives in 2010 while he was studying acting, and he subsequently trained for approximately three years before transitioning into idol training without any prior music background.
Within BTS, Jin serves as one of four vocalists, often contributing to the group’s harmonic arrangements with his distinctive tone. He joined the group as the fourth member in June 2011, officially debuting two years later in 2013. His contributions extend beyond vocals to include songwriting, and he has participated in the composition of several tracks throughout his career.
In recognition of BTS’s cultural impact, Jin received the fifth-class Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit from President Moon Jae-in in October 2018, alongside his fellow members. This honor reflected the group’s significant contributions to South Korean culture and global outreach through music.
Jin is recognized as one of four vocalists in BTS, contributing as a sub-vocalist known for his “silver voice” that frequently appears in chorus sections and bridge passages. He holds the distinction of being the oldest member and is commonly referred to as the group’s visual.
Jin’s early life in Anyang shaped his initial interests before his entry into the entertainment industry. He initially aspired to become a journalist before shifting his focus to acting after being inspired by Kim Nam-gil’s performance in the television drama “Queen Seondeok.” During his junior high school years, Jin was approached by SM Entertainment representatives but declined these early opportunities. At age 17 in 2009, he was again approached by SM during street casting but rejected the offer, suspecting it might be a scam.
- Debuted with BTS on June 13, 2013, under Big Hit Entertainment
- Served as one of four vocalists in the seven-member group
- Completed mandatory military service and discharged on June 12, 2024
- Released solo tracks including “Awake” (2016), “Epiphany” (2018), and “Moon” (2020)
- Received fifth-class Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2018
- Achieved viral success with “Super Tuna” in 2024 post-discharge
- Graduated from Konkuk University with a Film Studies degree in 2017
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Seok-jin (김석진) |
| Stage Name | Jin |
| Birthdate | December 4, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea |
| Position | Vocalist, Visual |
| Enlistment | December 2022 |
| Discharge | June 12, 2024 |
| Education | Konkuk University, Film Studies |
| Marital Status | Not married |
How Old Is Kim Seok-jin and What Are His Personal Details?
As of 2026, Kim Seok-jin is 33 years old, having been born on December 4, 1992, in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius, and his birth name is Kim Seok-jin in both Korean (김석진) and Romanized format. Jin stands at a height of approximately 179 cm (about 5 feet 10 inches), though some sources list varying measurements.
Early Life and Education
Jin spent his formative years in Anyang, where his initial career aspirations centered around journalism. His perspective shifted after encountering Kim Nam-gil’s acting in the historical drama “Queen Seondeok,” prompting him to pursue acting studies. During his high school years, Jin spent one year as an exchange student in Australia in 2007, an experience that contributed to his international perspective before he entered the entertainment industry.
His journey into the music industry began with his street scouting by Big Hit Entertainment in 2010. At the time, Jin was focused on acting studies, and he auditioned specifically as an actor. The subsequent training period lasted approximately three years, during which he developed his musical skills despite having no prior background in music before joining Big Hit.
Academic Background
Following his debut with BTS, Jin continued his academic pursuits while managing his music career. He graduated from Konkuk University with a degree in Film Studies on February 22, 2017, completing his undergraduate education successfully. After this milestone, Jin enrolled in graduate school at Hanyang Cyber University, where he pursued studies outside the music field, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning beyond his entertainment career.
Jin completed his undergraduate studies at Konkuk University in February 2017 while continuing his activities with BTS, showcasing his ability to balance academic commitments with his demanding music career.
When Did Kim Seok-jin Enlist and When Is His Discharge Date?
Kim Seok-jin enlisted for his mandatory military service in December 2022, taking an official break from his music activities during this period. South Korea requires all male citizens to complete military service, typically ranging from 18 to 21 months depending on the branch of service. Jin’s enlistment was confirmed through official channels, with fans and media outlets documenting the occasion.
He received his official discharge on June 12, 2024, marking the conclusion of his military service and his return to civilian life. This discharge date was widely celebrated by the BTS fan community, commonly known as ARMY, who had been anticipating his return since his enlistment. The event represented not only Jin’s personal milestone but also part of the ongoing transition for BTS members who have been fulfilling their service obligations individually.
- December 2022: Jin enlisted for mandatory military service
- June 12, 2024: Official discharge from military service
- Post-discharge 2024: Released “Super Tuna” which achieved viral success
- 2025 and beyond: Continued solo projects and BTS activities
The timing of Jin’s discharge placed him among the first of the BTS members to complete military service, following the established pattern where group members have taken turns fulfilling this national obligation while maintaining communication with fans through periodic updates.
While Jin’s discharge date is confirmed as June 12, 2024, some sources may reference June 2023, which appears to be an error. The verified discharge date aligns with June 2024 based on documented reports.
Following his discharge, Jin quickly reengaged with his musical career, releasing “Super Tuna” in 2024. The track’s performance video topped YouTube’s World Popular Music Video chart for eight consecutive days and trended across 56 countries. The accompanying TikTok dance challenge accumulated 141.8 million views within just 10 days, demonstrating the continued enthusiasm of fans for his solo work post-military service.
Is Kim Seok-jin Married?
Kim Seok-jin is not married, as confirmed by multiple reliable sources. No official statements have been released regarding marriage plans or engagements, and he has maintained focus on his career both as a BTS member and solo artist following his military discharge.
Confirmed Information
- Kim Seok-jin is currently unmarried
- No engagement announcements have been made
- He continues to pursue career activities post-discharge
- No official statements regarding personal relationships have been issued
Information That Remains Unverified
- Specific details about any private relationships
- Future marriage timeline or plans
- Complete personal lifestyle details
Jin has expressed his desire for recognition of his solo musical work, stating at MAMA 2019 that he hoped his songs would gain wider acknowledgment. While rumors and speculation about personal relationships circulate in media coverage, no verified information regarding dating or marriage has emerged from official sources or confirmed reports.
Kim Seok-jin’s Role in BTS and His Solo Career
Within BTS, Jin served as one of four vocalists, contributing his distinctive voice to the group’s harmonic arrangements. His vocal style, often described as having a “silver” quality, appeared prominently in chorus sections and bridge passages across the group’s extensive discography. As the oldest member, Jin played a significant role in the group’s dynamics, contributing to both recorded performances and live concerts throughout BTS’s global success. For more details on Kim Seok-jin’s age and military service, check out Kim Seok-jin ålder och militärtjänst.
His solo discography within BTS includes several notable tracks. “Awake,” released in 2016 as part of the “Wings” album, peaked at number 31 on the Gaon Digital Chart and reached number 6 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart. The song was co-produced by Jin, marking his early involvement in songwriting. A Christmas version of “Awake” was later released on SoundCloud, expanding its accessibility to fans.
“Epiphany,” released in 2018 as the trailer for “Love Yourself: Answer,” showcased Jin’s pop-rock sensibilities while exploring themes of self-love. The track achieved number 30 on the Gaon Digital Chart and number 4 on the World Digital Song Sales chart. “Moon,” included in the 2020 album “Map of the Soul: 7,” performed exceptionally well, reaching number 1 on the Gaon Digital Chart and number 2 on World Digital Song Sales as a power pop tribute to BTS fans.
Jin’s solo tracks have consistently charted on both domestic and international platforms, demonstrating his ability to maintain individual artistic presence while contributing to BTS’s collective success. His post-discharge release “Super Tuna” achieved viral status across multiple platforms.
Following his military discharge in June 2024, Jin released “Super Tuna,” which quickly became a viral sensation. The seafood-themed track captured international attention, with its performance video dominating YouTube’s World Popular Music Video rankings for eight days and trending in 56 countries. The TikTok dance challenge associated with the song accumulated 141.8 million views within a 10-day period, highlighting the ongoing connection between Jin and his global fanbase.
Official Sources and Statements
Information about Kim Seok-jin is documented across multiple official and fan-verified sources. The primary source for biographical details remains Wikipedia’s comprehensive entry on Jin, which provides detailed documentation of his career milestones and personal history. This encyclopedia entry has been updated following his military discharge in June 2024, ensuring accuracy of recent developments.
At MAMA 2019, Jin expressed his wish for recognition of his solo musical work, stating his desire for his songs to gain wider acknowledgment. This aspiration reflects his commitment to developing his individual artistic identity alongside his contributions to BTS.
Additional documentation exists through fan-maintained resources such as BTS Fandom wiki, which provides extensive coverage of Jin’s activities, discography, and timeline. Comprehensive profile databases like BTS Archive aggregate verified information from multiple sources, while specialized platforms document individual member activities and achievements.
As a record producer and businessman under Big Hit Music (now part of HYBE Corporation), Jin continues to develop his career within the structure of his agency’s management. His activities post-discharge demonstrate ongoing engagement with both group projects and solo ventures, though specific plans for 2025 remain limited in available documentation.
Summary
Kim Seok-jin, known professionally as Jin, represents a significant figure in contemporary K-pop as a vocalist and visual member of BTS. Born December 4, 1992, in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, he joined BTS after being scouted in 2010 and officially debuted with the group on June 13, 2013. His contributions to BTS include vocals, songwriting, and performances that helped establish the group’s global presence, culminating in the receipt of the fifth-class Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2018.
Following mandatory military service beginning in December 2022, Jin was discharged on June 12, 2024, returning to his music career with renewed momentum. His post-discharge release “Super Tuna” achieved viral success, demonstrating continued fan support and his ability to engage audiences independently. Jin remains unmarried, focusing on career development while maintaining connection with fans through various activities. His educational background includes completion of a Film Studies degree at Konkuk University, reflecting his commitment to academic achievement alongside entertainment success.
Comparisons between celebrities’ personal milestones often arise in public discourse. For instance, understanding age progression and career timelines across different industries can provide context for individual achievements within broader cultural trends, much like examining Brad Pitt’s career trajectory illustrates generational shifts in acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kim Seok-jin’s real name?
Kim Seok-jin is his real name, written as 김석진 in Korean characters. His professional stage name is Jin.
Is Kim Seok-jin in BTS?
Yes, Jin is a member of BTS, serving as one of the group’s four vocalists since the official debut on June 13, 2013.
When is Kim Seok-jin’s birthday?
Kim Seok-jin was born on December 4, 1992, making him 33 years old as of 2026.
How tall is Kim Seok-jin?
Jin stands approximately 179 cm tall (about 5 feet 10 inches), though measurements vary across different sources.
When was Kim Seok-jin discharged from military service?
Jin was officially discharged from mandatory military service on June 12, 2024, after enlisting in December 2022.
What solo songs has Jin released?
Jin has released “Awake” (2016), “Epiphany” (2018), “Moon” (2020), and “Super Tuna” (2024), all of which achieved notable chart success.
Where did Kim Seok-jin go to university?
Jin graduated from Konkuk University with a Film Studies degree on February 22, 2017. He later enrolled in graduate school at Hanyang Cyber University.
Has Jin received any official honors?
In October 2018, Jin received the fifth-class Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit from President Moon Jae-in alongside his BTS bandmates, recognizing the group’s cultural contributions.
What was Jin’s career path before BTS?
Jin initially aspired to be a journalist before shifting to acting studies. He was scouted multiple times by entertainment agencies, eventually joining Big Hit Entertainment in 2010 after being approached while studying acting.
Does Jin have any upcoming projects?
While specific 2025 plans remain limited in available documentation, Jin continues to pursue solo activities following his military discharge. He has maintained involvement in both group and individual projects, though detailed schedules are released through official channels.