Author: Akarsh Rasik

BTS’ Jin unveils all three concept photo versions for second solo album ‘Echo’
Jin of BTS has officially unveiled concept photos for all three versions of his upcoming second solo album, ‘Echo,’ offering fans a multifaceted look at his evolving artistic identity. The images, released over three consecutive days from April 22 to 24.

First concept photos: A natural and youthful charm

The unveiling began on April 22, with Jin presenting a stripped-down, natural look for the first set of ‘Echo’ concept photos. Wearing a simple white t-shirt and jeans, Jin’s minimal styling allowed his serene aura and expressive gaze to take center stage. Set against a vintage studio backdrop with aged walls, posters, and scattered instruments, the concept evoked the early passion of a musician on the brink of a new chapter.

Courtesy: BIGHIT MUSIC

Second concept photos: Rebellious rocker aesthetic

On April 23, the second concept images introduced a bolder side of Jin. Embracing a more intense visual identity, these photos displayed a rocker persona marked by long tousled hair, scar makeup, black nail art, and a leather jacket. The photos were shot in a graffiti-covered alleyway, adding to the gritty and rebellious energy.

Courtesy: BIGHIT MUSIC

Final concept photos: A mature rock star presence

The series concluded on April 24 with the third and final version, portraying Jin as a captivating rock star cloaked in mystery and elegance. Dressed in all-black, Jin’s intense gaze and poised stance exuded maturity and sensuality. One standout image features him leaning against a microphone in front of a pitch-black backdrop, evoking the feeling of an endless stage.

Courtesy: BIGHIT MUSIC

About the album ‘Echo’

‘Echo,’ Jin’s second mini album, is scheduled for release on May 16, 2025. According to BigHit Music, the album contains seven tracks across various genres, unified by a band-driven sound. It reflects on moments in life that resonate like echoes—faint but persistent, evolving over time.

Jin contributed to the lyrics of several tracks, including:
- Nothing Without Your Love
- Loser (feat. YENA)
- Rope It
- Travel with the Clouds
The title track, “Don’t Say You Love Me,” explores the emotional complexity of love’s end. It delves into the feeling of holding on even as everything begins to fall apart.
- Also read: X:IN announces 3rd mini album ‘Defend Myself’ with mood photos ahead of May comeback
Upcoming tour: #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR

To support the album, Jin will launch his first solo fan concert series, #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR, beginning with performances at Goyang Sports Complex Auxiliary Stadium on June 28 and 29. The global tour will visit 18 cities across Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and more. Fans can expect performances from ‘Echo’ as well as Jin’s first solo album, ‘Happy,’ released in November 2024.
April 24, 2025
X:IN announces 3rd mini album ‘Defend Myself’ with mood photos ahead of May comeback
XIN has officially announced their return with the upcoming release of their third mini album, ‘Defend Myself,’ set to drop in May. This comeback marks the group’s first in approximately 15 months, following their previous mini album ‘The REAL’ released in February 2024.

XIN reveals dual-concept mood photos for ‘Defend Myself’

In the lead-up to their comeback, XIN—consisting of members Esha, Nizz, Nova, Hannah, and Aria—unveiled a series of mood photos that reflect two contrasting visual themes.

The first concept, styled in white tones, captures a dreamlike and contemplative mood. The visual portrays the members with a sense of introspection, seemingly confronting internal emotions and the pressure of external expectations. The atmosphere, enhanced by soft lighting and shadow contrasts, echoes the album’s message of self-defense and emotional resilience.

Courtesy: BeBy Entertainment

The second concept takes a bolder turn with black-toned outfits, styled against a vivid orange backdrop. Accented with metallic accessories such as chain embellishments, this look conveys a strong, assertive energy.

Courtesy: BeBy Entertainment
- Also read: Dreamcatcher’s UAU confirms May debut with JiU, SuA, and Yoohyeon
A long-awaited return after over a year

‘Defend Myself’ will be XIN’s first project since ‘The REAL’. It is expected to showcase the group’s artistic growth both musically and visually. The new album will include upgraded performances and more mature soundscapes, reflecting the group’s evolution since their last release.
April 23, 2025
Dreamcatcher’s UAU confirms May debut with JiU, SuA, and Yoohyeon
UAU, the first official unit of Dreamcatcher featuring members JiU, SuA, and Yoohyeon, is set to make its debut in May 2025. The trio has officially begun preparations for their unit activities, marking a major milestone eight years after Dreamcatcher’s debut.

UAU: A new chapter for Dreamcatcher members

According to Dreamcatcher Company, UAU, short for “You Are You,” symbolizes a message of self-acceptance and individuality.

The announcement was first teased when the unit’s official logo was unveiled on Dreamcatcher’s social media platforms. The name “UAU” also cleverly reflects the initials of its members—JiU, SuA, and Yoohyeon—hinting at the synergy expected from their collaboration.

Courtesy: Happyface Entertainment

Building on a rock-infused legacy

Known for their powerful rock-metal sound and dark conceptual themes, Dreamcatcher has cultivated a strong global following. JiU, SuA, and Yoohyeon have each contributed to this signature style.

While details about the album’s concept and tracklist remain under wraps, anticipation continues to grow as fans await further teasers and announcements.
- Also read: NCT’s Ten to pre-release Japanese debut mini album ‘Humanity’ today
Countdown begins for UAU debut

UAU marks Dreamcatcher’s first sub-unit since the group’s debut in 2017. With this project, the trio will not only highlight their individual talents but also demonstrate their chemistry as a smaller ensemble. Dreamcatcher confirmed that promotional activities will roll out sequentially in the lead-up to the official release.
April 23, 2025
NCT’s Ten to pre-release Japanese debut mini album ‘Humanity’ today
Ten of NCT will pre-release his first Japanese mini album, ‘Humanity,’ today, April 23. While the physical release is set for May 28 in Japan, all six tracks will be available globally on major music streaming platforms starting later today.

‘Humanity’: A genre-spanning album with emotional depth

‘Humanity’ consists of six tracks that explore a wide spectrum of sounds and themes, all anchored by Ten’s distinctive vocal color. The title track, “Silence,” is a dreamy drum and bass (DnB) track that captures a dark, introspective atmosphere.

Other songs on the album include:
- Flash
- Burn It Up
- All Good
- Living Now
- Yume no Tsuzuki
2025 Japanese solo tour: ‘TIME WARP’ kicks off in May

Coinciding with the album ‘Humanity’ pre-release, Ten will embark on his first Japanese solo tour, ‘2025 TEN JAPAN TOUR 1001 ‘TIME WARP’,’ next month. The tour will include performances in:
- Osaka: May 1–2
- Fukuoka: May 4
- Tokyo (Tachikawa): May 17–18
- Nagoya: May 24–25
- Tokyo (Shibuya): May 30–31
Courtesy: SMTOWN

Also read: NCT’s Doyoung to make solo comeback with 2nd album on June 9

Global solo tour continues with Shanghai concert

In addition to his Japanese promotions, Ten is currently in the midst of his first global solo concert tour. Following successful performances in Seoul and Bangkok, he is scheduled to perform in Shanghai on April 26–27.
April 23, 2025
NCT’s Doyoung to make solo comeback with 2nd album on June 9

Doyoung of NCT is set to return as a solo artist with the release of his second full-length album on June 9, 2025. The new album marks his first solo comeback in over a year, following the success of his debut album ‘YOUTH’ in April 2024.

Doyoung’s second album to reflect deeper emotions

According to SM Entertainment, Doyoung has put considerable effort into crafting music that captures his emotions and offers solace to fans. While the album’s official title and tracklist remain undisclosed.

‘2025 DOYOUNG CONCERT [Doors]’ set for June 14–15

In conjunction with the album release, Doyoung will hold his solo concert titled ‘Doors’ at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul on June 14 and 15. This event marks his first domestic solo concert in seven months, following the Seoul encore performance of his first tour last November.

Courtesy: SMTOWN

The concert title, ‘Doors,’ is symbolic of the emotional journey that begins when opening the “Door of Memory.”

Previous tour success and anticipation for new chapter

Doyoung’s first solo concert tour, held in 2024, spanned 18 performances in 9 Asian regions. Given the success of his initial solo efforts, anticipation is high for what Doyoung will bring to the stage and studio in this next chapter of his career.

Also read: BTS’ Jin announces second solo album ‘Echo’

Ticket information

Tickets for the ‘Doors’ will be available via Melon Ticket, with fan club pre-sales opening on April 24, followed by general sales starting on April 25. NCT’s official social media channels provide additional updates and information.”

April 22, 2025
BTS’ Jin announces second solo album ‘Echo’
Jin of BTS is officially making his solo comeback with his second mini album, ‘Echo,’ set for global release on May 16. This marks Jin’s first new release in about six months, following his debut solo album, ‘Happy,’ which was released in November last year.

‘Echo’ captures life’s reflections with band-driven sound

Described as an album that captures life’s many moments “echoing” in different forms, ‘Echo’ tells stories and emotions that resonate with universal human experiences. Jin delivers his perspective in a ‘simple yet witty’ tone across seven new tracks.

The album includes seven tracks:
1. Don’t Say You Love Me – The title track explores the emotional tension between love and separation.
2. Nothing Without Your Love – A heartfelt ballad emphasizing dependence on a partner’s affection.
3. Loser (feat. YENA) – Featuring soloist YENA, this track depicts a sweet-yet-bickering couple dynamic.
4. Rope It – A vibrant and motivational track about making bold decisions to achieve goals.
5. Traveling with the Clouds – A whimsical journey with a symbolic friend named “Cloud.”
6. Background – A melancholic piece about lingering love after becoming someone’s past.
7. To Me Today – A song dedicated to being present and appreciating today’s self.
Jin personally participated in writing the lyrics for several songs, including “Nothing Without Your Love,” “Loser,” “Rope It,” and “Traveling with the Clouds.”

Creative promotions and scheduler generate buzz

Promotions for ‘Echo’ began with a unique teaser video shown at K-POP SQUARE MEDIA in COEX, Seoul, where Jin revealed the album’s release date using a placard inside a crane game machine. His striking visuals filled the massive LED screen.

진 (Jin) ‘Echo’

2025.05.16.
1PM (KST) | 0AM (ET)#진 #Jin #Jin_Echo pic.twitter.com/omoOMfuhZn
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) April 20, 2025

Jin unveiled the official promotional scheduler on April 16, featuring musical symbols on a background resembling sheet music. The schedule outlined key release dates, including:
- April 17: Tracklist reveal
- April 22–24: Concept photos (three versions)
- May 12: Highlight medley
- May 13–14: Title song music video poster and teaser
- May 15: D-1 title track poster
- May 16: Full album and MV release
Of particular note are the cryptic events on April 28 (featuring a music note with eyes) and April 30 (showing a camera-shaped emoticon).

Courtesy: BIGHIT MUSIC

Global fan concert tour: #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR starts in June

Following his comeback, Jin will embark on his first solo fan concert tour, titled #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR, beginning June 28–29 at the Goyang Sports Complex Auxiliary Stadium in Goyang, South Korea. The tour will then head overseas with a total of 18 performances in 9 cities, including:
- Japan: Chiba, Osaka
- United States: Anaheim, Dallas, Tampa, Newark
- United Kingdom: London
- Netherlands: Amsterdam
Announced on April 18, the tour’s name is a spin-off of Jin’s YouTube content ‘Run Seok Jin,’ and signifies his journey to meet fans across the globe.

Fans attending the concert can expect to experience a full setlist of songs from both ‘Echo’ and ‘Happy.’

Courtesy: BIGHIT MUSIC

Meanwhile, Jin’s ‘Echo’ will be released worldwide on May 16, available on all major streaming platforms.
April 20, 2025