That was exciting enough, but when they announced they would be spending the next two months in Los Angeles working on new music, their fans were elated. It would be their first non-anthology album since Be, their 2020 introspective pandemic-era album—the album that shot them to mainstream stardom in the U.S. with the chart-topping all-English language single “Dynamite.”
But before the new music and massive world tour expected in spring 2026, some of the members have unfinished business.
Before setting off to fulfill their duty, every member of BTS released solo work, including Jin, the eldest member, who was the first to leave. He had just enough time to record and release the cinematic ballad "The Astronaut," co-written by Chris Martin of Coldplay.
Immediately upon discharge, in June of last year, he got to work. Although all BTS members, including Jin, have written, recorded, and released solo work over the years, the six-track pop-rock Happy released later that year was his first official solo EP.
In May of this year, he released Echo, expanding on Happy’s pop-rock sound to include soaring love ballads, alt-rock and even a bit of country with the fun “Rope It.” For BTS fans, it’s not surprising that Jin would be the first one to dabble in country. Despite his swoon-worthy looks (he jokingly refers to himself as worldwide handsome), Jin embraces whatever he is interested in, is rarely dictated by trends and has a knack for turning his hobbies and interests (fishing, cooking, gaming among them) into business opportunities, inside jokes and viral moments. And he doesn’t take himself too seriously.
Case in point: he is the only member who made a hit song declaring his love for a tuna fish.
Jin is currently on his first solo world tour called #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR. The name of the tour alludes to BTS’s longstanding variety show “Run BTS,” which he restarted by himself while the other members were away. Seokjin refers to his birth name, Kim Seokjin.
The tour makes its way to Dallas, stopping at the American Airlines Center on July 22 and 23. It’s a must-see show, a chance to see why some fans refer to the group as The Avengers: each member has solo superstar power and Jin’s lies in his incredible vocal prowess and engaging stage presence.
Here’s everything you need to know before he comes to town.
#RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR: Part Rock Concert, Part Variety Show
You can expect around a two-hour show that starts on time at 8 p.m. Although Jin is a skilled dancer, don’t expect to see backup dancers or the precision choreography for which the group is known. But that certainly doesn’t mean it will be low-key.Instead, it centers on Jin as frontman, highlighting his impressive tenor backed by a live band. On a couple of songs, “Abyss” and “I Will Come to You,” he accompanies himself on piano. You can also expect lots of fan engagement, echoing his variety show and involving the audience with interaction and games.
BTS’ diverse fandom, known as ARMY, includes people of all ages and nationalities. They will loudly cheer and engage in chants throughout the show, so noise-reducing earplugs might be good if you are sensitive to sound.
You will also have fun seeing all the creative outfits ARMYs have come up with, and the spectacular light show created by synced lightsticks that almost every audience member will have. If you want to join in the fun, the lightsticks will be available at designated merch spots; they cost around $60.
Almost all of the songs are in Korean, with English sprinkled throughout. Although he will most likely engage with the audience in English a bit, for longer moments where he speaks directly to the audience, he will use an interpreter.
Logistics and Ticketing
All ticketing for North American shows, for better and often for worse, is through Ticketmaster. BTS shows, including solo members, are popular, so it will be a full house. Some fans sell or trade tickets to others at face value, but beware of scalpers and only buy or trade from someone you know.Chelsea Oliver, Marketing Director for The American Airlines Center, emailed us about preparations for the dates. The Center’s marketing team prepared a “Know Before You Go” visual for its policies. Parking and public transportation information can be found here.
For fans who want to bring small gifts to share with other fans (freebies), “As long as they adhere to our venue guidelines (no stickers/food/drinks/candies, nothing for sale), it should not be an issue,” Oliver says.
Although she wasn’t able to confirm with Levy, their food and beverage partner, “Typically they do cocktail specials and will most likely have their soda stand featuring popping boba on the concourse,” she tells us.
Anyone who arrives before the venue's doors open is welcome to gather in the PNC Plaza, the south entrance to the building, but no queuing is permitted before 8 a.m. on both dates.
“There will be activations on site from the tour as well as AAC (photo ops, etc.),” she explains. “So we do suggest arriving early to ensure fans have plenty of time to park, purchase any merchandise, grab food/drinks and find their seats comfortably before the performances.”
“Staff will be able to assist with any questions or concerns while on-site and with any entrance works upon arrival. We highly recommend utilizing our TellAAC.com system if there are any questions or issues while preparing for the concerts or while on site.”
Offsite Events for Fans and Locals
Dallas ARMY is very excited to have a BTS member back for the first time since 2018. Rocio, a fan of Jin and BTS in her 30s, runs events for ARMY fans. Along with her co-organizer, Sarah, she also helped coordinate discounts with local restaurants and is spreading the word about other events.
You can find a list of her events here.
Additionally, she helped organize a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for banners that will be passed out to attendees on Days 1 and 2 to hold up at certain times during the concert as a surprise for the artist.
Here are Dallas-area restaurants offering discounts for the #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR:
Saemaeul
2701 Old Denton Rd #156, Carrollton, TX 75007
Show your Dallas Jin concert ticket between July 21-24 for 20% off of your meal. *Dine-in only* excludes alcohol.
Baro Baro Kimbap
2625 Old Denton Rd #606, Carrollton, TX 75007
20% off your order between July 21-24 by saying or showing you are ARMY.
Little Lilly Sushi
6100 Camp Bowie Blvd #12, Fort Worth, TX 76116
From July 20-27 (closed Mondays), ARMY gets 10% off their bill, excluding alcohol. Must follow @littlelillysushi and @wonderful_b2uty for a discount.
Manna Korean BBQ & Shabu
2405 S Stemmons Fwy #300, Lewisville, TX 75067
1008 MacArthur Dr Ste 110, Carrollton, TX 75007
Enjoy $9.99 soju at both locations and a free dessert.
ARMY also helped sign a petition to have local landmarks lit up in purple, BTS’ color. “I was able to get Reunion Tower, the Loop and American Airlines Center to turn purple,” she says, adding, “I really want Dallas to be on the map for their new tour and feel that by doing these small little things, they would be like ‘Oh, there is interest.’”
Jin will perform on Tuesday, July 22, and Wednesday, July 23, at 8 p.m. at American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue. Tickets are available starting at $87.30 on Ticketmaster.
