'Did he go through a breakup?': ARMY spark theories over BTS Jin's hairstyle transformation from 'HAPPY' to 'Echo'

BTS' eldest member Kim Seokjin aka Jin is back in the spotlight, and this time it's his dramatic new look that's sending fans into a frenzy. On April 21, 2025, BIGHIT MUSIC dropped the concept photos for Jin's upcoming solo album Echo, and ARMY hasn't stopped buzzing since.

Unlike the cheerful, bright image he embraced during his 2024 debut HAPPY, Jin's Echo era introduces a darker, vintage rock-inspired vibe. The teasers featured him posing alongside a classic car and donning retro outfits ¡ª but what's caught everyone¡¯s attention is his striking long, black hair.

? (Jin) ¡®Echo¡¯ Concept Photo ¢ñ #? #Jin #Jin_Echo pic.twitter.com/brOpBrvymS

¡ª BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) April 21, 2025

Is 'Echo' Jin a different person?

The sudden shift in style has fueled hilarious and dramatic fan theories. ARMY quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to dissect his new appearance, with some suggesting he looks like an entirely different person to some asking if he went through a break up to get a hair colour change between the two albums.

One fan gushed, "The hair, the moles, the ripped jeans, the boots¡­ you'll be the death of me!"

the hair, the moles, the ripped jeans, the heeled boots ??? you'll be the death of me ?https://t.co/LiSARmPPWq

¡ª ??? (@rohanevaplays) April 21, 2025

Another joked, "Echo Seokjin is Happy Seokjin's evil twin!" while someone else quipped, "Or maybe Happy Jin went through a breakup, dyed his hair, and became Echo Jin."

Or maybe happy jin went through a breakup and dyed his hair and became echo jin https://t.co/d74hSmVWkx

¡ª rue? (@13jtan) April 21, 2025

Rock vibes incoming

Alongside the new look, fans believe the photos hint at a possible rock-influenced album. From the ripped jeans and heeled boots to a Rolling Stones t-shirt, Jin's edgy styling screams rockstar energy.

One ARMY summed it up perfectly: "I'm in love with Rockstar Jin with black long hair wearing his t-shirt of Rolling Stones.."

Im in love with rockstar Jin with black long hair wearing his t-shirt of Rolling Stones...????? https://t.co/pVK0LEFQIW

¡ª ????? (@katarina_9812) April 21, 2025

As Echo gears up for its May release, one thing's clear ¡ª Jin's bold transformation has everyone curious about what sounds and stories he's about to share.

About 'HAPPY'

Jin's solo debut album Happy made an impressive mark on the charts, debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. In its first week, the album sold 77,000 equivalent units, including 66,000 in pure album sales, earning it the title of the third best-selling album in the U.S. that week.

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