BTS’s return this year has not only drawn attention for their musical activities but has also marked their strong presence across international media. In particular, their collaboration with the May issue of Rolling Stone quickly became a focal point when all seven members appeared across a total of eight covers, including one group cover and seven individual covers. This is the highest number of special edition covers ever released in a single issue in the magazine’s approximately 60-year history.

The same cover images and content will be published simultaneously across 16 international editions worldwide. The cover visuals and detailed content will be gradually revealed online over the course of eight days, from the 15th to the 20th. In addition, accompanying video content for each cover version will also be released concurrently.

On the 15th, Jin’s solo interview with veteran journalist Brian Hatt was officially uploaded on YouTube. In this conversation, Jin not only shared insights about the group’s new album but also demonstrated shifts in his mindset and his personal perspective on life and career.

When asked, “How did your time away change the way you think about the band and your role in the band and your life in the band?” Jin responded sincerely: “I just missed the other members so much and we’ve since made up the time we couldn’t see each other in the military by working on the album together for a year. But I know I feel most comfortable when I’m around them and this time apart made me realize once again, that I’m happy to be around everyone in BTS.”

Notably, during the interview, Brian Hatt highlighted the rock-oriented musical direction in Jin’s solo album and offered high praise for this fresh approach. He even wondered whether the rock-influenced tracks in BTS’s ARIRANG album might have been inspired by Jin, “even if you weren’t there for the writing.” On that note, Brian posed an interesting question: “What’s your 5 greatest rock bands of all time?”

It was here that Jin delivered an answer widely praised as both clever and thoughtful. He said: “I have so many rock bands I love but, I don’t think it’s fair to list them, so I’m just going to name one band that I’m closest to and look up to the most. I love the guys of Coldplay. They make my heart sing.”

This “tactfulness” in his response quickly earned praise from fans and netizens. He avoided making comparisons or αѕѕigning the absolute title of “greatest” to any artist—soмєтнing that would inevitably spark controversy regardless of the names listed. At the same time, he did not evade the question, instead choosing a safe yet sincere approach by mentioning Coldplay, a band he shares a close relationship with.

Coldplay has collaborated with BTS, and the two groups have maintained mutual respect and a strong relationship over the years. Notably, frontman Chris Martin and Jin are also close friends in real life. Martin composed The Astronaut at Jin’s request as a gift to ARMY before his enlistment, and even gave him a custom-designed guitar. In return, Jin has long been a devoted fan of Martin and Coldplay and has appeared at the band’s concert in Seoul.

Their well-known friendship makes Jin’s apparent preference for Coldplay feel entirely natural. Moreover, as one of the most successful touring rock bands of all time, with decades of contributions, a rich musical legacy, and numerous achievements, Coldplay’s greatness is widely acknowledged.

Another takeaway fans noted from Jin’s response is that it allowed him to maintain his privacy, without revealing too much about his personal tastes—a communication style often seen in his interviews. One fan commented: "Jin keeps his life too private when I  think about the things he likes I know very little...It is somehow good also". Other fans also reacted to his answer:

- Talk about being loyal to the core. We all know that it is @coldplay! And his fav is Viva la Vida

- He is so eloquent. Jin really knows how to respond without creating unnecessary controversy

- Choosing Coldplay makes so much sense, and the way he explained it was so sincere and thoughtful

- He didn’t avoid the question but still kept it respectful to all artists. No wonder he’s the eldest of BTS—he always sets an example

- Jin is honestly so smart with his words. He revealed just enough without oversharing anything personal

- I love that he didn't list them like why would he when he enjoys their music equally

- Jin said no free promo. LMAO except his boy Chris Martin and Coldplay- they’re the exception

- Man I really wanted to know what are his favorite bands, will we ever actually know what his favorite artists are? He's actually private

- He’s so good at keeping his private life private—he shares just enough, and that’s soмєтнing I really respect about him