Jin teamed up with Chris Martin to write TheAstronaut, inspired by a 'powerful' conversation Jin had with Coldplay singer about 'having to leave for a while and missing the band and [his] fans.'
The song captures elements of Coldplay’s signature sound with its echoing vocal effects and synth buildups. There are also a few reference to “My Universe:” Both songs share a space theme and lyrical similarities, with “The Astronaut” opening with the lines, “An unending history / Oh, you became my universe / The story of us.”
But it’s the timing of the track that’s particularly meaningful. Earlier this month, BTS confirmed that its members would fulfill South Korea’s mandatory military service, with Jin starting the enlistment process first. An official statement from BigHit Music revealed that Jin would begin the process as soon as he concludes his solo release schedule at the end of October, making “The Astronaut” an especially poignant moment for fans. The group is expected in reconvene in 2025.