Guitar Gift from Coldplay’s Chris Martin: Jin on ‘Fallon’

BTS’ Jin made a highly anticipated solo debut on American television with an unforgettable appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on November 20, showcasing his first solo album, Happy.

Among the highlights from this engaging interview, Jin shared an intriguing story about receiving a guitar from the iconic Coldplay frontman, Chris Martin. The anecdote revealed not only Jin’s passion for music but also the connections he has forged with global artists.

When host Jimmy Fallon asked, “Are you a big fan of rock? Who is your favorite rock artist?” Jin enthusiastically replied in his native Korean, with English subtitles translating, “I really, really love Coldplay… I had a chance to work with Coldplay before. A few years ago — before this album — Chris Martin gave me a song he wrote. We worked on it together, and it was truly an honor for me.” This exchange highlighted Jin’s admiration for the band and the collaborative spirit of artistry.

Fallon continued the conversation, asking, “I heard he gave you a guitar?” This prompted a joyful affirmation from Jin, who elaborated on the story, creating a vivid picture of his experience with the legendary musician.

“Yes!” Jin confirmed, sharing, “I was hanging out with Chris Martin, and he had a guitar from his tour. I jokingly asked him, ‘Can I have this guitar?’ and surprisingly, Chris Martin replied, ‘Of course!’” This lighthearted moment showcased the bond between the two artists and Jin’s humble nature.

“I was so happy. Now it’s a family heirloom,” Jin remarked with a smile, emphasizing how the guitar has become a cherished part of his life and family history, illustrating the sentimental value of gifts from friends, especially those from fellow artists.

The admiration is mutual, as Chris Martin expressed his fondness for Jin in a 2023 video, declaring, “I really love that guy.” This mutual respect between Jin and Martin emphasizes the strong camaraderie that often exists among artists in the music industry.

Fresh from completing his mandatory military service in June, Jin took the opportunity during his time on Fallon to share heartwarming stories about reconnecting with his BTS bandmates. He also revealed the origin of his playful nickname, “Worldwide Handsome,” and even taught Fallon the choreography for his viral sensation, “Super Tuna,” much to the delight of both the audience and fans.

A major highlight of the evening was Jin’s much-anticipated live performance of “Running Wild,” a standout track from his debut solo project. Donning a shimmering pastel green fringe jacket, the K-pop superstar delivered an electrifying performance of the new song, set against a stunning backdrop of a desert highway adorned with street signs, capturing the essence of his artistry and stage presence.

The Happy album features an impressive compilation of six tracks, including “Running Wild,” “I’ll Be There,” “Another Level,” “Falling,” “Heart on the Window” — a collaboration with Red Velvet’s Wendy — and “I Will Come to You.” Each track showcases Jin’s versatility as an artist and his ability to connect with listeners through heartfelt lyrics and melodies.

Jin’s recent appearance marks the six-year anniversary since BTS made its full-band debut on Fallon’s show. In 2018, the group — which consists of SUGA, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook — performed their Billboard Hot 100 No. 11 hit “Idol,” “I’m Fine,” and even participated in the “Fortnite” dance trend that year, showcasing their dynamic performances and charisma.

In 2020, the group made several appearances on the Tonight Show, including virtual musical numbers designed to uplift the spirits of ARMY during the COVID-19 pandemic. They returned again in 2021 for electrifying performances of their chart-topping hits “Butter” and “Permission to Dance.” Since then, Jin’s bandmates Jimin and SUGA have also made their solo debuts on the show, further solidifying the group’s individual artistic journeys.

Jin’s latest appearance on Fallon follows the release of his debut solo album, Happy, which launched on November 15. In a recent interview, Jin expressed his vision for the project, stating, “I have a very clear idea of what kind of emotions I want to share with our fans… I want our fans, our ARMY, to be happy.” This statement reflects Jin’s commitment to his fans and his desire to spread positivity through his music.

Jin’s solo era is unfolding at a time when most of the BTS members are still fulfilling their mandatory service in the South Korean military. Jin was the first to complete his service in June, while J-Hope is the only other member to have finished his since then. Full-band activities are currently on hold until next year, allowing each member to explore their individual artistic paths while maintaining their collective bond.