Jin and the Austronauts

BTS’ Jin has been getting fans excited about his new solo release, and it’s finally here: “The Astronaut” is a dreamy track that he co-wrote with Coldplay, marking the second time BTS has collaborated with the British rock band, following the platinum 2021 hit “My Universe.”

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.” (The space theme can also be found on “Moon,” Jin’s solo track off BTS’ Map of the Soul: 7 album.) 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.