Seoul, South Korea – BTS star Jin is making headlines both on screen and in the recording studio this month, as he takes centre stage in Netflix’s eccentric new variety show Kian’s Bizarre B&B and prepares to release his second solo album Echo in May.

During a press conference held in Seoul on Tuesday, Jin spoke candidly about his experience filming the unconventional reality series, which is set in a quirky guesthouse on Ulleung Island. Despite suggestions to tone down the show’s more inconvenient features, such as outdoor beds and a fireman’s pole connecting floors, Jin insisted on maintaining the original concept.

“When suggestions for changes came up, I argued against them because they weren’t in line with the programme’s original direction,” he said. “Of course, we made changes to improve safety for the guests and crew, but the core idea should remain intact.”

The show stars TV personality and artist Kim Hee-min—better known as Kian84—as the host of the bizarre bed and breakfast, with Jin and actress Ji Ye-eun joining as staff. The concept, which blends elements of military life with a lodge-style retreat, is meant to foster camaraderie among guests through its deliberately inconvenient setup.

“If you stay in a conventional place, you’ll enjoy it but forget it,” said Kian84. “But if it’s inconvenient and unique, it encourages more interaction and becomes memorable.”

Despite its whimsical vibe, the filming process proved physically and emotionally draining. Kian84 admitted to breaking down after just two days of managing the guesthouse, crediting Jin for helping him pull through. Jin, who anticipated the challenges, said he was drawn to the project out of curiosity after repeatedly encountering Kian84 content in his YouTube recommendations.

“I wanted to know if he really carries a spoon or toothbrush in his pocket, or lies down immediately after eating—and yes, he truly does,” Jin laughed.

Produced by the creators of the 2017–2018 hit Hyori’s Homestay, Kian’s Bizarre B&B premiered its first three episodes on April 8. Three additional episodes are set to drop later today, with the final set releasing on April 22.

Meanwhile, BigHit Music also announced on Tuesday that Jin will release his second solo EP, Echo, on May 16 at 1pm (KST). The seven-track album marks his return just six months after his previous solo release, Happy.

In a statement, the agency said the early release reflects Jin’s desire to stay connected with fans. To promote the upcoming album, a video message is currently playing every 30 minutes on the massive K-pop Square screen at COEX in southern Seoul, running daily from 6am to 11:30pm until Saturday.

With his schedule filled with both screen appearances and musical projects, Jin continues to showcase his versatility and charm, delighting fans across the globe.