BTS Jin Releases His Second Solo Mini Album ‘Echo’ – A Deep Dive into the Title Track “Don’t Say You Love Me”

In May 2025, BTS member Jin made his long-awaited return with the release of his second solo mini album, Echo, which dropped simultaneously worldwide.

In this post, we’ll explore the album’s core message and highlight the emotional depth of the title track, “Don’t Say You Love Me.”

 

Don’t Say You Love Me

아티스트

진

앨범

Echo

발매일

2025.05.15

Echo album cover

 

 

1. The Meaning Behind Echo

The word Echo symbolizes “resonance,” capturing how various moments in life spread and linger in different forms. The album embraces these echoes of life, love, and heartbreak.

The title track, “Don’t Say You Love Me,” expresses the painful irony of a crumbling relationship—where two people can’t let go, even when love is no longer enough. Jin delivers this emotional contradiction through his soft yet expressive vocals, pulling listeners deep into the story.

 

🎧 Why You Should Listen

• A sophisticated melody paired with Jin’s signature warm vocal tone
• A quiet intensity that lingers long after the song ends
• Lyrics filled with emotional nuance and restrained vulnerability

 

2. Music Video Featuring Actress Shin Se-kyung

The music video stars Korean actress Shin Se-kyung, whose chemistry with Jin adds emotional depth to the visuals. Their delicate expressions and nuanced acting create a cinematic experience that enhances the song’s message.

 

 

I really thought I made up my mind

정말 마음을 굳게 먹었다고 생각했어

Hopped in the car and put it in drive

차에 올라 시동을 걸고 떠나려 했지

I tried to leave like a hundred times

백 번쯤은 떠나보려 애썼던 것 같아

But something’s stopping me every time

하지만 매번 날 막는 무언가가 있었어

Oh

​

Faking a smile while we're breaking apart

우리가 무너지고 있는데 억지로 웃고 있어

Oh I never never never meant to take it this far

이렇게까지 되게 할 생각은 전혀 없었어

Too late to save me so don’t even start

날 구하려 하기엔 이미 너무 늦었어, 시작조차 하지 마

Oh you never meant to hurt me but you're making it hard

널 탓할 수는 없지만, 넌 자꾸 날 힘들게 해

​

Don’t tell me that you’re gonna miss me

날 그리워할 거라고 말하지 마

Just tell me that you wanna kill me

차라리 날 미워한다고 해줘

Don’t say that you love me ‘cause it hurts the most

사랑한단 말은 하지 마, 그게 제일 아프니까

You just gotta let me go

그냥 날 놓아줘야 해

​

I really thought this was for the best

이게 최선이라고 믿었어

It never worked last time that I checked

우린 예전에도 잘 안 됐잖아

I got this pain stuck inside my chest

가슴 속에 아픔이 그대로 박혀버렸어

And it gets worse the further I get

멀어질수록 그 아픔은 더 깊어져

​

(후렴 반복)

Faking a smile while we're breaking apart

Oh I never never never meant to take it this far

Too late to save me so don’t even start

Oh you never meant to hurt me but you're making it hard

​

Lie to me, tell me that you hate me

거짓말이라도 좋아, 날 싫어한다고 해줘

Look me in the eyes and call me crazy

내 눈을 바라보며 미쳤다고 말해줘

Don’t say that you love me ‘cause it hurts the most

사랑한단 말은 하지 마, 그게 가장 아프니까

You just gotta let me go

그냥 날 보내줘야 해

​

Let me go

날 놓아줘

Gotta let me go

정말 보내줘야 해

Gotta let me

그래야 해

Don’t say that you love me ‘cause it hurts the most

사랑한다는 말은 하지 마, 그게 가장 아프니까

You just gotta let me go

그냥 날 보내줘

 

3. Jin to Appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

 

On May 21, Jin will appear on NBC’s iconic late-night talk show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He is scheduled to give the first-ever global live performance of “Don’t Say You Love Me,” raising anticipation among fans worldwide.

 

4. BTS Reunion Coming Soon?

With Jin’s return, excitement is building around a potential full-group BTS comeback. Here’s a look at the remaining members’ military discharge dates:

• V (Kim Taehyung) – June 10, 2025
• RM (Kim Namjoon) – June 11, 2025
• Jimin (Park Jimin) – June 11, 2025
• Jungkook (Jeon Jungkook) – June 11, 2025
• SUGA (Min Yoongi) – June 21, 2025

Starting in the second half of 2025, fans are eagerly anticipating BTS's return as a complete group. The countdown has begun for the next chapter in BTS’s global journey.

BTS JIN

 

BTS 진 Don’t Say You Love Me (MV, 가사 해석)