In K-pop, where style and visuals are quite important, hairstylists and makeup artists often work their magic behind the scenes. Among them stands Park Nae Joo, a master hairstylist and owner of a renowned salon, who has been the trusted stylist for BTS for nearly a decade. He has had a hand in some of their most famous looks—including Jungkook’s wavy hair for his “SEVEN” promotions.
[ENG INT] Journey with BTS from the bottom to the Grammys
Park Nae Joo owns the salon Bit & Boot in Seoul. Its client list reads like a who’s who of the South Korean entertainment industry. Aside from BTS, that list includes top actors Park Bogum and Lee Je Hoon, as well as idols like EXO’s Kai and the girl group TWICE. But it’s Park Nae Joo’s journey with BTS that has captured the hearts of many. After all, the Bit & Boot owner has forged a deep, strong bond with the septet, having seen them through the ups and downs that characterized their early years in the business.
During an interview with Yonhap News, when asked about his experiences with BTS, Park Nae Joo‘s heartfelt response was telling. He’s frequently questioned about his ties with these global icons, but his answer remains the same. Far from being intimidated by their stature, he perceives them as kin. “To many, BTS might be global superstars, but to me, they don’t come across that way. Instead, they feel like my brothers,” he expressed.
Park Nae Joo on bleaching RM’s hair
Before establishing himself, Park Nae Joo worked as a freelancer, with BTS being among his initial clientele. Their partnership commenced during the group’s sophomore album, a phase when BTS was still trying to build a following. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Park Nae Joo reminisced about a particularly taxing session with BTS‘s leader, RM.
Tasked with bleaching RM‘s black hair for a comeback, the hairstylist faced a Herculean challenge. The procedure, demanding eight bleach applications in one day, was conducted in a public restroom lacking hot water or proper facilities. It didn’t even have a washstand, a hose, or hot water. So on a bitingly cold January day, RM let Park Nae Joo wash his hair with cold water. It took him a whole day to finish the job. He worked on RM’s hair from dusk till dawn.
This story serves as a poignant reminder of the hurdles BTS faced in their formative years. Such memories cemented their bond. As Park Nae Joo looks back on those days, he wishes BTS nothing but continued success (and good, healthy hair). – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Park Nae Joo has had many celebrity clients, but BTS will always be closest to his heart. Their bond is something else! Source: YouTube/@KOREANOWyna.
