Comparable to makeup, hairstyles play a crucial role in shaping an idol’s appearance and overall image. That’s why everything from hair color to styling is carefully planned by an entire team of hairstylists whenever idols appear in public. In particular, to create a sense of surprise or better match a specific concept, idols often change their hairstyles or hair colors when releasing a comeback album or new music project.

Of course, BTS are no exception. Over their 13-year career, the members have gone through countless transformations, experimenting with short and long hairstyles, straight and curly looks, as well as everything from natural black hair to vibrant, eye-catching colors. However, one of the most memorable hair-related experiences for BTS’s longtime hairstylist, Park Nae Joo—who has worked alongside the group since their debut days—involved bleaching RM’s hair.

The experience left such a lasting impression on him that he has shared the story numerous times in his videos, on television programs, and in interviews, describing it as “so unique that they (Park Nae Joo and RM) could never forget it.”

The most recent time he brought up this anecdote was in a vlog on his personal YouTube channel. While dyeing a client’s hair, Park said that every time he works with hair color, he is reminded of his early days with BTS, which began around the group’s second album.

He recalled clearly that for the previous album, RM had dyed his hair black to match the concept, but for the second album, his hair needed to be changed to a lighter shade. Bleaching hair that has already been dyed black is extremely difficult, and as a result, Park ended up bleaching RM’s hair as many as eight times in order to achieve the desired color. Fortunately, RM had a strong scalp and was able to endure the process, but both clients and fans were left almost “mouth agape” at the number.

Many people know that bleaching hair can be painful, burning, and extremely uncomfortable—yet RM endured eight rounds of bleaching in a single day!

But that still did not seem to be the hardest part. Park continued by explaining that the process took place in January, during кσяєα’s “cold wave alert”. It is worth noting that Park Nae Joo did not yet own his own salon, Bit&Boot, at the time, so he and RM could only wash his hair in a public-bathroom-like place, using a hose with cold water. After washing with freezing cold water eight to nine times, Park said it was like “eating an ice cream on a cold day”— even "head-freezing on the coldest days ever".

Even after those difficult days had pαѕѕed, Park Nae Joo and the members still could not forget that period and often brought up those memories. In another interview with Yonhap News, Park once again recounted the story, showing just how deeply it stayed with them.

In that interview, he also added details about the other members. He said he had to bring “hair dye and scissors” to the group’s practice room to style their hair, and at times, he and his colleagues even had to boil cold water to wash the members’ hair. He concluded: “We still talk about that day a lot. Especially with RM because he bleached his hair five or six times and had to wash his hair with freezing cold water. He still says, ‘How did I endure that?’”

From a basement practice room without hot water to the glamorous GRAMMY Awards, Park Nae Joo has witnessed BTS’s growth from rookies into global stars. His own career also flourished alongside the group—rising from a freelance hairstylist to the owner of the renowned Bit&Boot salon. Reflecting on that shared journey, Park emotionally concluded: “Those were the days we suffered together, so I’d like it if those friends (BTS) do well. I’m glad they are.”

Upon hearing the story, fans were equally moved and emotional, commenting:

- 8 times a day. His hair is still good tho. he is one of the members that always changes hair colour but somehow he still has healthy hair. how is he able to maintain it?

- Public bathroom wha he suffered so much esp. his scalp thank god he didn't go bald I'm proud of him

- Now my heart even more hurt knowing how hard they suffering back then

- RM sitting through eight rounds of bleaching and washing his hair with freezing cold water is honestly нєαятвяєαкιиg. None of them had it easy, and it makes me appreciate their journey even more

- Omg that must hurt I can't even...Waa why am in pain reading this story

- I'm so proud of you RM!!! EVEN in cold days you fought so well. I can't even think of doing this 

- It's a miracle he still has hair but even then, that sнιт must have hurt like a вιт¢н. My sweet poor baby. That boy's the strongest person i know

- Stories like this always remind me that BTS’s success didn’t happen overnight. They endured so much together, and it’s heartwarming to see that the people who were there from the beginning are still by their side today

- Park saying, ‘Those were the days we endured together,’ nearly made me cry. They truly built everything from the ground up. Glad that they're all successful now