The influence of global pop culture continues to blur the lines between music, film, and television in unexpected ways. In recent years, creators have drawn inspiration from the most unlikely experiences, turning fleeting moments into defining elements of major productions. What might seem like a casual collaboration or a one-off opportunity can sometimes ripple into something far bigger, shaping the tone and direction of a story long before audiences ever see it unfold.

And in one surprising case, a connection to the global phenomenon BTS ended up leaving its mark on a highly anticipated series starring Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan.

The unexpected connection comes from Lee Sung Jin, the creator behind Beef Season 2, who revealed that filming a music video for RM played a major role in shaping the upcoming season’s direction. Lee Sung Jin explained that filming the music video for RM during the writers’ strike became the reason Korea plays such a major role in the new season.

He shared that the opportunity brought him back to South Korea for the first time in a while. Experiencing the country again, this time post the success of Season 1, also exposed him to a different side of Korean culture, including high-profile events and interactions with elite circles, which ultimately influenced how he approached the new Beef story.

"I was like 'Oh, whatever I do for Season 2 I know that this aspect of Korea has to be part of it,' and then also shooting that music video, I just caught the bug I was like 'I want to shoot here as much as possible'," he said to Etalk in an interview while promoting Beef Season 2 slated to release on April 16, 2026. as the creator of one of Netflix's most successful shows, Lee expressed how his biggest source of inspiration were his lived experiences. 

The project in question was a track from RM's album 'Right People Wrong Place,' 'Come Back To Me.' From revisiting personal roots to encountering elite social circles, these real-life moments fed directly into the narrative fabric of the new season, adding authenticity and a fresh cultural layer to the story.

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That blend of personal inspiration and storytelling instinct is part of what makes the series stand out. And interestingly, it also connects to another creative influence that has shaped Lee Sung Jin’s perspective over the years.

Beyond music and real-world experiences, Lee Sung Jin has also drawn heavily from his lifelong love of the X-Men universe. Speaking at Beef Season 2’s Los Angeles premiere, he reflected on how his admiration for lesser-known characters shaped his creative mindset.

“I love Gambit. I also love a lot of side characters. I love Jubilee. You know everyone goes to Cyclops and Wolverine. But for me growing up, I always loved the kind of supporting members,” he told Variety at the event.

His appreciation for characters who exist outside the spotlight mirrors the kind of nuanced storytelling seen in Beef. Rather than focusing solely on dominant personalities, the narrative often explores layered dynamics, hidden tensions, and emotional undercurrents, elements that resonate with his admiration for overlooked heroes.

That passion stems from childhood memories, as Lee Sung Jin has shared how he grew up watching the animated series and reading comics with his father. These early influences continue to inform his storytelling choices today, shaping how he approaches character development and conflict in his work. Now, that long-standing connection has come full circle, with Lee and Joanna Calo reportedly on board as new writers for an upcoming X-Men reboot, further highlighting how his early inspirations are directly influencing his current and future projects.

The surprising link between BTS' RM's music video and a critically acclaimed Netflix series highlights how creativity often thrives in unexpected intersections. For Lee Sung Jin, a spontaneous opportunity turned into a defining influence, shaping not just the setting but the emotional depth of the story.

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Are you excited to see how this unique inspiration through RM will come together in Beef Season 2? Let us know in the comments!