Eric Nam Enlists Fellow ‘Traitors’ Castmates for a Western-Themed Retribution in “How the Fire Started” Video
Leveraging his sharp wit and melodic prowess, K-pop sensation Eric Nam has found the perfect way to settle the score with The Traitors Season 4 winner, Rob Rausch. On Tuesday (March 3), the singer and reality TV finalist unveiled his latest single, “How the Fire Started,” accompanied by a high-concept Western music video that serves as a playful act of defiance against the man who orchestrated his elimination.
The cinematic visual introduces the singer as “Eric the Vengeful,” a drifter arriving at Robby Bobby’s Ranch with a singular mission: “To right some wrongs.” The narrative acts as a direct response to the cutthroat gameplay that defined the season’s final hours.
“Oh you never gave a damn about me ’til I had something you needed,” Nam sings, a pointed nod to the moment the Love Island alum recruited him into the Traitors’ turret, only to use him as a pawn for a solo victory. While the lyrics pulse with the sting of betrayal, Nam also reflects on his own misplaced trust, crooning: “Shame on me thinking that you would save me / How can you turn and walk away / From a fire you started?”
The production features a star-studded ensemble of Rausch’s former targets. As Rob parades around the ranch shirtless in his trademark overalls—complete with his signature snake tattoos—a group of disgruntled “laborers” plots their uprising. The “betrayed” crew includes fan favorites Natalie Anderson, Ron Funches, Yam Yam Arocho, and Maura Higgins, all of whom fell victim to Rob’s strategic maneuvers during the Emmy-winning series.
The tension culminates in a classic Western showdown between Eric and Rob. After a brief struggle, Nam emerges triumphant. The group proceeds to bind their former adversary and douse him in gasoline, symbolically burning the bridge—and his infamous overalls—as they walk away. However, in a touching comedic twist, Ron Funches finds himself unable to abandon their bond, rushing back to carry his friend to safety.
Reflecting on the release, Nam shared his excitement with fans on Instagram: “This song means so much to me and I hope you all love it.”
The video arrives on the heels of the Season 4 finale, which saw Rausch secure a $220,800 windfall. In a shocking “Fire of Truth” ceremony, Rob convinced Maura Higgins to banish Nam, only to reveal moments later that he had been a Traitor since the game’s inception. Despite the on-screen ruthlessness, Rausch famously promised to buy Higgins a Birkin bag with his earnings—though Nam’s musical “revenge” suggests the emotional debt is still being settled.
Watch the official music video for “How the Fire Started” below:
