Eric Nam Wanted to Be the Nicest Traitor Ever

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Eric Nam isn’t upset about losing. When I told him I was devastated by his last-minute defeat in the fourth season finale of The Traitors, he playfully asked why, then remembered what I was referring to. Eric wasn’t a seasoned reality TV competitor like those who’ve played Survivor or Big Brother, but he approached the game strategically. He gathered information, formed alliances, and trusted his instincts, and it was working well—until Rob Rausch, a master Traitor, recruited him and completely disrupted his plan. Suddenly, Eric, who hadn’t been suspected by anyone, found himself being questioned by former allies like Kristen Kish and Maura Higgins. Although Eric, Rob, and Maura reached the final roundtable, Rob ultimately betrayed Eric, voting with Maura to eliminate him and prevent him from sharing the prize money with a fellow Traitor.

Eric admits he wasn’t happy with how things unfolded on The Traitors, but he’s moved past it now. He describes the experience as exhausting and chaotic, though he’s pleased with how he approached the game. He acknowledges that some fans might think he was a terrible player, but playfully insists he’s just a regular person. He did reflect on whether he should have played more aggressively, but ultimately feels he stayed true to himself throughout the competition.

Rob explained he chose me as a Traitor because I’d been playing strategically as a loyal player. He basically caught me off guard – I hadn’t even thought about what kind of Traitor I’d be! I ended up playing that role for three days, which was tough after being friendly with everyone for over twenty days. It felt impossible to suddenly start lying to people so late in the game. Rob was clever, though. He actually asked me if anyone had been talking about him during recruitment, and I admitted it was me! I realized then that I’d subconsciously been looking to the established leaders – Colton, Natalie, Stephen, and Rob – for guidance throughout the challenges. As players were eliminated, I began to suspect Rob was the one pulling the strings, but I never had proof.

Regarding your question, I really wanted to be seen as a kind and fair player, even though I was a ‘Traitor.’ Being on the show was a gamble because you never know how you’ll be portrayed on reality television. I didn’t want my first impression on most Americans to be as someone sneaky and deceitful, even though that’s part of the game. [Laughs]

Looking back, has your initial reaction to being asked to be a Traitor changed? At first, being chosen for your intelligence felt like a compliment, but later on, it felt more frustrating. When I suspected Johnny was the Traitor, I was really worried because I thought he’d be eliminated quickly. I didn’t feel equipped to handle being the only one left. But when I realized it was Rob, I got excited! He’s good at staying under the radar, and I thought we could be a strong team – which I believed we were. I was genuinely honored! If I were to play again, I’d want to be a Traitor from the beginning and play the game very differently. It’s like playing Mafia with friends – the best rounds are when everyone understands how others play, and you start to really read their personalities. Then it becomes a game of deception and strategy. If I were creating ‘The Traitors,’ I’d keep bringing people back to see how they’d adapt their gameplay each time.

I don’t know if you watched the British version of the show last year, but it’s fascinating how the celebrities analyze each other based on their existing relationships and public personas – they’re essentially trying to figure out where each person ‘fits’ in the celebrity world. I haven’t seen it myself. What’s cool about that show is that they play for charity, which allows them to separate the game from personal feelings. In our version, some contestants are motivated by the prize money, and others aren’t. When everyone is playing for the same reason, with the same stakes, it makes for a much more compelling game.

I wonder if you would have lasted until the end if you’d remained a Faithful player. It seemed like you were a bit of a sneaky, strategic Faithful – flying under the radar. Nobody even considered me a threat until the very last moment. To win as a Faithful, you really just have to survive. My strategy was to stay quiet, focus on finding clues, and avoid attention. I think I could have reached the final round as a Faithful, but whether I would have won is another question. Honestly, our fellow Faithful players weren’t very strong. (Laughs)

Seeing how Rob played the game as a supposed ‘traitor,’ did it give you any clue he might vote for you at the final tribal council? Honestly, by that point, we were both completely drained – physically, emotionally, and mentally. I was so tired, I just wanted the game to be over. People were really intense, staying up all night taking notes – Michael even brought a notebook to the reunion. There was a lot of crying behind the scenes. I refused to let the game get to me like that, so I decided to take my alliances at face value. When Rob said something, I just chose to trust him. I still don’t understand why he voted me out, and I’m not sure I ever will, but I’ve accepted it.

So, was that the reason you voted for him at the final discussion? I knew things would go this way as soon as he betrayed someone. But it doesn’t matter now. If they’re going to eliminate me anyway, I’m going to warn Maura that she’s likely going to be voted out next. I wasn’t planning on protecting him no matter what; it was clear the game was over.

I was completely shocked, honestly. I didn’t expect this at all, especially after the plushy game. We had a deal: if either Rob or I didn’t win the shield, our plan would fail. When Rob was eliminated first, I thought I had everything covered, and I delivered! I really helped him out. Because I’m a loyal person, I just never thought he’d betray me.

I enjoyed the challenges, even though I know some viewers find them frustrating. They actually helped build connections between the players. It especially benefited Rob, who was strong physically. He became the clear leader, and everyone looked to him for direction. If he hadn’t consistently helped Maura throughout the game, I think the final outcome would have been different.

You’re right, this is my first major introduction to American audiences. I was curious why you chose this show as the way to do that, especially since you’ve done reality TV in Korea before. The show’s team contacted my agents last year, and my first thought was, ‘I can’t do this.’ American reality TV is so different from what I’m used to in Korea. It seems like things have gotten a bit more dramatic recently with shows like the Netflix dating series, and even their version of Love Island. Honestly, the idea of being on a show with such big personalities from shows like Housewives and Survivor was scary. Korean reality TV doesn’t really try to make people look crazy or over-the-top the way it seems to happen here – it’s a totally different approach. I started to consider it when the show’s executives pointed out that I’m good with people, and that would be an asset. What really convinced me, though, was them repeatedly saying, ‘This is a game. You can use that to justify everything you do.’ My initial goal was just to last a couple of episodes before getting eliminated, but I never imagined I’d be involved this deeply.

When we all got back together, did any old tensions resurface? Was there any unresolved conflict we had to address? It honestly felt like being at a Real Housewives reunion – I’ve never actually watched one, but that’s what it reminded me of. Everyone was arguing, and I kept thinking I should be the one hosting, like Andy Cohen, because the whole situation was so funny.

Honestly, while watching, I kept wondering if the whole “man with the magic ears” thing or even just the handwriting supposedly belonging to Johnny would end up being a major clue. It really messes with your head! It all started with a gut feeling, you know? Everyone was so sure it was Johnny, and when I saw the handwriting, I thought, “No way, Johnny’s handwriting is usually better than this.” But then I started imagining him deliberately messing it up, maybe writing with his non-dominant hand to throw us off. People acted like I was crazy for even considering it, but I swear, I’m not! It’s just that this whole thing is so intense. Everyone jumps to conclusions – a wink, a flinch, even dropping a fork – and suddenly you’re labeled a traitor! It’s wild.

I’m still close with Tiffany after the recent drama online – you know, the one about the “man with the magic ears.” We’re good friends and actually seeing each other tonight. It’s important to remember that everything that happened is just part of the game.

And she is a gamer!
Right, she knows! We’re good.

We noticed you wore a lot of sweaters on the show. Can you tell us about your approach to choosing your clothes? I was aiming for a relatable, everyday look – the ‘boy next door’ type. It seems like everyone these days just goes from the gym straight to work in athletic wear, and honestly, it can look a bit messy. I wanted to bring back the idea of putting on something a little nicer, like a collared shirt or a sweater.

I asked a few friends who also watch The Traitors what they’d want to ask you, and everyone was curious about your skincare routine! I’ve actually been working on my own skincare line for a while now, hoping to launch it before the show became popular, but things got busy with the album, tour, and some film projects. Maybe someday! Personally, I focus on my diet – I’ve cut back on alcohol and mostly avoid dairy. Beyond that, I make sure to stay moisturized with a toner, serum, and cream, and I always wear sunscreen. I have to say, Korean skincare products are amazing – they really know what they’re doing!

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2026-02-27 21:57