Long before BTS became a global phenomenon, the group’s lineup looked very different. In 2010, BTS began taking shape under the vision of Bang Si-hyuk, who initially built the group around RM, then an emerging talent in South Korea’s underground hip-hop scene.

Among the earliest trainees to join was rapper Jung Hun-cheol, better known by his stage name Iron. Alongside RM and other trainees, he participated in the group’s early formation when it was known as Bullet Proof Boys (B.P.B.), a precursor to BTS. The early team even released tracks such as “We Are B.P.B. (Bulletproof Pt.1),” showcasing the group’s original hip-hop-focused direction. However, by January 2011, lineup changes occurred, and Iron departed the company before BTS officially debuted.

Although he left the future K-pop supergroup, Iron continued pursuing music. He remained active in the hip-hop crew DaeNamHyup alongside several rappers, including RM.

Iron’s breakthrough came when he competed on the popular rap survival program Show Me the Money 3, where he finished as the runner-up. The show dramatically raised his profile, and several of his releases achieved strong chart success. His song “Malice” climbed near the top of Korea’s music charts, while “Puss,” a collaboration with former AOA member Shin Jimin, reached No. 1. Iron also featured on Jonghyun’s song Crazy, further cementing his reputation as a rising rapper.

In 2016, Iron released his first full-length album, Rock Bottom. That same year, however, he became involved in a series of legal controversies that significantly affected his public image. He was convicted on marijuana-related charges and received a suspended sentence. Later, he faced allegations of assault involving a former girlfriend. The highly publicized case led to a lengthy legal battle, and in 2018 he received an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years, along with community service requirements. The incidents sparked widespread criticism and marked a turning point in his career.

Iron encountered further legal issues in 2020 when he was arrested over allegations that he assaulted an 18-year-old roommate who had reportedly been living with him while learning about music production and rap. The case attracted significant media attention and added to ongoing scrutiny surrounding the rapper. However, the allegations would never reach a final court conclusion.

On January 21, 2021, Iron was found severely injured in a flowerbed within his apartment complex. Emergency responders transported him to a hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. He was 29 years old. His funeral was held on January 28, bringing an end to a career that had once shown considerable promise.

Iron’s story remains one of the most discussed “what if” narratives connected to BTS’ early history. As one of the rappers who briefly trained alongside RM before BTS’ debut, he was part of a formative chapter in the group’s development. At the same time, his later years were marked by repeated legal controversies that overshadowed his musical accomplishments.

For many fans of Korean hip-hop, Iron is remembered as a talented artist whose career trajectory was ultimately defined by both significant artistic achievements and personal struggles.

Sources: Koreaboo