A Historic Debut in the K-pop Scene

SEOUL – The world of K-pop gets a heartfelt shake-up as the new boy band 1VERSE, pronounced "universe," made their thrilling global debut on July 18. This five-member group, featuring two members who courageously defected from North Korea, stands out not just for their music, but for their compelling backstories.

Meet 1VERSE: A Melting Pot of Talent

1VERSE comprises five men in their 20s from North Korea, Japan, and the United States. Their names—Hyuk, Seok, Aito, Nathan, and Kenny—reflect their diverse origins, and together they aim to break cultural barriers.

A Powerful Message in Their Music

Their debut EP, titled "The 1st Verse," launched with a live-streamed showcase that highlighted their first single, "Shattered." The accompanying music video features the group in striking makeup and dynamic choreography against a dazzling backdrop, set to captivate fans across the globe.

Real-Life Stories of Survival and Resilience

Hyuk, who escaped from North Korea at a young age, shared how he and his mother orchestrated his daring escape to South Korea. He recounted the grim realities of his childhood, from working at just nine years old to eating spoiled food just to survive, illustrating the harsh conditions in North Korea.

"I was really hungry, instinctively thinking about survival, and faced brutal consequences for stealing food," Hyuk revealed, shedding light on the darker side of his past.

Courageous Journeys from North Korea to Fame

Seok, the second North Korean defector, grew up near the Chinese border, where he first encountered K-pop through underground screenings. His escape with his father and grandmother at 20 further cements the band’s inspiring narrative amidst a backdrop of repression.

A Unique K-pop Experience!

With North Korea reportedly tightening its grip on foreign culture, the existence of 1VERSE is reminiscent of hope. Michelle Cho, the producer at their label Singing Beetle, expressed her desire to build an authentic group that embodies real struggles and dreams, countering the often-polished facade of the K-pop industry.

A Message of Hope and Connection

While their journey from defectors to idols is central to their identity, the group leaders hope to be recognized for their talent above all. Hyuk passionately stated, "I want to be an idol who brings energy and a message that resonates with people, showing them they aren’t alone in their struggles." The chapter 1VERSE has written is just beginning, but it promises to be filled with powerful inspiration.