K-pop Group 1Verse Launches Featuring Two Defectors from North Korea

Featuring two North Korean defectors, the K-pop group 1Verse (pronounced “universe”) is making waves with the release of their single album on Friday, July 18.

The members showcase a unique blend of backgrounds, including rapper Hyuk and singer Seok from North Korea, alongside Nathan from Arkansas, Kenny from Los Angeles, and Aito from Japan.

Although they aren’t the first K-pop group featuring defectors—Be Boys’ Hak Seong debuted earlier this year—the diverse makeup of 1Verse adds a distinctive layer to the genre’s expanding global appeal.

Their single album, The 1st Verse, debuts under Seoul-based label Singing Beetle. The title track, “Shattered,” includes lyrics co-written by Hyuk and Kenny.

FROM ATHLETE TO ARTIST

Aito, the youngest member from Chiba, Japan, expressed a hopeful sentiment: “With members from different countries coming together as 1Verse, it shows we can achieve this regardless of our backgrounds.”

Hyuk, who fled North Korea’s North Hamgyong Province at 12, found himself in South Korea in 2013. His path to K-pop stardom began in an unexpected way while he was working in a factory, where a chance meeting with a music label CEO opened new doors.

Reflecting on that pivotal moment, he shared, “When I received the invitation to become a pop star, I thought it might be a scam. I really had nothing to lose.”

After a year of encouragement from the executive, who frequently treated him to meals and urged him to train, Hyuk officially joined the agency in late 2021.

Seok’s journey was equally unconventional. Once a football player in North Korea from the age of eight, he defected in 2019. He noted safety concerns, hence his reluctance to delve into details.

Upon reaching South Korea, he briefly played semi-professional football before pursuing physical education and later exploring an idol training program.

“It was my first foray into music, so I thought if it didn’t work out, I could always switch gears,” Seok explained.

LIMITED K-POP EXPOSURE IN THEIR YOUTH

The members’ experiences reveal the challenging realities they escaped. Hyuk shared that as a child, he spent eight to ten hours daily gathering firewood for survival.

“We had to collect firewood just to cook rice and make it through each day,” he recalled, emphasizing the harsh conditions.

Hyuk also had limited access to music during his upbringing. “With daily struggles, I didn’t have the luxury of time to enjoy music,” he admitted.

Seok, on the other hand, had a limited taste of K-pop in North Korea, occasionally hearing songs from f(x) and Super Junior, despite it being illegal. “I remember hearing K-pop back in elementary school, but it was rare,” he said.

EMBRACING GLOBAL APPEAL

Experts note that K-pop and other facets of South Korean pop culture have become a significant challenge to North Korea’s regime, gaining traction among the populace.

Amid the pandemic, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has intensified efforts to reduce South Korean cultural influence.

Nathan, hailing from Arkansas, encountered K-pop through his Texas cousins, who were avid fans. After initially dismissing it, he stumbled upon Exo’s “Growl” music video on YouTube, which changed his view.

The group’s diverse training incorporates courses on global citizenship. “We aim to embrace everyone’s backgrounds and current situations,” Kenny noted.

Seok shared his enthusiasm for connecting with international fans, particularly from the U.S. “Coming from North Korea, I rarely saw foreigners, so this is truly exciting,” he expressed.

The group has already garnered attention online. Seok captured his emotional early training experiences in video diaries, which resonated with fans who sent messages of support.

“When I shared that diary video, the response was overwhelming; I was genuinely touched by their letters,” he said.

Hyuk acknowledged the interest in their North Korean backgrounds but emphasized their collective journey as a group. “I’m grateful for the attention, but it’s crucial to remember that we’re all in this together,” he stated.

The group’s debut single album is now available across all major streaming platforms.