A new K-pop boy band, 1VERSE, officially made its global debut on Friday, drawing international attention for its diverse lineup, including two members who defected from North Korea.
The five-member group consists of Hyuk, Seok, Aito, Nathan, and Kenny, all in their 20s, with roots in North Korea, Japan, and the United States. At midnight, the group performed a live-streamed showcase to launch their first mini-album, “The 1st Verse.” The album features three tracks, including their debut single, “Shattered.”
A music video for “Shattered,” filmed earlier this year, is set to premiere later today. The video shows the group performing synchronized dance routines against bright, strobing backdrops, following typical K-pop visuals but with a more emotional theme.
From North Korea to K-pop
For Hyuk, who is originally from Kyongsong County in North Korea, joining 1VERSE is not just about music—it’s about freedom. Now 25, Hyuk has lived in South Korea since 2013 after escaping North Korea with the help of a broker arranged by his mother.
“I used to be so hungry that I sometimes ate spoiled rice,” Hyuk said in an interview. “Once, I was caught stealing and beaten until I bled. It was all about survival.”
The song “Shattered” expresses his grief and emotional struggles, including the pain of learning about his father’s death back in North Korea.
Seok, another member from North Korea, also escaped with his family when he was 20. Growing up near the Chinese border, Seok secretly watched K-pop videos shared by a friend, including Psy’s “Gangnam Style.”
A Different Kind of K-pop Group
The launch of 1VERSE comes at a time when North Korea is cracking down on South Korean culture, including K-pop. According to the United Nations, reports of forced labor, food shortages, and strict cultural controls continue in the isolated nation.
Michelle Cho, CEO of Singing Beetle, the group’s label, said 1VERSE is meant to challenge K-pop’s usual “picture-perfect” image.
“Who doesn’t love the story of someone from a humble background chasing their dreams—especially in K-pop?” Cho said.
Despite coming from different countries and backgrounds, the members of 1VERSE say they share a common goal. Kenny, a Chinese American member, called the group “a unique type of global.”
Hyuk hopes fans will focus on the music, not just the group’s story.
“I want to be an idol who brings energy and comfort to people,” he said. “To remind them they’re not alone, even if they’ve struggled like me.”
