On Friday, July 18, 2025, the K-pop world witnessed a groundbreaking debut as the boy band 1VERSE released their first single album, "The 1st Verse," under the Seoul-based label Singing Beetle. What sets this group apart is its unique composition: two of the five members, rapper Hyuk and singer Seok, are defectors from North Korea, joining forces with Nathan from Arkansas, Kenny from Los Angeles, and Aito from Japan. This diverse lineup not only adds a rare dimension to K-pop’s expanding global presence but also symbolizes a powerful story of resilience and ambition.
Pronounced "universe," 1VERSE embodies a fusion of cultures and experiences. The group’s debut single, "Shattered," co-written by Hyuk and Kenny, is a poignant reflection of their journeys, especially the harrowing pasts of the North Korean members. At midnight on their debut day, the band performed a live-streamed showcase featuring three tracks from their EP, captivating fans worldwide with their slick choreography and emotive vocals.
Hyuk, 25, hails from North Korea’s North Hamgyong Province, specifically Kyongsong. He defected to South Korea in 2013 at the age of 12 after a perilous journey through China and other borders, facilitated by a broker arranged by his mother, who had already settled in the South. His childhood was marked by extreme hardship — he recalled spending eight to ten hours daily collecting firewood just to cook rice and survive. “I was really hungry and instinctively I was thinking about survival,” Hyuk told Reuters, reflecting on a time when hunger drove him to steal food, resulting in severe beatings.
After arriving in South Korea, Hyuk’s path to stardom was anything but straightforward. Initially working in a factory during the severe COVID-19 pandemic, a chance encounter with the CEO of a music label led to weekend rap lessons and eventually a contract in late 2021. Despite initial skepticism — “I really have nothing right now, even if you rob me, not even dust would come out,” he said — Hyuk persevered, driven by a desire to share his story and inspire others.
Seok, also 25, comes from a border town near China and defected in 2019 with his father and grandmother. Unlike Hyuk, Seok grew up playing soccer, starting at age eight, and even played semi-professionally after arriving in South Korea. His introduction to K-pop came through a friend who shared music videos, including Psy’s viral 2012 hit "Gangnam Style." Seok approached music with cautious optimism: “I was starting music for the first time, right? So I started with the mindset that if it doesn’t work out, I can just stop and try something else.”
Both Hyuk and Seok had limited exposure to K-pop growing up, largely due to North Korea’s strict ban on South Korean media. Seok occasionally listened to f(x)’s "LA chA TA" and Super Junior songs despite the risks, while Hyuk described living so busily in survival mode that music was a luxury he couldn’t afford. Their stories underscore the harsh realities faced by many North Koreans, where even basic freedoms are scarce.
The inclusion of North Korean defectors in 1VERSE is not entirely unprecedented — earlier this year, BE BOYS’ Hak Seong also debuted as a defector member. However, 1VERSE’s multinational makeup, with members from the United States and Japan alongside South Korea and North Korea, marks a new level of diversity in the genre. Nathan, from Arkansas, first encountered K-pop through cousins in Texas and initially feigned disinterest before becoming a genuine fan after watching EXO’s "Growl." Kenny, a Chinese American from Los Angeles, and Aito, the youngest member from Chiba, Japan, complete the lineup.
Aito summed up the group’s spirit: “With members from different countries all coming together as 1VERSE, I just thought ‘we can do this regardless of background’ going forward.” Their training goes beyond singing and dancing, including courses on global citizenship to foster inclusivity and awareness of their varied histories and current situations.
Producer and CEO Michelle Cho of Singing Beetle emphasized the desire to create an authentic group that breaks the mold of the often picture-perfect K-pop industry. “Who doesn’t love the story of someone from a humble background chasing their dreams, especially K-pop,” she said, recognizing the emotional weight behind 1VERSE’s debut.
Hyuk hopes the group will be judged not solely on their backgrounds but on their music and message. “I want to become an idol that brings energy and the message that cheers up many people, that they aren’t alone and there are even people like me,” he explained. Seok echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about connecting with international fans, especially in America. “Since I came from North Korea, it’s hard to see foreigners there. So I really wanted to see people from other countries.”
The group’s online presence has already garnered attention, with Seok sharing emotional video diaries of their early training struggles. Fans responded with heartfelt messages, providing comfort and encouragement. “As soon as I saw the first line, tears came out and I was really touched,” he said.
Amid North Korea’s intensified crackdown on South Korean cultural influences since the pandemic, 1VERSE’s debut carries additional significance. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ramped up campaigns to suppress South Korean media, with reports of teenagers sentenced to hard labor for watching K-pop and other cultural crackdowns. Experts note that South Korean pop culture, including K-pop, poses a subtle challenge to the isolated regime by steadily gaining popularity among North Koreans despite the risks.
1VERSE’s debut single album is available on all major streaming platforms, inviting a global audience to witness their journey. Their story is not just about music but about bridging divides, sharing resilience, and celebrating diversity in a world often marked by division.