Written by Tanisha Cardozo
The global K-pop scene has witnessed countless debuts, but none quite like this. On July 18, 2025, the boy band 1VERSE stepped into the spotlight—and into history.
What sets them apart? Two of their five members, Hyuk and Seok, are North Korean defectors, marking a rare and powerful moment of cross-border cultural fusion in an industry typically defined by polished pop and intense idol training.
Hyuk, who defected from North Hamgyong Province at age 12, stumbled into the music world while working in a factory during a rough patch in his life. After a chance meeting with a music label CEO, Hyuk began rap lessons on weekends in Seoul. Despite skepticism and financial hardship, he persevered, training for a year before joining the agency.
“I had nothing to lose,” Hyuk recalls. “Even if it had been a scam, I didn’t have anything worth robbing.”
Seok, also from North Korea, defected in 2019 after a childhood spent playing soccer. While pursuing physical education in South Korea, a casual weekend match led to his discovery and entry into idol training.
Both defectors had limited exposure to music growing up. “Music wasn’t something I could afford,” Hyuk shared. For Seok, K-pop existed in secret—he first heard f(x)’s “LA chA TA” and some Super Junior songs as a child, despite strict bans on South Korean pop culture in the North.
They’re joined by Nathan from Arkansas, Kenny from Los Angeles, and Aito from Japan. Together, they form a truly international ensemble. Nathan discovered K-pop through his cousins and fell in love after watching EXO’s “Growl.” Kenny emphasizes the group’s mission of global inclusion, saying, “We’re not just about music. We’re learning about each other’s cultures and stories.”
For Seok, this is a dream of connection: “I rarely saw foreigners growing up. I always wanted to meet people from other countries.”
1VERSE has begun building a devoted fanbase through emotional content like Seok’s heartfelt video diaries on TikTok and YouTube. “I cried reading fans’ messages,” he said. “They gave me strength.”
Still, Hyuk is clear: this isn’t just a North Korean story. “It’s about us—all five of us,” he says. “We’re on this journey together.”
1VERSE’s debut single album, “The 1st Verse”, is now available across all major streaming platforms. This isn’t just K-pop—it’s a testament to how music, resilience, and diversity can unite worlds once divided.
