US EditionCan two North Korean defectors take a new K-pop boy band to global superstardom?
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, JUL 18 – Seok and Hyuk, two of the five members of 1VERSE, embody resilience and ambition as they follow K-pop stars like BTS with over 22 million TikTok likes, industry experts say.
- The K-pop boy band 1VERSE, consisting of five members from North Korea, Japan, and the US, debuted its single album 'The 1st Verse' on May 21, 2025, in Seoul.
- Two members, Hyuk and Seok, defected from North Korea after enduring harsh conditions and were recruited by Seoul-based label Singing Beetle in 2022 to pursue K-pop careers.
- 1VERSE reflects global diversity with members from diverse backgrounds training in global citizenship, and the group has gained significant online traction with millions of TikTok likes.
- Hyuk recounted enduring severe hardships such as hunger and theft in North Korea, while Seok shared that he faced moments of solitary struggle. CEO Michelle Cho expressed enthusiasm for uplifting individuals who rise from modest beginnings to pursue their ambitions, particularly within the K-pop industry.
- The group aims to follow the global success of BTS and BLACKPINK, and its debut in the competitive US market indicates a bold step toward expanding K-pop's global influence.
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New K-pop band has 2 North Korean defectors
SEOUL, South Korea—With two of its five members being defectors from North Korea, K-pop group 1VERSE is breaking new ground this weekend as it presents its debut single album “The 1st Verse.“ The band represents an unusual convergence of backgrounds—rapper Hyuk and singer Seok from North Korea join Nathan from Arkansas, Kenny from Los Angeles, […]...Keep on reading: New K-pop band has 2 North Korean defectors
Meet the K-pop stars from North Korea
Hyuk and Seok fled North Korea separately as teenagers. Now, after intense K-pop training, they are making their debut as members of the boy band 1VERSE. Speaking to CNN at a cafe in Seoul, they share their excitement and their dreams.
Apparently, this is also intended to underline the global impact of K-Pop: The new pop band 1Verse is made up of American, Japanese and two North Koreans. K-Pop is banned in the totalitarian state.
New K-pop boy band 1VERSE debuts today, featuring two North Korean defectors, as album includes songs about the aftermath of fleeing North Korea
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