1Verse, a groundbreaking K-pop boy band, is making waves in the music industry as the first group to feature North Korean defectors. Comprising five members: Hyuk, Seok, Aito, Kenny, and Nathan, the band presents a unique blend of talent and diverse backgrounds. Hyuk and Seok, both North Korean defectors, bring poignant personal stories to the ensemble. They aim to inspire others and challenge existing perceptions about defectors in South Korea and beyond. Set to debut in the United States later this year, 1Verse is poised to captivate a global audience and potentially influence North Korean culture through its music.
Hyuk's journey from a seaside village in Kyongsong County, North Korea, to the bustling world of K-pop is nothing short of extraordinary. Raised by his father and grandmother after his parents' separation, Hyuk faced hardship early in life. At just nine years old, he resorted to begging on the streets of North Hamgyong, one of North Korea's most impoverished provinces. In 2013, he embarked on a perilous escape from North Korea, ultimately arriving in South Korea after passing through several countries.
The transition into South Korean society presented Hyuk with significant challenges. Having barely completed primary school before his defection, he struggled to cope with the country's fiercely competitive education system. However, he found solace in writing, which eventually led him to discover a passion for rap. His unique background and rapping talent caught the eye of music producer Michelle Cho, who offered him a spot in her agency, Singing Beetle.
“I don’t think they were used to questioning things or expressing their opinion,” said Ms. Cho.
Hyuk's inclusion in 1Verse marks a historic moment, as the band is set to become the first K-pop boy band to debut with North Korean defectors. Their upcoming debut in the US aims to attract more American fans while breaking new ground for K-pop as a genre. For Hyuk, the mission is personal. His primary motivation is to prove that defectors can achieve success and inspire others to dream big.
“Many defectors see an insurmountable gap between themselves and K-pop idols. It is hardly a career option for us,” Hyuk explained.
“So if I succeed, other defectors might be encouraged [to] have even bigger dreams. That’s why I am trying my hardest,” he added.
Seok, another defector in the group, arrived in South Korea in 2019 under vastly different circumstances than Hyuk. Together, they form the backbone of 1Verse's compelling narrative, highlighting resilience and hope. The group's music holds potential to resonate deeply within North Korea, as noted by Ha Seung-hee from Dongguk University's Institute of North Korean Studies.
“If a North Korean defector openly embraced their identity and went on to become a world-class activist, I think that would cause a stir in the North,” Ha commented.
The debut of 1Verse could mark a significant step in promoting K-culture within North Korea. Human rights activists have historically sent K-culture content across the border via balloons and bottles, aiming to introduce South Korean culture to isolated communities.
For some members of 1Verse, cultural differences have posed both challenges and learning opportunities. Kenny, an international member of the group, shared his experience adapting to Korean customs.
“Korean culture is very [communal] in that you eat together… that was a culture shock [to me],” Kenny remarked.
“I usually don't like eating with people, I prefer Netflix in my ear. But their joy comes from being collective,” he added.
Aito also shared his initial apprehensions about joining a group with North Korean defectors.
“I was kind of afraid at first because North Korea has a hostile relationship with Japan. I thought North Koreans would be scary, but that turned out not to be true,” Aito confessed.
Through their music and personal narratives, 1Verse aims to challenge stereotypes and promote understanding between cultures. Their story underscores the power of music as a universal language capable of bridging divides.
Hyuk dreams of the day when his fellow North Koreans can listen to his songs without fear of retribution. His journey reflects not only personal triumph but also the broader possibility of cultural exchange and acceptance.
“I couldn’t openly share what I’d been through, but I still wanted to make a record of it,” Hyuk stated.
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