1VERSE makes history as first K-pop group with North Korean defectors

Meet 1VERSE — stylized in all caps and pronounced “universe” — a groundbreaking five-member boy band composed of Hyuk, Seok, Aito, Kenny, and Nathan. With a lineup representing North Korea, South Korea, Japan, China, the US, and Southeast Asia, 1VERSE is more than just a global group — they are a symbol of resilience, diversity, and unity.

1VERSE has already made waves with the release of their pre-debut single, “Multiverse,” on 4 July. But their journey is as extraordinary as their name, especially for two of its members: Hyuk and Seok, both North Korean defectors who’ve traded fear and survival for freedom and artistry.

Beyond borders

For Yu Hyuk, the road to stardom began with a perilous six-month escape from North Hamgyong Province, North Korea. Separated from his mother as a child, Hyuk lived with his father and grandmother, often surviving on just one meal a day. He had never heard of K-pop, much less dreamed of becoming a performer, until he reunited with his mother in South Korea at age 13.

“I didn’t even know K-pop existed back then,” Hyuk shared in a recent interview. “But after arriving in Seoul, I joined a music club, and writing rap lyrics became a way to find myself.”

Meanwhile, Kim Seok, who grew up near the Chinese border, experienced a somewhat different North Korean reality — one where smuggled USBs and SD cards allowed him a peek into the forbidden world of South Korean entertainment. A former football player, Seok defected in 2019 following the path of several relatives and eventually chose music over the sport he once loved.

A new universe

The turning point for both came when Michelle Cho, a former SM Entertainment rep and now head of indie label Singing Beetle, met Hyuk in 2020. Impressed by his passion and potential, she offered him rap training and a chance to pursue music full time. He left his factory job behind and became the first trainee under SB Boyz, which would later evolve into 1VERSE.

“They were blank canvases,” Cho said. “They had no grasp of pop culture, but they were hardworking, humble, and incredibly determined.”

Seok joined shortly after, followed by Aito (a Japanese-Korean vocalist), Kenny (a Chinese-American dancer and visual), and Nathan (an American singer of Lao and Thai descent). Together, they form a group that defies convention — a multilingual, multicultural mix bonded by ambition and a shared dream.

The power of 'Multiverse'

Their first single, “Multiverse,” co-produced by Hyuk himself, is more than just a catchy title — it reflects their collective journey of crossing timelines, geographies, and emotional dimensions. With sleek production, a cinematic music video, and sharp choreography, “Multiverse” positions 1VERSE as a force to be reckoned with — not just in K-pop, but on a global stage.

“Each of us came from very different places, but when we perform, we become one story,” said Nathan.

Redefining K-pop

1VERSE’s existence already breaks new ground. They are the first K-pop boy band to include North Korean defectors, a feat unimaginable just a decade ago. Their story doesn’t gloss over hardship — it embraces it. From sleeping on concrete floors to standing beneath stage lights, Hyuk and Seok have shown what it means to dream against all odds.

Beyond representation, 1VERSE also reflects the changing face of K-pop itself — genre-fluid, globally diverse, and rooted in authenticity.

“We’re not just idols,” said Kenny. “We’re here to tell stories — our stories.”

With their official debut on 18 July and a growing fanbase intrigued by their backstory and talent, 1VERSE is poised to become more than just the newest name in K-pop. They are a testament to how music can transcend borders, histories, and even political lines.

Their message is simple yet powerful: no matter where you’re from, you deserve to be heard.