New k-pop group, 1Verse, debuts with two North Korean defectors

Dubai: New K-pop group, 1Verse (said ‘universe’) made their debut this weekend with their first album The 1st Verse. However, this is not why the group is already getting global recognition.

The multinational five-member group consists of a Japanese member Aito, Chinese-American member Kenny, a Laotian-Thai American member Nathan and Hyuk and Seok, two North Korean members who later defected to South Korea.

“The group name means each member will bring their unique ‘verse’ to form a ‘universe’ of stories and identity,” according to The Korea Herald.

In a press conference held in Seoul, member Kenny said, “It can be lonelier as a verse, but together we can form a song. It means we each bring stories and verses from our lives, and make our own universe together.”

Hyuk who lived in North Korea until the age of 12, defected to South Korea in 2013 and worked ina. factory, until he was noticed by the CEO of a music label. Hyuk went on to take rap lessons, becoming a member of 1Verse.

Seok on the other hand was a football player in North Korea and began at the age of 8. He then defected to the South in 2019 and played in a semi-professional football team, began pursuing physical education studies and was eventually approached at a weekend game by an idol training program.

Earlier this year K-pop group BE BOYS debuted with North Korean defector -- Hak Seong. While 1Verse was not the first group to debut with North Korean defectors, they gained recognition because of the diversity of the group.

The group debuted on July 18, with their first album The 1st Verse under the label Singing Beetle. The group's title track Shattered was co-written by Kenny and Hyuk.