1VERSE
The K-pop industry is seeing the debut of idol groups that include members who are North Korean defectors.
According to the music industry on June 20, HAKSEONG, a defector from North Korea, officially debuted on June 18 as a member of the six-member rookie boy group BE BOYS.
HAKSEONG had previously drawn attention in 2024 when he appeared on the KBS2 audition program “MAKEMATE1″, where he selected “defection” as his keyword and revealed,
“I came from North Korea in 2017.”
Although he was eliminated from the show early, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a singer about a year later by debuting with BE BOYS.
On July 18, another multinational boy band named 1VERSE, made up of five members, including two originally from North Korea, will make their debut.
1VERSE includes HYUK and SEOK, both North Korean, as well as NATHAN (an American of Laotian and Thai descent), KENNY (an American of Chinese descent), and AITO (a Japanese national).
Their album is being produced by Jo Michelle, former A&R (Artist & Repertoire) executive at SM Entertainment.
The group’s name, 1VERSE, symbolizes the unity created by the members’ multiple “verses” (whether musical or personal stories), coming together to form one shared universe.
Even before their official debut, the members have already gained nearly one million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the stories and music these groups, featuring members from North Korea, will bring to the K-pop scene.
Journalist: Loediie
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS 1VERSE, BE BOYS
