The group, 1VERSE, made its global debut on 18/7. The five-member band comprises men in their 20s from North Korea, Japan, and the US. The two North Korean members are Hyuk and Seok.

25-year-old Yu Hyuk is from Kyongsong county in northeast North Korea. He defected as a child, first to China, and then to South Korea with the help of a broker arranged by his mother, who was already living in South Korea. Hyuk has lived in South Korea since 2013.

Hyuk said the debut song, “Shattered”, encapsulates his feelings upon learning of his father's death in North Korea.

1VERSE members from left to right: Kenny, Aito, Seok, Nathan, and Hyuk. Photo: Singing Beetle

1VERSE members from left to right: Kenny, Aito, Seok, Nathan, and Hyuk. Photo: Singing Beetle

Kim Seok, also 25, lived in a North Korean border town near China. He discovered K-pop through a friend. Seok, his father, and his grandmother defected from North Korea when he was 18.

Michelle Cho, producer and CEO of Singing Beetle, 1VERSE’s management company, said she wanted to create a more authentic group in an industry often seen as manufactured.

“Who doesn't love a story about someone from humble beginnings pursuing their dreams, especially in K-pop?”, Cho said.

While the group has attracted attention for having North Korean defectors as members, Hyuk hopes they will be judged on their talent.

“I want to be an idol who brings energy and an encouraging message to many people, that they are not alone, and that there are even people like me”, he said.

Before 1VERSE, another South Korean group, Be Boys, also had a member who defected from North Korea.