More Defectors Join K-Pop Groups as BE BOYS and 1VERSE Make Debut

Idol groups featuring members who are North Korean defectors are continuously making their debuts in the K-Pop market. Hakseong, a defector, first stepped into the music industry on the 18th as part of the six-member rookie boy group BE BOYS. After arriving from North Korea in 2017, he attracted the attention of judges and fellow contestants on KBS 2TV’s audition program “MAKEMATE1” last year by naming “defection” as his key trait. Although he was eliminated from the program at that time, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a singer by debuting with BE BOYS about a year later. On the 18th of next month, the multinational five-member boy group 1VERSE, which includes two defector members, will hold a showcase to make their debut. 1VERSE is composed of Hyuk and Seok, both defectors, along with American-Lao and American-Thai member Nathan, American-Chinese member Kenny, and Japanese member Aito. The album for this group was produced by Jo Michelle, the former A&R director at SM Entertainment. The group name “1VERSE” symbolizes how various verses, just like the diverse stories of its members, come together to form one universe. Even before their debut, the members had amassed nearly 1 million followers by showcasing their vocal skills and dance covers through YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.