Two Youth Who Escaped North Korea Make Global Debut as Members of K-Pop Group 1VERSE

A new chapter is being written in K-pop history. Two youth who escaped North Korea have made their debut as members of the K-pop group 1VERSE. The 25-year-old Suseok and Hyukhee fled across the North Korean border to China during their teenage years, later settled in South Korea, and were scouted by the newly established label Singing Beetle in 2022. This month, 1VERSE’s first album was officially released, and the group’s first international showcase is set to take place in the United States. Suseok recalled, “I loved music while I was in North Korea. I used to write down lyrics about my mother and longing, and I still look at those notes from time to time.” Before escaping North Korea, he found a way to express his emotions through music. Hyukhee’s musical journey began differently. “There was no time or environment to listen to music when I was in North Korea,” he said. His encounter with music changed his life after entering a high school in South Korea. A teacher discovered him writing lyrics during class and suggested he try rap. Hyukhee joined the school’s rap club, composed his first song, and performed it at a festival. That experience transformed music from a mere personal interest into a public pursuit. Later, a conversation with Michelle Jo, CEO of Singing Beetle, changed his dreams. “I started learning step by step and began dreaming of becoming an idol,” Hyukhee reflected. 1VERSE consists of five members and reflects the global appeal of K-pop. It includes multinational members such as Aito from Japan, Kenny from California, and Nathan from Arkansas. They underwent intense K-pop training, required to master skills at the level of K-pop idols in all areas including dancing, rapping, and singing. Suseok and Hyukhee’s success is the result of overcoming extraordinary hardships. Two youth who had to escape North Korea’s regime have entered one of the most competitive music industries in the world—K-pop. Their story demonstrates K-pop’s global influence and acceptance. Representatives of Singing Beetle described 1VERSE’s entry into the United States as a bold yet cautious move, given that the U.S. is one of the world’s most competitive music markets. Nevertheless, their unique background as defectors from North Korea and their musical passion are expected to attract attention from global fans. Their K-pop debut goes beyond being just another case in the music industry; it shows that music is a universal language that transcends borders and ideologies. Suseok and Hyukhee’s challenge to follow in the footsteps of K-pop megastars like BTS and BLACKPINK, who have achieved global success, is expected to symbolize new possibilities offered by K-pop.