Meet 1VERSE: K-pop boy group set to feature North Korean defectors
1VERSE is a groundbreaking K-pop boy group, featuring North Korean defectors Hyuk and Seok, alongside Aito and Kenny. Under Singing Beetle Entertainment, they are set to debut their album, scheduled for release early next year.
While there are numerous K-pop groups that debut every year, only a few stand out due to their varied line-ups, outstanding visuals, dance styles, or pure vocals. Now, all set to debut is the boy group called '1VERSE'.
So what sets them apart? It is their unique background, making them the first K-pop group to feature North Korean defectors. Of the 4 members - Hyuk, Seok, Aito, and Kenny - under Singing Beetle Entertainment, two of Hyuk and Seok escaped North Korea years ago, are set to make history as the first North Korean defector idols.
[From. 1VERSE] We just want to thank you all again for the overwhelming support! We love you all ?
¡ª 1VERSE (@1VERSE_official) September 30, 2024
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1VERSE's debut album, scheduled for release early next year, will highlight the personal stories of its members. Let's get to know these members a bit more.
Hyuk
Birth Name: Yu Hyuk
Position: Leader, Rapper
Birthday: March 3, 2000
[From. HYUK] ???????? ??? ???????
¡ª 1VERSE (@1VERSE_official) December 4, 2024
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Born and raised in North Korea, he escaped alone in 2013 after living as a kkotjebi (street child). His six-month journey to freedom spanned three countries before he reached Seoul at 13. There, he juggled school and part-time jobs to rebuild his life, eventually becoming Singing Beetle Entertainment's first trainee. He cites BTS' Jimin and Suga as his role models.
Seok
Birth Name: Kim Seok
Position: Vocalist
Birthday: June 3, 2000
[From. SEOK] ?? ??? ?? ?? ????? ?~ ??? ???? ?? ?? ?????:) #1VERSE #???? #SEOK #? pic.twitter.com/RWjfzk8G7p
¡ª 1VERSE (@1VERSE_official) November 28, 2024
He was born and raised in North Korea, though the exact timing of his escape remains unclear. He arrived in South Korea around 2019. While in North Korea, he listened to smuggled K-pop songs and watched music videos, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Initially passionate about soccer, he later discovered his love for singing. His role model is SHINee's Taemin.
Kenny
Birth Name: Hao Ruiran
Position: Vocalist
Birthday: December 9, 2002
[From. KENNY] I like to wear socks with slippers fight me #1VERSE #?? #KENNY pic.twitter.com/8580reX1In
¡ª 1VERSE (@1VERSE_official) October 17, 2024
Originally from Los Angeles, California, he competed on Asia Super Young but left the show due to health issues. In 2019, he won the male division of the Culture China Water Cube Cup in Los Angeles. He was also a former SM trainee alongside Aito. His role model is EXO's Baekhyun.
Aito
Birth Name: Murata Aito
Position: Dance, Maknae
Birthday: March 11, 2005
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¡ª 1VERSE (@1VERSE_official) October 16, 2024
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This Japanese-Korean lad was a former SM trainee alongside Kenny. He joined Singing Beetle because he found the company fun and inspiring. His dance inspirations come from Jimin of BTS and Yeonjun of TXT, while his role model is Baekhyun from EXO.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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