North Korean Defectors Launch K-Pop Band 1Verse in South Korea

Hyuk, a North Korean defector, is set to debut in the K-pop band 1Verse, marking a historic moment as the first North Korean performers trained for stardom in South Korea's K-pop industry. Growing up in North Hamgyong province, Hyuk's childhood was marked by hardship and survival; he had never listened to K-pop due to its ban in the North. His bandmate Seok, raised in a more affluent family, had access to K-pop through smuggled content, which inspired him to eventually defect to the South. The formation of 1Verse reflects the evolving landscape of K-pop, highlighting stories of resilience and cultural crossover. Both Hyuk and Seok's journeys underscore the stark differences in experiences among North Koreans and their aspirations in the South. The group represents a significant cultural milestone, bridging the divide between the two Koreas through music.