A new K-pop boy group, 1VERSE (pronounced "universe"), made their international debut on Friday, July 18, with a unique twist—two of its five members are North Korean defectors. Their first extended play (EP), The 1st Verse, includes a powerful debut track titled Shattered, which touches on the emotional toll of fleeing one of the world’s most tightly controlled regimes. The band comprises five men in their twenties—Hyuk, Seok, Aito, Nathan, and Kenny—who hail from North Korea, Japan, and the United States. At midnight, the group hosted a live-streamed performance to launch the EP, which includes three songs. The music video for Shattered, shot earlier this year, is expected to be released later on Friday. It features the members with striking makeup, modern hairstyles, and a strobe-lit set.

Hyuk, 25, originally from Kyongsong in northeastern North Korea, has lived in South Korea since 2013. He appreciates both the opportunity to share his talents with the world and the simple privilege of eating regularly. Recalling his past, he shared how he began working at the age of nine and often faced hunger, sometimes surviving on spoiled food or resorting to theft. One such incident led to a severe beating.

North Korea has increased restrictions on its citizens since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with heightened reports of human rights violations, including forced labor and starvation, according to a recent UN report. Hyuk fled North Korea as a child, escaping to China and eventually reaching South Korea with help from a broker arranged by his mother. Although grateful for his current life, he remembers the pain of leaving loved ones behind. He revealed that Shattered reflects his emotions after learning about his father's death back in North Korea.

Seok, the other 25-year-old North Korean member, previously lived near the Chinese border. He was first introduced to K-pop through a friend who shared music via a portable media player, including Psy’s viral hit Gangnam Style. Seok eventually escaped with his father and grandmother at age 20. As the North Korean regime continues to crack down on South Korean cultural influence, including K-pop and language, the existence of a group like 1VERSE is both daring and meaningful. Reports say that teenagers in North Korea have even been sentenced to hard labor for consuming K-pop content.

Michelle Cho, CEO of Singing Beetle, the label behind 1VERSE, said the group aims to bring authenticity to an industry often seen as overly polished. “Everyone loves a story about someone overcoming hardship to follow their dream—especially in K-pop,” she noted. Despite their varied backgrounds, the members say they share strong bonds. “Isn’t it fun?” said Kenny, a Chinese American member. “Our group is just a new kind of global.” Although their North Korean origins have drawn media interest, Hyuk hopes audiences will focus on their music. “I want to be an idol who spreads positivity and reminds people they’re not alone—even someone like me made it this far,” he said.