A new K-pop boy group named 1versSE has just had a global debut with a special feature: The two members are North Korean. The group's first EP "The 1st Verse" was broadcast live, including 3 songs, including a debut song called "Shattered".
1VERSE consists of 5 guys from North Korea, Japan and the US, with stage names Hyuk, Seok, Aito, Nathan and Kenny. Among them, Hyuk and Seok are both 25-year-old and used to live in North Korea before going to South Korea.
Hyuk is from Kyongsong district, northeast of North Korea, and has lived in Korea since 2013. He left North Korea when he was young.
Hyuk recalled that he was very happy to be with his loved ones in his hometown, which made the decision to leave even more difficult. The song "Shattered" was his heart when he heard the news of his father's passing in North Korea.
Seok, the other member from a town near the Chinese border, approached K-pop culture through a friend who shared a music video. He went to Korea with his father and grandmother when he was 20.
According to Ms. Michelle Cho - producer and CEO of Singing Beetle, the management unit of 1versSE, this music group was created with the goal of bringing more authenticity in an industry that is often considered too meticulous to the point of being unreal. Who doesnt love the story of a person of humble origin pursuing his dream, especially in K-pop? she said.
Kenny - a Chinese-American member - said that diversity is a special thing about the group: "Isn't it interesting? Our group truly has a global feel. Despite their different backgrounds, the members said they have many things in common and want to be recognized for their own music quality.
Hyuk expressed his hope to become an idol that inspires others: I want to be an idol that brings energy and the message that they are not alone because there are still people like me.
