Latest news with #1Verse
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
K-pop star, who begged on streets and fled North Korea, makes history as first defector to lead a boyband
Coming from a place where staying alive was the only luxury, North Korea-born rapper Hyuk is now one of the first two defectors to break into the K-pop scene, alongside fellow member Seok. As the leader of the new boy group 1Verse, Hyuk didn't grow up in the spotlight, his journey is the real kind of rags to riches, the kind surrounded with fear, scams, and nights spent wondering if he'd live to see the next day. No safety, no future, no money just survival. From factory shifts to center stage under Seoul's blinding lights, Hyuk's journey is both inspiring and heartbreaking. In 2013, when he was just 12, Hyuk escaped the country where his early years were spent in extreme poverty. As per Korea JoongAng Daily, he begged on the streets to survive. 'Where I lived, we had to collect firewood just to cook rice and survive day by day, it was essential,' he said during the press conference in southern Seoul on Friday—just ahead of the group's first single release. He revealed that he didn't have enough access to music to even consider pursuing it as a career. 'Since I lived struggling every day, I lived so busily that I wonder if I even had time to listen to music, I didn't have that luxury.' Even after debuting, Hyuk said his dream 'has always been to live like a human being.' That same need drove him to write a track called 'Ordinary Person,' which he first uploaded to YouTube in 2024. The lyrics were based on his life and struggles. Now, that same song has finally been performed live, this time with his bandmates by his side. 'With members from different countries all coming together as 1Verse, I just thought, 'We can do this regardless of background,'' said Aito, the group's youngest member from Japan, in an interview with AP. Also read: Ahn Hyo Seop reveals how 'senior' Lee Min Ho treated him on Omniscient Reader set: 'I've admired him for years, he made me feel…' 1Verse is made up of five members: Hyuk and Seok, both North Korean defectors, Nathan from Arkansas, Kenny from Los Angeles, and Aito from Japan. The quintet trained under Singing Beetle, a label launched by former SM Entertainment exec Michelle Cho. This is the company's first group, and the name shows how every member brings their own story, their own verse, coming together to form one universe. Hyuk's road to stardom began in South Korea, working factory shifts just to get by. He even saved up enough to try for university, but COVID shattered that dream. 'It was when COVID was pretty severe, and a bad incident happened, so I had no choice but to work at a factory,' he said. Somewhere in that grind, he crossed paths with a music label CEO, someone who saw potential in him. He offered him training. At first, Hyuk thought it was a scam. But then he recalled thinking: 'I really have nothing right now. Even if you rob me, not even dust would come out.' But the CEO kept showing up, bought him meals and pushed him to believe. After a year of back-and-forth and building trust, Hyuk officially joined the label in late 2021. Also read: ILLIT drags BTS, Jennie, and aespa to refute Min Hee Jin's accusations of copying NewJeans Now, he says it feels like he finally belongs thanks to the members and their fans. Their fandom is called 5tarz, and the members say they already feel the support. 'I'm very grateful that people are paying attention to us. I think it's okay as long as it doesn't lean too much to one side … it's not just me but all our members are here too, it's a journey we're creating together,' he said.
CNA
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
K-pop band 1Verse debuts with 2 North Korean defector members
With two out of five of its members North Korean defectors, the K-pop group 1Verse (pronounced universe) is breaking new ground as it debuts its single album on Friday (Jul 18). The band represents an unusual convergence of backgrounds: North Korea-born rapper Hyuk and singer Seok join Nathan from Arkansas, Kenny from Los Angeles and Aito from Japan. While not the first K-pop act to include North Korean defectors – Be Boys' Hak Seong debuted earlier this year – the diversity of the group's members add a rare dimension to the genre's growing global diversity. The group debuts Friday with their single album The 1st Verse under Seoul-based label Singing Beetle. Their title track Shattered features lyrics co-written by Hyuk and Kenny. FROM THE FOOTBALL FIELD TO A FACTORY TO STARDOM 'With members from different countries all coming together as 1Verse, I just thought 'we can do this regardless of background' going forward,' said Aito, the group's youngest member from Chiba, Japan. Hyuk, who lived in North Korea's North Hamgyong Province until age 12, defected to the South in 2013. His journey to K-pop stardom began while working in a factory in South Korea, where a chance encounter with the CEO of a music label eventually led to weekend rap lessons in Seoul. 'I went to university but then things went bad. It was when COVID was pretty severe, and a bad incident happened, so I had no choice but to work at a factory,' he said. Initially sceptical, Hyuk thought the invitation to become a pop star might be a scam. He recalled thinking: 'I really have nothing right now, even if you rob me, not even dust would come out." After a year of meetings where the music executive consistently bought him meals and encouraged his training, Hyuk joined the agency in late 2021. Seok's path was similarly unconventional. A former football player who started playing at eight years old in North Korea, he defected in 2019. He declined to provide additional details, citing safety concerns. After arriving in South Korea, he briefly played for a semi-professional team before pursuing physical education studies. During weekend soccer games he was approached about an idol training programme. 'I was starting music for the first time, right? So I started with the mindset that if it doesn't work out, I can just stop and try something else,' Seok said. LIMITED EXPOSURE TO K-POP GROWING UP Both members' experiences reflect harsh realities they left behind. Hyuk described spending eight to 10 hours daily collecting firewood as a child just to survive. 'Where I lived, we had to collect firewood just to cook rice and survive day by day – it was essential,' he recalled. Hyuk didn't have much access to music growing up. 'Since I lived struggling every day, I lived so busily that I wonder if I even had time to listen to music – I didn't have that luxury,' he said. Seok had some exposure to K-pop in North Korea, listening occasionally to f(x)'s LA chA TA and Super Junior songs despite it being illegal in North Korea to listen to South Korean music. 'I probably heard K-pop back in elementary school. But I couldn't listen often since it was illegal,' he said. GAINING INTERNATIONAL TRACTION Experts and defectors say K-pop and other South Korean pop culture products have emerged as a challenge to North Korea's leadership as they steadily gained popularity among the public. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has intensified campaigns since the pandemic to eliminate South Korean cultural influence. Nathan, from Arkansas, first encountered K-pop through his Texas-based cousins who were longtime fans. 'I would kind of just pretend to be a hater, like urgh, K-pop. And then I just so happened to come across Exo's Growl music video on YouTube,' he recalled. The group's diverse backgrounds are reflected in their training, which includes courses on global citizenship. 'We want to be inclusive of everyone's history, everyone's current situations back home,' Kenny explained. Seok expressed excitement about connecting with international fans, particularly in America. 'Since I came from North Korea, it's hard to see foreigners there. So I really wanted to see people from other countries,' he said. The group has already gained traction online. Seok described filming emotional video diaries during difficult early training days, which fans responded to with supportive messages. 'I filmed that diary video with somewhat emotional, slightly teary feelings. And I uploaded it to TikTok or YouTube, and fans sent me comforting letters," he said. 'As soon as I saw the first line, tears came out and I was really touched.' Hyuk acknowledged the attention their North Korean background generates while emphasising the group's collective identity. 'I'm very grateful that people are paying attention to us,' he said. 'I think it's okay as long as it doesn't lean too much to one side ... it's not just me but all our members are here too, it's a journey we're creating together.'
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
1Verse debuts with diverse background, single vision
1Verse, a multinational K-pop group whose members include North Korean defectors, officially debuted on Friday 1Verse, another ambitious rookie group, embarked on a musical journey on Friday with its first album 'The 1st Verse.' The five-member group consists of Hyuk and Seok -- both of whom were born in North Korea and later defected to South Korea -- along with Japanese member Aito; Kenny, who is Chinese American; and Nathan, a Laotian-Thai American. The group name, 1Verse, means each member brings their unique 'verse' to form a unified 'universe' of stories and identity. 'It can be lonelier as a verse, but together we can form a song. It means we each bring stories and verses from our lives, and make our own universe together,' said Kenny during the press conference held in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Friday. 'Shattered,' the main track of the group's debut single "The 1st Verse," blends hip-hop energy with pop sensibility, featuring aggressive rap verses, catchy hooks and emotional melodies. The group said the song expresses the chaos and confusion one feels when 'the whole room seems to fall apart.' 'We tried to depict that through raw lyrics and explosive sounds,' said Kenny, who participated in the songwriting. Hyuk added with a smile, 'Our CEO made me record the rap verse 11 or 12 times. It was fun, but painful.' 'Everyone goes through a moment when their world feels like it's falling apart. Our members have been there too, and we tried to reflect that in the lyrics,' he said. Prerelease track 'Multiverse,' which was released on July 4, is a retro-flavored, bright pop track. Hyuk participated in songwriting and lyric writing, while Aito created choreography. 'The message of this song is 'I will love you in every version of the world, in every version of you.' It's something we want to say to ourselves, but especially something we want to tell our fans. You deserve to be loved,' explained Aito. Though not included in the album, the group also performed 'Ordinary Person,' a track composed by Hyuk and originally released as a mixtape on YouTube before the group's debut. The song reflects his powerful desire to 'live like an ordinary person' after defecting from North Korea. Hyuk defected from North Korea in 2013 at the age of 13, while Seok defected in 2018, when he was 18.
Korea Herald
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Summer reads: Books for the hottest days
By Culture Desk Reading is one of the simplest ways to beat the summer heat. From gripping page-turners that whisk us away to reflective essays and self-help titles that gently guide us back into daily life after a break, this season's recommendations span genres and moods. The Korea Herald asked people from a wide range of fields what books they've recently enjoyed and which ones they'd recommend for summer. Their picks might just lead you to a perfect companion for a lazy afternoon or a long-awaited responses of the following figures, arranged alphabetically, have been edited for length and clarity. 1Verse K-pop boy band Hyuk: "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" by Dale Carnegie I've been thinking about how I can make the most out of each day. This book taught me how to do that by weaving stories of people overcoming hardships with carefully chosen poems. It reminds me to value today more than the past or the future. Seok: "The Little Everyday Stoic" by Jorg Bernardy This line resonates with me: 'If you're going through something difficult, if you've failed or if you're angry at someone — will these things still matter to you a year from now?' It's full of quotes that inspire me in my daily life. Nathan: "The Lost Hero" by Rick Riordan One of my favorite books from childhood, the story is adventurous and engaging. I was excited reading it and imagining the scenes was a lot of fun. Kenny: "Smile" by Raina Telgemeier In elementary school, this was one of the first books I bought with my own money after doing two days' worth of home chores. This is also the first book I understood I can relate to and be seen by someone who lives a different life from mine. Aito: "Jujutsu Kaisen" by Gege Akutami Each character has a unique personality that perfectly suits them, making the story incredibly engaging. The fight scenes are so stunning and intense that I found myself completely absorbed. I've read them over and over again! Aoring Author of web comic "Aoring Tokyo" on Kakao Webtoon "Good Morning, Monster: A Therapist Shares Five Heroic Stories of Emotional Recovery" by Catherine Gildiner (Korean title: "Survivors") "Survivors" — what a clunky title! The cover doesn't help either. Plus it's nonfiction. I'd always had this bias that nonfiction lacks literary merit, but after finishing this one, those distinctions felt meaningless. Here are people's stories, achingly real, and here I am, feeling every beat of their hearts. Some truths hit harder than fiction, ring more literary than literature itself. I discovered this book through a small reading group — my greatest stroke of luck this year. I'm passing that luck forward by recommending it here. Chang Kwang-pil HD Hyundai Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer "Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making" by Tony Fadell In this book, Tony Fadell, the 'father of the iPod,' offers essential guidance on how to put innovative creation into practice. It explores how developers work, how to set goals and outlines a three-stage development strategy that ensures innovation leads to real profits. It even provides advice on how to recognize when to abandon a creative process. This book serves as a practical guide and strategic compass for those preparing for innovative breakthroughs, while also offering an opportunity to revisit and reflect on the fundamentals of innovation. Choi Jung-wha President of Corea Image Communication Institute "Yi Do Diary" by Kim Gyeong-mook 'Yi Do Diary' reimagines the 33-year reign of King Sejong (Yi Do) through 33 diary-style essays. It follows his journey from being unexpectedly crowned a king to becoming a wise leader, highlighting his burden of responsibility, loyalty to his elder brother, commitment to strong governance and focus on national defense. The book blends historical facts with imagined dialogues, bringing King Sejong's empathy, open-minded leadership and problem-solving vividly to life. The author, trained in transforming empathy into products, makes Sejong's thoughtful way of living resonate with modern readers. Choung Byoung-gug Chairperson of Arts Council Korea "The Use of Music" by Cho Hye-rim This is a story about someone who chose to change the direction of their life, simply because they loved something deeply. It gently reminds us that art -- like music -- becomes a quiet yet steady force that helps us ride the waves of life. I hope this book encourages young people to trust what they love, to hold on to it, and to find the courage to build a life shaped by it. Bora Chung International Booker-nominated writer "The Mechanics of That Toilet" by Seol Jae-in Seol Jae-in's storytelling is truly remarkable. I knew this going in, but still, I couldn't put the book down. I just had to see what happened in the next scene, on the next page. Through the troublesome event of clogged or failing toilet flushes, the author ultimately addresses issues of abuse and isolation. Because of money or obligations, people end up trapped in relationships that offer no safety nets, only tangled snares. Seol unravels these ensnaring bonds with unpredictable imagination. As a reader, you can't help but be swept up, dancing breathlessly to the rhythm. But because it's Seol Jae-in, the journey all the way to the end is truly worthwhile. Stephane Deblaise Renault Korea CEO "Growth National Happiness" by Francois Roux This spans 30 years of modern French history from 1981 — the year Francois Mitterand was elected as the first socialist president — until 2011. It is about the story of four friends who enter university in 1981, each with different views on politics and life. We follow them as they grow up and either become richer or don't. It is an excellent description of social relationships in France at the end of 20th century and the crossed lives of the four friends. It is very easy to read and also very good. Han Jung-hee Director of Photography Seoul Museum of Art "Desert Island" by Kang Hong-goo One book caught my eye as I was organizing my shelf ahead of the museum opening. In "Desert Island," the islands seem both somewhere and nowhere at once — a curious space where reality and imagination are blurred. Each island feels like a fragment of memory, a trace of places the artist has encountered, or perhaps dreamed of. It serves as a rare gift — one that lets us pause, step away from the noise of the world, and dream a little. I hope the book allows readers to more deeply understand the unique lens through which the artist Kang Hong-goo views the world. Bella Kim Actor, "Winter in Sokcho" "Nomadism" by Lee Jin-kyung This book cracked open Deleuze and Guattari's "A Thousand Plateaus" for me, making its layered thinking more accessible. Its core concepts seemed complex at first but eventually gave me an unexpected sense of legitimacy, letting me feel more fully myself. Perfect summer read for stepping beyond linear thinking and into the unknown. Kim Jae-hong National Museum of Korea Director General "Letters from National Museum of Korea" by Webzine Editorial Department of National Museum of Korea As a curator who has spent many years working closely with artifacts, this book offered me a fresh perspective. The reflections shared by curators, museum visitors and fellow museum aficionados are brief, yet deeply moving, and above all, sincere. The book presents diverse interpretations of 100 artifacts — including the Moon Jar, Pensive Bodhisattva and a clay figurine — that evoke a sense of connection rarely found in academic papers or research reports. On a sweltering summer day, I encourage readers to pause in front of an artifact with this book in hand and take a quiet moment to reflect. Juhea Kim International bestselling author "The Boy of Tear-Flowers: A Story from My Childhood" by Park No-hae This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. Park is one of Korea's most beloved poets and a well-known pro-labor activist of the 1980s. This is a collection of essays from Park's childhood in a small village in Jeolla province, illuminating truths about love, community, faith and nature in limpid and unassuming prose (illustrated by his pencil sketches). Reading this is like watching a heavy rain bend down stalks of wildflowers; your heart aches, but afterwards the air fills with even more beautiful fragrance. Kim Sung-hee Director of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea "Rainbow Eyes" by Kim Soom The author depicts the weight of life as a person with visual impairment in quiet, understated language. I came across words in this book that delicately pierce my mind, which reminded me of the ongoing exhibition "Looking After Each Other" at MMCA Seoul. The exhibition prompts us to reconsider perceptions of physical disabilities. For someone like me, who had never truly reflected on visual impairment, her writing arrives as a small voice — yet with a profound and resounding impact. Kim Yong-jae Chief revenue officer at SBS' Prism Studios "Everyday Resilience: A Practical Guide to Build Inner Strength and Weather Life's Challenges" by Gail Gazelle The term "resilience" is a word that is being used more and more these days. As people go through life, they inevitably face all sorts of twists, turns and crises. Just as the sea becomes calm and peaceful after high waves and a passing typhoon, this book teaches us how to accept and wisely deal with life's adversities. It is certainly a book worth reading at least once. Lee Hae-shin Endowed chair professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology / Polyphenol Factory CEO "Humankind: A Hopeful History" by Rutger Bregman This book challenges the common belief that humans are inherently selfish and competitive, and instead presents cooperation and goodwill as core aspects of human nature. As you follow the historical cases and scientific experiments described, you come to realize that human society has progressed not through conflict and prejudice, but through trust and optimism. As a scientist, it gave me an opportunity to critically reflect on the interpretations and biases behind experimental results, and it offered me a more positive perspective on humanity and society. Pierre Morcos Cultural Counselor and Director of the Institut francais, Embassy of France in Korea "The Naked Tree" by Park Wan-suh Inspired by the author's life, this novel set during the Korean War captures grief, resilience, and fleeting hope through a young woman's eyes. I discovered it in French this year thanks to a new translation by L'Atelier des Cahiers. It shows how art, especially painting, can bring dignity and solace even in the harshest times. Shin Hye-sung Founder and CEO of Wadiz "Reasons for Travel" by Kim Young-ha As our company pursues global ventures, I find myself traveling abroad more frequently. Business trips are certainly different from vacations, yet, I wonder if they still hold something of the traveler's spirit. One weekend, with a stack of pending agendas, I pulled "Reasons for Travel" off my shelf. It made me reflect on the idea of purposeful travel — leaving behind a life where I exist as a 'somebody,' entangled in countless relationships, and stepping into the anonymity of being a 'nobody' in a place where no one knows me. Perhaps business trips don't quite allow me to enjoy being a 'nobody,' while at the same time demanding relentless effort to become a 'somebody' in an unfamiliar setting. In the end, the difference between those who embrace every moment in life and those who don't often comes down to perspective. Shin Hye-woo Jill Smythies Award-winning botanist, botanical illustrator "Thoreau's Sentences" by Henry David Thoreau Henry David Thoreau continues to inspire nature lovers around the world. Both a writer and a scientist, he captured not only the beauty of the natural world but also offered scientific insights into how that beauty comes to be. His work carries a philosophy that encourages us to reflect on our place in nature. This book can be enjoyed in small doses, like taking a brief rest to escape the summer heat — just open to any page and read a little. When you look up from the text, the radiant greens of summer may seem to shine even brighter. Shin Seong-jin Founder of AXIS "The Ideal Team Player" by Patrick Lencioni Even during moments of rest, my thoughts often return to my team. This book introduces three simple but powerful traits — humble, hungry and smart — as the foundation of great teamwork. It reminded me that strong teams are not built on fancy strategies, but on shared values and character. For anyone building something with others, this book is a refreshing reminder that going back to the basics is often the most effective way forward. Sini Author of web comic "1 Second" on Naver Webtoon "There is No If" by Namkoong In I'll admit I picked this up for work, but "There is No If" became something else entirely. It's a collection of essays that thread together emergency room stories through an ER doctor's perspective. I've always loved peering behind the curtain — it's what drives my own work. The irony isn't lost on me — that a book I picked up out of professional duty ended up genuinely moving me is quite interesting in itself. Clemens Treter Director Goethe-Institut Korea / Regional Director East and Central Asia "February 1933: The Winter of Literature" and "Marseille 1940: The Flight of Literature" by Uwe Wittstock Uwe Wittstock's 'February 1933' vividly captures the winter of literature as Hitler rises to power and the Nazi regime begins its grip on Germany — met with disbelief by much of Berlin's vibrant literary scene. It's a chilling account, all the more resonant in light of today's political climate. The book comes with a companion, 'Marseille 1940,' which follows the courageous work of Varian Fry's Emergency Rescue Committee. With tenacity and moral clarity, Fry helped some 2,000 people escape the Nazis — among them many artists and writers like Hannah Arendt, Anna Seghers, Lion Feuchtwanger and Marc Chagall. Wittstock tells a gripping story of humanity, fear, hope and improbable survival. Michelle Winthrop Ambassador of Ireland to Republic of Korea "Black Flower" by Kim Young-ha K-Literature is my favourite aspect of K-Culture. Throughout my posting so far, I've really enjoyed delving in to some of the great fiction, often impeccably translated into English. I adore all of Han Kang's writing. One book I've really enjoyed in recent months has been "Black Flower" by Kim Young-ha. A complex story of intrepid Koreans who emigrated to Mexico as laborers, based on a "little-known moment of Korean history." Ireland is a nation of emigrants, who traveled over generations to the four corners of the globe (including to Mexico), and so this epic story really resonated with me. It's also beautifully written. Yi Dahm Author of web comic "Like Mother, Like Daughter" on Naver Webtoon "The Sirens' Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource" by Chris Hayes What happens when everyone's fighting over our most finite resource — attention? And how do we protect what's left of it? MSNBC host Chris Hayes examines how human attention has become commodified and what that means for society. He offers a guide for navigating past the siren songs trying to hijack our focus. An essential read for this distracted age. Tei Yong CEO of Catchtable "The Right It" by Alberto Savoia I highly recommend this book to both entrepreneurs and people working on new ideas, projects or innovations. It starts with the idea that most new ideas fail and teaches you how to find out which ones are likely to succeed, using as little time and money as possible. Instead of relying only on your intuition or other people's opinions, the book encourages you to test and validate your idea first to avoid costly mistakes and make smarter decisions.
Korea Herald
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
1Verse, K-pop group with North Korean defectors, to debut in July
The five-member group to hold debut showcase July 18 Another new K-pop group is set to debut, with a powerful story and a global lineup. K-pop agency Singing Beetle has announced the debut of 1Verse, a five-member multinational boy band, with a showcase scheduled for July 18. The event will be livestreamed for fans around the world. The group includes Hyuk and Seok; both were born in North Korea and later defected to South Korea. Japanese member Aito and Chinese-American Kenny joined the team followed by Nathan, a Laotian-Thai American who became the final member to join in December 2024, completing the five-member lineup. In preparation for their debut, the members have undergone extensive artist training and spent time bridging their cultural and personal backgrounds. They practice each other's languages and engage in daily conversations to build mutual understanding and strong team chemistry, according to the company. The mastermind behind the group is Cho Michelle, founder of Singing Beetle and a producer who previously worked in A&R at K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment, where she contributed to projects that have collectively sold over 8 million albums. The group name, 1Verse, reflects the idea that each member brings their unique 'verse' to form a unified 'universe' of stories and identity. The members have steadily introduced themselves through social media and YouTube, sharing their vocal and dance training journey, and building a solid fanbase even before their official debut. On Wednesday, the group further proved its predebut popularity by revealing its official fandom name — 5Tarz — via YouTube.
