North Korean defector Hyuk has made history as the first escapee to lead a K-pop boyband, turning a life of extreme poverty into a remarkable journey of musical stardom.
From Begging to Boyband
Hyuk’s early life in North Korea was marked by severe hardship. He fled the country in 2013 at just 12 years old, having spent his formative years begging on the streets to survive.
He recalls a time when finding firewood for cooking was a daily struggle, and access to music, let alone a career in it, was an unimaginable luxury. His focus was solely on day-to-day survival.
The Dream of an “Ordinary Person”
Even after his escape, Hyuk’s initial dream was simply “to live like a human being.” This profound desire inspired him to write a track called “Ordinary Person,” which he first shared on YouTube in 2024.
The song, rooted in his personal struggles, has now been performed live with his new bandmates. The group’s youngest member, Aito from Japan, shared that they believe they can achieve anything regardless of their diverse backgrounds.
Introducing 1Verse
Hyuk now leads 1Verse, a new five-member boy group. The lineup includes two North Korean defectors, Hyuk and Seok, along with Nathan from Arkansas, Kenny from Los Angeles, and Aito from Japan.
The quintet trained under Singing Beetle, a new label launched by former SM Entertainment executive Michelle Cho. The group’s name, 1Verse, signifies how each member brings their unique story, or “verse,” to create one cohesive “universe.”
The Road to Debut
Hyuk’s path to K-pop was far from conventional. After arriving in South Korea, he took factory shifts to make ends meet, even attempting to save for university before COVID-19 halted his plans.
It was during this challenging period that he met a music label CEO who saw potential in him and offered training. Hyuk initially suspected it was a scam, believing he had nothing left to lose.
However, the CEO persisted, building trust over a year through consistent support and shared meals. By late 2021, Hyuk officially joined the label, setting him on a new trajectory.
Finding Belonging
Today, Hyuk feels a profound sense of belonging, thanks to his bandmates and their growing fanbase, known as 5tarz. He expresses gratitude for the attention and support, emphasizing that their journey is a collective effort.
- Hyuk is the first North Korean defector to become the leader of a K-pop boyband.
- His early life involved begging on the streets and a difficult escape from North Korea at age 12.
- His personal experiences inspired his song “Ordinary Person.”
- His group, 1Verse, includes members from diverse backgrounds, symbolizing unity.
- Hyuk’s journey to K-pop stardom began with factory work and a chance encounter with a music label CEO.
Hyuk’s inspiring story highlights resilience and the power of dreams, demonstrating how a challenging past can fuel an extraordinary future in the global spotlight.
