Breaking Boundaries: North Korean Idols Set to Take the K pop
- Hyuk and Seok, two young North Koreans, are part of a new K-pop band called 1Verse
- Hyuk’s childhood in North Korea was about survival, he never listened to K-pop music until he defected to South Korea
- Seok grew up in a relatively affluent family in North Korea and was exposed to K-pop through smugglers
- Both Hyuk and Seok were recruited by a smaller Seoul-based label to form 1Verse
- The band also includes members from China, Laos, Thailand, and Japan
- Despite language barriers, the members are learning about each other’s cultures and are on the brink of their debut as a K-pop band
The Korean Wave, also known as Hallyu, has been spreading globally for years, with the popularity of K-pop music and K-dramas reaching new heights. However, the recent announcement of a new K-pop band called 1Verse has taken the industry by storm, as it includes two members from North Korea, a country known for its strict censorship and isolation from the outside world.
Hyuk and Seok, the two North Korean members of 1Verse, have stories that highlight the stark differences in their upbringing. Hyuk, who grew up in North Hamgyong province, had a challenging childhood filled with hardships and struggles to survive. He never had the luxury of listening to K-pop music, as his focus was on earning money to buy food for his family. On the other hand, Seok, raised in a relatively affluent family near the border, had access to South Korean music and content through illegal means.
Despite the ban on K-pop and harsh penalties for consuming South Korean media in North Korea, Seok managed to listen to K-pop songs and watch videos of South Korean artists through smugglers. His exposure to K-pop at a young age sparked his interest in becoming a K-pop idol, and eventually, he defected to South Korea at the age of 19.
The journey to becoming part of 1Verse was not easy for Hyuk and Seok. They were recruited by Singing Beetle, a smaller Seoul-based label, and trained under the guidance of CEO Michelle Cho. Hyuk’s natural talent for rapping impressed Cho, who saw his potential and offered him free lessons to develop his skills. Seok, on the other hand, had a strong self-belief and lobbied hard to be accepted into the group.
The other members of 1Verse, including a Chinese-American, a Lao-Thai American, and a Japanese dancer, come from diverse backgrounds and barely speak each other’s languages. However, the members are committed to bridging cultural gaps and building strong relationships with each other.
As they prepare for their debut, the members of 1Verse are determined to succeed in the competitive K-pop industry. Seok expressed his desire to move people with his voice, while Hyuk shared his emotional experience of being part of a real band.
The story of Hyuk and Seok’s journey from North Korea to the brink of K-pop stardom in South Korea is a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, they remain focused on achieving their dreams and making 1Verse a success.
The debut of 1Verse with North Korean members marks a significant moment in the history of K-pop, showcasing the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together. As the Korean Wave continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the story of Hyuk and Seok serves as a reminder of the transformative impact of music and the universal language of art.
/Digital Sauce
