K-pop's 1st boy band with North Korean defectors set for global debut

K-pop boy band 1VERSE / Courtesy of Singing Beetle

1VERSE, a five-member multinational boy band including North Korean defectors — a first in K-pop history — officially announced its global debut slated for next month.

Its agency, Singing Beetle, revealed through the group's official social media channels on Thursday that a global debut showcase will be livestreamed worldwide on July 18.

The lineup includes Hyuk and Seok, both originally from North Korea, alongside Nathan, a Thai-Laotian American; Kenny, a Chinese American; and Aito from Japan — forming a rare multinational act that marks the first time North Korean defectors have entered the K-pop idol industry.

The name 1VERSE reflects the idea of individual "verses" coming together to create one "universe." The "1" is pronounced "uni," symbolizing unity and harmony, according to the agency.

Singing Beetle says the group has already drawn early international attention, with media coverage and growing fan interest even before its debut.

Through platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, 1VERSE has shared behind-the-scenes training footage, vocal and dance covers and glimpses of their personal growth, helping to build a diverse global fan base spanning the U.S., Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, the Philippines and the U.K.

The agency also highlighted the group's executive producer and Singing Beetle CEO Michelle Cho, a former record producer at SM Entertainment. Cho's past projects have collectively sold over 8 million albums and the company is banking on her experience to launch what it calls "a new K-pop universe" with 1VERSE.