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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Hallyuwood devider K-pop boy band 1Verse featuring North Korean defector artists to debut in July

K-pop boy band 1Verse featuring North Korean defector artists to debut in July

Published Jun 19, 2025 11:24 pm
K-pop boy band 1Verse (Singing Beetle)
K-pop boy band 1Verse (Singing Beetle)
The first-ever K-pop idol group featuring North Korean defector artists will be making their debut in July in South Korea.
Korean music label Singing Beetle announced on June 19 that K-pop boy band 1Verse will officially debut on July 18 with “The 1st Verse.”
1Verse (pronounced “universe”) will have five members. Two of the members—rapper Hyuk and singer Seok—are making history as the first North Korean defectors in a K-pop idol group. Nathan and Kenny come from the US, and Aito from Japan.
“Fans can expect something real, something powerful, something that will lift them up and move them,” said Singing Beetle CEO Michelle Cho. “This exciting debut reflects who 1Verse is, the inspiring journeys they’ve taken to get here, and the kind of future they’re ready to shape.”
Their debut single album will blend each of the five members’ individual artistry and talent with electrifying contributions from renowned industry creatives, including hitmakers for BTS, TWICE, Seventeen, and NCT.
The name 1Verse reflects the unity of the group’s five members with their devoted and rapidly growing fanbase, 5Tarz (pronounced “stars”).
Though they come from vastly different places, Hyuk, Seok, Nathan, Kenny and Aito—and their 5Tarz — are all searching for the same thing: their truest selves.
“The 1st Verse” will be available for pre-order at 3 p.m. KST on June 27 with limited quantities available, and will premiere on @1VERSE_official’s YouTube channel at 12 p.m. KST on July 18.
K-pop boy band 1Verse (Singing Beetle)
K-pop boy band 1Verse (Singing Beetle)
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