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5d ago

K-Pop Group 1VERSE Debuts With Two North Korean Defectors and International Lineup

The group has built a massive TikTok following before embarking on its first US showcase.

K-pop band 1VERSE members pose for photo at the dance practice room at their label in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Juwon Park)
The newly debuted K-Pop group 1VERSE.
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Overview

  • The 1st Verse dropped on July 18 with the title track “Shattered,” featuring raw lyrics co-written by members Hyuk and Kenny.
  • The five-member act unites Hyuk and Seok—both North Korean defectors—with Aito from Japan, Nathan from Arkansas and Chinese American member Kenny.
  • Ahead of its launch, 1VERSE amassed more than 22 million likes and nearly 700,000 followers on TikTok through behind-the-scenes content.
  • Their music blends personal defector narratives with pop sensibilities, using tracks like “Shattered” to explore themes of chaos, resilience and hope.
  • 1VERSE will kick off its first US showcase this summer, with exact dates and venues to be announced by Singing Beetle.