SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The K-pop group 1VERSE is making waves in the music industry with their debut single album, which was released on Friday. Notably, two out of the five members, Hyuk and Seok, are North Korean defectors, which helps the group embody a unique blend of diverse backgrounds. Their lineup includes Nathan from Arkansas, Kenny from Los Angeles, and Aito from Chiba, Japan.

While 1VERSE is not the first K-pop act to feature North Korean defectors—BE BOYS' Hak Seong debuted earlier in 2023—the group's multicultural composition adds a distinctive layer to the increasing global reach of K-pop. The group's debut single album, titled "The 1st Verse," is under the Seoul-based label Singing Beetle, with the title track "Shattered" featuring lyrics co-written by Hyuk and Kenny.

Aito, the youngest member, expressed optimism about the group’s potential, emphasizing the belief that their diverse backgrounds should not hinder success. "With members from different countries all coming together as 1VERSE, I just thought, ‘we can do this regardless of background’ going forward," he stated.

Hyuk's journey to stardom is marked by significant challenges. Born in North Korea's North Hamgyong Province, he defected to South Korea in 2013 at the age of 12. Initially, he worked in a factory where a chance meeting with a music label CEO sparked his interest in pursuing a music career. Initially skeptical of the proposition, he eventually joined the agency in late 2021 after a year of encouragement and training.

Seok's journey is equally compelling. A former soccer player who started playing at 8, he defected in 2019 but chose to keep some details of his escape private due to safety concerns. After briefly playing for a semi-professional team in South Korea, he transitioned to studying physical education and was later recruited for an idol training program, diving into music for the first time.

Both members' experiences reflect the harsh realities of their upbringing. Hyuk reminisced about the struggles he faced in North Korea, describing tasks such as collecting firewood for survival. He noted his limited access to music during his childhood, which was overshadowed by daily survival challenges. Meanwhile, Seok had some exposure to K-pop but faced significant risks as it was illegal to listen to South Korean music while he was in North Korea.

The rise of K-pop and other aspects of South Korean culture poses a challenge to North Korea's leadership, particularly amidst intensified efforts by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to eliminate foreign influences since the pandemic. Nathan, from Arkansas, was introduced to K-pop through his Texas-based cousins and first encountered it through EXO's "Growl" music video on YouTube.

The group’s training reflects their diverse backgrounds, accompanied by courses on global citizenship. Kenny emphasized the importance of inclusivity concerning each member’s history and current situations. Seok expressed eagerness to connect with international fans, particularly in the United States, highlighting how his background from North Korea fuels his excitement to meet people from different cultures.

1VERSE has already gained a significant online following. Seok mentioned the emotional video diaries he filmed during their early training days, which resonated with fans and garnered supportive messages. Hyuk acknowledged the attention generated by their North Korean backgrounds but emphasized the group's collective identity, stating that their journey is a shared experience.

The group's debut single album is now available on all major streaming platforms, marking a significant milestone in both their careers and the global K-pop landscape.