Yu Hyuk was merely nine years old when he commenced begging on the streets of North Hamgyong, a destitute province in North Korea situated near the border with China and Russia.
Apart from begging, he also ran errands for soldiers and sold wild mushrooms. At times, he resorted to stealing food out of sheer hunger, such as the instance when he snatched a lunchbox left unattended at an underground station, only to find spoiled rice inside. To him, this was just a routine part of life for many North Koreans, leaving little space for aspirations amidst the struggle for survival.
However, Hyuk harbored dreams despite his harsh reality. Now, at 25, he is set to make his debut in the United States as a member of a K-pop boy band.
The group, named 1Verse (pronounced “universe”), comprises five members: Hyuk, Seok from North Korea, Aito from Japan, and Asian Americans Kenny and Nathan, who prefer to be identified by their first names. They are poised to make history as the first K-pop boy band to debut with North Korean defectors.
Hyuk was born in a coastal village in Kyongsong county, raised by his father and grandmother after his parents separated when he was just four. Despite his mother’s attempts to persuade him to join her in South Korea, he remained with his father, with whom he shared a close bond.
Although his family was not initially in dire straits, their situation worsened post-separation. With his father unwilling to work and his grandmother too elderly, Hyuk was left to fend for himself. Eventually, his father convinced him to escape to South Korea in 2013.
After a lengthy journey through multiple countries, Hyuk safely arrived in South Korea, choosing not to disclose his exact route to safeguard potential future defectors. Initially residing with his mother for a year, he later moved to a boarding school with her financial assistance. However, adjusting to South Korea’s competitive education system proved challenging for Hyuk, who had limited schooling prior to his defection.
Finding solace in writing, Hyuk began with short poems reflecting on his past in North Korea. Encouraged by friends and teachers in his school’s music club, he delved into rap and discovered a newfound passion for music. Despite music being a luxury during his upbringing, he channeled his emotions of loneliness and longing for his father into music, as evidenced by his rap composition “Ordinary Person” for the band’s upcoming album.
After graduating high school at 20, Hyuk worked part-time in restaurants and factories to sustain himself. His fortunes changed in 2018 when his appearance on an educational TV program caught the attention of music producer Michelle Cho, leading to an offer to join her agency, Singing Beetle.
Initially wary of Cho’s intentions, Hyuk eventually embraced the opportunity, reflecting on
Scams targeting individuals in the South soon caught his attention. Gradually, he realized that Ms. Cho was investing an excessive amount of time and money into it, indicating its authenticity. Kim Seok, 24, also defected and arrived in the South in 2019; however, his journey differed significantly from Seok’s. Seok, hailing from a relatively affluent family, resided near the China border and had access to K-pop and K-drama through smuggled USBs and SD cards. For safety reasons, we are unable to disclose further details about his life in the North or his journey to the South. Described by Ms. Cho as “blank canvases,” both boys were unique trainees unlike any she had encountered before. Unlike Aito and Kenny, who were deeply involved in music and dance from a young age, Hyuk and Seok were complete novices. Ms. Cho noted their lack of understanding of pop culture but praised their resilience in enduring challenging physical tasks, even expressing concerns about their dedication. Alongside music and dance training, they received lessons in etiquette and discussions to prepare for media interactions. Hyuk’s significant progress over three years impressed Ms. Cho, who highlighted his newfound ability to question things and express opinions. The addition of a fifth member, Nathan, of mixed Laotian and Thai descent, to the group last year marked a new chapter for them, aiming to debut in the US to attract a larger fan base. While their future success remains uncertain, Hyuk dreams of sharing his music with his fellow North Koreans someday. Despite challenges, including restrictions on K-culture content in North Korea, Hyuk remains hopeful. To avoid criticism, Hyuk refers to his homeland as “the upper side” in interviews, steering clear of mentioning North Korean leader Kim Jong Un due to strict crackdowns on K-culture under his regime.
Two teenage boys in North Korea have been publicly sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for the “crime” of watching and distributing K-dramas. This harsh punishment highlights the strict control the regime exerts over its citizens’ access to information and entertainment.
Meanwhile, there is talk among academics that the music of 1Verse could potentially make waves in North Korea. Speculation abounds that if a North Korean defector were to openly embrace their identity and achieve success on the world stage, it could have a significant impact within the reclusive nation. Ha Seung-hee, an expert on music and media at Dongguk University’s Institute of North Korean Studies, believes such a scenario could cause quite a stir in the North.
Hyuk, a defector himself, is driven by a desire to prove that success is possible for his fellow defectors. Many defectors feel that the gap between themselves and K-pop idols is insurmountable, viewing a career in music as out of reach. Hyuk’s determination to succeed is fueled by the hope that his achievements will inspire others to dream big and strive for success despite the challenges they face.
In a country where freedoms are limited and opportunities are scarce, the struggles and aspirations of these individuals shed light on the resilience and tenacity of the human spirit. The stories of the teenage boys facing a brutal punishment for their love of K-dramas and the defector striving to break barriers in the music industry serve as poignant reminders of the obstacles and injustices faced by many in North Korea.
As the world watches these unfolding narratives, it becomes clear that the power of expression and the pursuit of dreams know no boundaries. Whether through the universal language of music or the shared experiences of seeking freedom and opportunity, these individuals challenge the status quo and defy the odds in their quest for a brighter future.
The courage and determination displayed by those who dare to defy oppressive regimes and societal expectations serve as beacons of hope in the face of adversity. Their stories remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of belief in a better tomorrow.
In a world marked by division and oppression, the voices of those who refuse to be silenced resonate with a clarity and strength that defy the constraints imposed upon them. Through their struggles and triumphs, they inspire us to question the injustices we see and to strive for a more just and compassionate world for all.
