From North Korean Streets to K-pop Stage

Yu Hyuk's journey from a destitute child in North Korea to a soon-to-debut K-pop idol is a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of art. Growing up in one of North Korea's poorest provinces, Hyuk's childhood was marked by extreme poverty, forcing him to beg on the streets and forage for food from a young age.

In 2013, Hyuk made the perilous journey to South Korea, a decision that would dramatically alter the course of his life. Despite facing significant challenges in adapting to South Korea's highly competitive education system, Hyuk found solace and self-expression through writing and music. His raw talent and unique background eventually caught the eye of a seasoned music producer, paving the way for his entry into the K-pop industry.

Now, at 25, Hyuk stands on the cusp of making history as part of 1Verse, a groundbreaking K-pop boy band that includes another North Korean defector among its culturally diverse members. As he prepares for his debut, Hyuk remains cognizant of the potential impact his success could have, not only in inspiring fellow North Korean defectors but also in potentially reaching audiences in his homeland, where K-pop is strictly forbidden.