Introduction
Yu Hyuk was just nine years old when he began begging on the streets of North Hamgyong, one of North Korea’s poorest provinces. Besides begging, he ran errands for soldiers, sold foraged mushrooms, and sometimes even stole food out of sheer desperation. He faced harsh winters without adequate clothing, often sleeping in abandoned buildings or under bridges. Hunger was a constant battle, and his survival instincts sharpened at an early age.
But today, at 25, Yu Hyuk is about to debut as a K-pop idol in the US.
Yu Hyuk, along with fellow North Korean defector Seok, is a member of 1Verse, a groundbreaking K-pop boy band also featuring Aito from Japan and Asian Americans Kenny and Nathan. Their journey is one of resilience, passion, and hope. The group represents cultural diversity and a shared dream of overcoming struggles to reach international stardom.
Yu Hyuk’s Struggles and Early Life
Born in Kyongsong County, Yu Hyuk grew up with his father and grandmother after his parents’ separation. His mother fled to South Korea, but he initially refused to follow her, staying behind with his father. However, as poverty took its toll, he eventually made the dangerous escape in 2013. His journey was treacherous, involving long nights hiding from border guards, crossing freezing rivers, and relying on strangers for food and shelter. The uncertainty of his escape was overwhelming, and he constantly feared capture.
Once in South Korea, Yu Hyuk faced new challenges. Struggling in the competitive education system, he found solace in writing. He started with short poems, which later evolved into rap lyrics reflecting his past struggles. His song Ordinary Person includes the poignant line, “the loneliest of the loners,” encapsulating his journey. Music became his sanctuary, allowing him to process his trauma and share his story with the world.
Adapting to South Korean society was not easy. He was behind in education, unfamiliar with modern technology, and struggled with social interactions. But despite the odds, he pushed forward, determined to build a new life for himself.
Yu Hyuk’s Path to K-Pop Stardom
Yu Hyuk’s talent was discovered in 2018 when he appeared on an educational TV program. His story caught the attention of Michelle Cho, a former SM Entertainment producer, who saw potential in him. At first skeptical—defectors are often targets of scams—Yu Hyuk eventually realized Cho’s sincerity. It was a turning point in his life, marking the beginning of his rigorous training.
Under Cho’s mentorship, Yu Hyuk trained rigorously, learning to rap, dance, and navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry. Unlike many K-pop trainees who start young, Yu Hyuk had to work twice as hard to catch up. He practiced late into the night, perfecting his dance moves and vocal delivery, determined to prove himself.
Adjusting to the demanding trainee life was challenging. He was not used to strict schedules, dieting, or performing under pressure. At times, he doubted himself, questioning whether he truly belonged in the world of K-pop. But his perseverance and passion for music fueled his determination to succeed.
Breaking Barriers: Yu Hyuk and 1Verse
Yu Hyuk wasn’t alone in his journey. Fellow defector Seok also joined 1Verse, having had access to K-pop through smuggled USBs in North Korea. Unlike their bandmates, who had trained in music from a young age, Yu Hyuk and Seok were complete beginners. Their unfamiliarity with formal training made their progress even more impressive.
Their dedication astonished Cho, who described them as “blank canvases” with unparalleled resilience. Their training covered not just music and dance but also etiquette, language skills, and media preparation—an essential skill for K-pop idols. The pressure was immense, but Yu Hyuk and Seok never wavered in their commitment. Their transformation from survivors to performers became a source of inspiration to many.
Over three years of training, Yu Hyuk developed a unique artistic voice, blending raw emotion with lyrical storytelling. His raps, infused with memories of his past and hopes for the future, set him apart from other idols.
Yu Hyuk’s Hope for North Korea
With 1Verse’s debut set for later this year, Yu Hyuk dreams of a day when North Koreans can freely listen to their music. Though North Korea harshly punishes the consumption of K-pop, underground access through smuggled media remains a possibility. Secretly, he hopes his music reaches the young people of his homeland, giving them hope that a better future is possible.
To avoid political backlash, Yu Hyuk carefully refers to North Korea as “the upper side” and steers clear of mentioning Kim Jong Un in interviews. He remains cautious but determined to use his platform to shed light on the struggles of defectors.
However, experts believe his success could inspire other defectors and challenge North Korea’s control over cultural influences. “If a North Korean defector becomes a global star, it will cause a stir in the North,” says Ha Seung-hee, a researcher at Dongguk University. Even the possibility of a defector achieving global fame is enough to shake the regime’s propaganda machine.
Yu Hyuk’s Message to Fellow Defectors
For Yu Hyuk, this journey is bigger than just music. “Many defectors see an insurmountable gap between themselves and K-pop idols. It is hardly a career option for us,” he says. “If I succeed, others might be encouraged to dream bigger.” His story is a powerful reminder that no dream is out of reach, no matter how impossible it may seem.
Yu Hyuk’s story is a testament to resilience, proving that even the most unlikely dreams can become reality. As 1Verse prepares for their debut, they are not just making music—they are making history. With every performance, Yu Hyuk is rewriting the narrative of what is possible for North Korean defectors, giving hope to those who dare to dream beyond borders.
Beyond the stage, he envisions using his platform for activism, helping defectors integrate into South Korean society and advocating for human rights. He hopes to inspire a new generation of North Korean defectors to believe in their potential and pursue their aspirations fearlessly.
His journey is only beginning, but Yu Hyuk has already achieved what once seemed impossible. From begging for food in North Korea to standing on the verge of international stardom, he is living proof that perseverance, talent, and hope can defy even the most daunting circumstances.
