The overseas response to the recently debuted K-pop boy group 1VERSE (Universe) is remarkable.
On July 18, the boy group 1VERSE successfully completed their global debut stage with a worldwide live showcase, garnering enthusiastic reactions from international fans and media.
1VERSE is a multinational group consisting of five members: Hyuk (a defector from North Korea), Seok, Nathan (an American of Laotian-Thai descent), Kenny (an American of Chinese descent), and Aito (Japanese).
On the 18th, their first album 'The 1st Verse' was released, and major media outlets from around the world, including CNN, AP, Reuters, The Washington Post, ABC News, The Washington Times, and CTV News, rushed to report on their debut news from the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Spain, UAE, and more.
In particular, global news agencies AP and Reuters focused on the two members, Hyuk and Seok, who are defectors from North Korea, explaining that "the diversity of the group members adds a unique dimension to the global expansion of K-POP."
AP emphasized that "the group '1VERSE' from the Seoul-based label 'Singing Beetle' is a special group formed by members from different backgrounds," and reported that "the diversity and identity of the group, consisting of two defectors and Americans and Japanese, are opening a new path for K-pop."
Reuters also detailed the interviews with the members met at their practice studio in Seoul, reporting on their unique color and musicality as "one team with diverse nationalities."
Hyuk, who participated in the production of both tracks 'Multiverse' and 'Shattered' from their debut album 'The 1st Verse,' acknowledged the attention brought by his defector background in a Reuters interview while emphasizing the group's identity.
He expressed his determination, saying, "This is a journey of five members together. I want to be evaluated based on our skills rather than our backgrounds," and added, "I want to be an idol group that delivers strength and messages to many people."
CNN reported extensively on their debut story, calling them "an unprecedented group in K-pop history," while also sharing news about their preparations for debut in the United States, raising expectations among international fans.
Additionally, news followed from various countries including Mexico, Brazil, Peru, the Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine, Slovenia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, China, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Turkey.
Moreover, on their debut day, July 18, 1VERSE captured attention by decorating a large billboard in Times Square, New York. This advertisement in Times Square was part of an event based on global fan voting, where they secured first place with overwhelming votes in the July Spotlight Promotion, already showcasing their remarkable global fanbase and influence.
Meanwhile, 1VERSE plans to start activities in the United States before their domestic promotions after releasing their first album 'The 1st Verse.' As they unfold the first chapter of their unique story, interest is growing in how they will write the expansion of diversity in K-pop.
[Lee Da-gyeom, Star Today Reporter]
