Newly-Debuted Male Idol Becomes The First North Korean To Officially Debut

He was a former survival show contestant.

Back in 2023, it was revealed that two North Korean trainees were set to make their debut, with the group now known as 1VERSE.

A New Male K-Pop Group Is Set To Debut With Two North Korean Trainees — Netizens React

Yet, while 1VERSE has not officially debuted, trainee Kim Hakseong has made history by officially being the first North Korean to debut.

Kim Hakseong | @be.boys_official/Instagram

The idol first gained attention when he competed in the survival show Make Mate 1.

First North Korean Survival Show Trainee’s Emotional Journey Moves Judges And Competitors 

While he didn’t make the final lineup, Hakseong made his debut with the group BE BOYS.

BE BOYS' Kim Hakseong has become the first North Korean to debut in a K-POP group. pic.twitter.com/gP3Zjgtn6H

— nugu archive 📁 (@nugupromo) June 18, 2025

On June 18, the group came out with their debut track “I’M SO SORRY, BUT I LOVE YOU.”

The group had a debut showcase in front of media, showcasing their talent and visuals for netizens.

[포토] 비보이즈 데뷔 무대 모음 ZIP #비보이즈 #BEBOYS #구현 #GOOHYUN#민준 #MINJUN #윤서 #YOONSEO #학성 #KIMHAKSEONG#타쿠마 #TAKUMA #원천 #SHINWONCHEON #미니1집 #BE1 #비원 #데뷔쇼케이스_250618 [iMBC연예]

비보이즈(원천 구현 학성 타쿠마 민준 윤서)는 타이틀곡 ‘I’M SO SORRY, BUT I… pic.twitter.com/HuqCmL3tJ2

— iMBC연예 (@imbcenews) June 18, 2025

Hakseong’s own pictures radiated visuals.

Netizens have been excited to see Hakseong’s future in the idol industry.