Uzbekistan and Jordan Agree on Uranium and Mineral Exploration
Uzbekistan and Jordan have signed agreements to cooperate in exploring uranium, copper, rare metals, and other critical mineral deposits....
A new K-pop boy band, 1VERSE, made their international debut with a powerful backstory two of its five members are defectors from North Korea. The group, whose name is pronounced "universe," includes members from North Korea, Japan, and the United States: Hyuk, Seok, Aito, Nathan, and Kenny.
Their debut EP, The 1st Verse, launched with a live-streamed showcase featuring three tracks, including the lead single Shattered. A music video for the song is set to be released later in the day, featuring the band in stylised outfits and dramatic lighting effects.
Hyuk, originally from Kyongsong in northeastern North Korea, has lived in South Korea since 2013. Now 25, he cherishes both the freedom to express himself through music and the basic comforts of daily life, such as eating regularly- something he struggled with in his home country. Starting work at just nine years old, Hyuk recalled having to steal food to survive, often being severely beaten when caught.
He eventually fled North Korea as a child, making his way through China and other countries with the help of a broker arranged by his mother, who had already reached South Korea. Although he now enjoys a safer and freer life, he remembers the difficulty of leaving behind familiar people and places.
The track 'Shattered' reflects the emotional pain he experienced upon learning of his father's death in North Korea.
Seok, also 25 and a defector from a border town near China, was first introduced to K-pop through a friend who shared music on a portable media player, including Psy’s viral hit Gangnam Style. He escaped North Korea with his father and grandmother at the age of 20.
Their stories emerge at a time when North Korea is reportedly increasing crackdowns on the consumption of South Korean culture, with cases of harsh punishments for watching K-pop and even discouragement of South Korean speech patterns.
Michelle Cho, CEO of the group’s label Singing Beetle, said her aim was to present a more authentic K-pop group- one that defies the industry's often highly polished image.
"Everyone loves a story of someone overcoming humble beginnings to pursue their dreams, especially in K-pop", she noted.
Despite their diverse origins, the members of 1VERSE say they've formed a strong bond. Kenny, a Chinese American, called the group "a unique type of global", highlighting their cross-cultural unity.
While attention has focused on the band’s two North Korean members, Hyuk hopes their artistry takes centre stage.
"I want to be the kind of idol who uplifts people, someone who reminds others they’re not alone even someone like me".
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
Video from the USGS (United States Geological Survey) showed on Friday (19 September) the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupting and spewing lava.
At least eight people have died and more than 90 others were injured following a catastrophic gas tanker explosion on a major highway in Mexico City’s Iztapalapa district on Wednesday, authorities confirmed.
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on 13 September with no tsunami threat, coming just weeks after the region endured a devastating 8.8-magnitude quake — the strongest since 1952.
Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani unveiled the last collection personally worked on by its late designer and founder, at Brera art museum in the heart of Milan on Sunday.
Sean "Diddy" Combs is due to appear in court on Thursday for a hearing over his bid to set aside a jury's verdict finding the hip-hop mogul guilty on prostitution charges but clearing him of more serious counts of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Television host Jimmy Kimmel returned to U.S. late-night television on Tuesday defending political satire against what he said is Trump administration "bullying", six days after his on-air remarks about the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk led Walt Disney to suspend his show.
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