Kim Hak-sung, a North Korean defector who wants to make it in K-pop

From North Korea to K-pop

Kim Hak-sung's backstory is one of the most interesting ones for a K-pop star. As a North Korean defector, he tried to make it as a K-pop idol hopeful on 'Make Mate 1'. Let's have a look at his experience on South Korean TV and the consequences this may have for his safety.

Images in this gallery are from KBS2 unless otherwise stated.

Who is Kim Hak-sung?

Kim Hak-sung was a competitor in the 2024 reality TV series by KBS2, ‘Make Mate 1’. He made it to the final round before he failed to get selected for the resulting group of the show, Nouera.

What is ‘Make Mate 1’?

KBS2’s ‘Make Mate 1’ is a reality TV competition series where 35 international and South Korean male contestants compete together to debut in a global K-pop boy band.

What’s unique about the show

According to KBS, ‘Make Mate 1’ is unique in that the contestants selected are ‘ordinary boys’ who had no agencies to represent them.

Mix of contestants

In 2024, the show had a mix of contestants from all over. There were contestants from China, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.

Kim Hak-sung’s unique situation

Kim Hak-sung was one of the contestants on this season of 'Make Mate 1'. His situation was very interesting, as he is currently a citizen of South Korea but is originally from North Korea.

Defected from North Korea

Nextshark reports that Kim Hak-sung escaped to South Korea at the young age of 13 and was inspired to become a K-pop star by being inspired by K-pop idols on TV.

Difficulty adjusting in South Korea

Kim Hak-sung’s assimilation into South Korea was not an easy one. According to Koreaboo, TV was his primary mode of education for learning how to adapt to life in his new country of residence.

Wants to be a role model

According to Maeil Business News, Kim Hak-sung joined ‘Make Mate 1’ with the intention of not just becoming a K-pop star but also giving hope to those in “difficult situations”. He wanted to show that he had done it too, resolving his situation as a North Korean defector.

Praise (and concern!) from netizens

Allkpop reports that Kim Hak-sung’s candidness regarding his North Korean defector status was heavily praised by netizens in Korea as “courageous”. However, some worried for the K-pop idol hopeful’s safety, as coming out with his defector status could lead to dire consequences.

Follow Showbizz Daily to stay informed and enjoy more content!