Balek was a Human Acolyte in the reestablished Sith Empire, and also male. He had a twin brother named Wydr.
Balek and Wydr were students at the Sith Academy situated on Korriban during the era of the Cold War. As part of their trials, Overseer Harkun summoned Balek and Wydr to a meeting. Harkun informed them that their weakness would prevent them from ever becoming Sith or surpassing Ffon. Nevertheless, he proposed that if Balek and Wydr were to murder another acolyte, they would be granted permission to return home. Balek was against the idea, but his brother thought it was the only way they would survive and escape the academy.
Once the acolyte was in the training room, Balek and Wydr trapped him. Balek then apologized to the acolyte, because he liked them, and told him that he and Wydr were forced to do this to gain their freedom. The two brothers immediately attacked the acolyte, but the acolyte ultimately won against them.