R16 Korea is an annual international b-boy tournament and urban arts cultural festival sponsored primarily by the
Korea Tourism Organization
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is an organization of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It is commissioned to promote the country's tourism industry.
The KTO was established in 1962 as a gover ...
and the
South Korea
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and sharing a Korean Demilitarized Zone, land border with North Korea. Its western border is formed ...
n
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) is a central government agency responsible for the areas of tourism, culture, art, religion, and sports. It has two vice ministers, three assistant ministers, one commission, and ...
. The main event features sixteen
B-Boy crews representing fifteen countries competing in a two-day tournament for world championship titles in two categories: best crew performance and best crew battle. The B-Boy tournament is notable for employing its own unique judging system that uses criteria and scoring to decide a winner, and to provide a transparent and fair competition.
The festival features
graffiti
Graffiti (plural; singular ''graffiti'' or ''graffito'', the latter rarely used except in archeology) is art that is written, painted or drawn on a wall or other surface, usually without permission and within public view. Graffiti ranges from s ...
artists,
street wear
Streetwear is a style of casual clothing which became global in the 1990s. It grew from New York hip hop fashion and Californian surf culture to encompass elements of Sportswear (fashion), sportswear, punk fashion, punk, Skateboarding#Culture, sk ...
designers, musical performers and dancers who specialize in
hip-hop,
popping
Popping is a street dance adapted out of the earlier Boogaloo (funk dance) cultural movement in Oakland, California. As Boogaloo spread, it would be referred to as Robottin in Richmond, California, Strutting movements in San Francisco and San J ...
,
locking and other urban arts
subculture
A subculture is a group of people within a culture that differentiates itself from the parent culture to which it belongs, often maintaining some of its founding principles. Subcultures develop their own norms and values regarding cultural, poli ...
s from South Korea and other countries.
History
Created and Organized by
Korea Tourism Organization
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is an organization of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It is commissioned to promote the country's tourism industry.
The KTO was established in 1962 as a gover ...
produced by Cartel Creative Inc., R16 is a celebration of the creative energy behind urban
youth culture Youth culture refers to the societal norms of children, adolescents, and young adults. Specifically, it comprises the processes and symbolic systems that are shared by the youth and are distinct from those of adults in the community.
An emphasis ...
. Based on a theme of "Respect" (which is what the "R" in R16 refers to), the tournament and festivals were first held in 2007 in the city of
Seoul
Seoul (; ; ), officially known as the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea.Before 1972, Seoul was the ''de jure'' capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) as stated iArticle 103 ...
.
The 2008 event took place in the city of
Suwon
Suwon (, ) is the capital and largest city of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea's most populous province which surrounds Seoul, the national capital. Suwon lies about south of Seoul. It is traditionally known as "The City of Filial Piety". With a populati ...
The 2009 event host is the Metropolitan City of
Incheon
Incheon (; ; or Inch'ŏn; literally "kind river"), formerly Jemulpo or Chemulp'o (제물포) until the period after 1910, officially the Incheon Metropolitan City (인천광역시, 仁川廣域市), is a city located in northwestern South Kore ...
and the 2010 event was brought back to Seoul City. The event will continue annually, as the Hip Hop culture has recognized South Korean b-boys as a special part of its history.
Korean-American b-boy, singer, and rapper,
Jay Park
Jay Park ( Korean name: Park Jae-beom (Hangul: 박재범; Hanja: 朴載範); born April 25, 1987) is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and entrepreneur of based in South Korea. He is a member of the Seattle-based ...
, has been the official ambassador of R16 from 2011 until 2013. Since 2014, R-16 Korea partnered up with the
World BBoy Series and helped create
Undisputed
Undisputed may refer to:
Film
* ''Undisputed'' (film), a 2002 action-thriller-drama film
** ''Undisputed'' (soundtrack), the soundtrack to the film
* Undisputed II: Last Man Standing, a 2006 American martial arts film
* Undisputed III: Redempt ...
, an event to crown the solo world b-boy champion.
In 2016, the funding from the Korean government was cancelled and the competition was not held in 2017 and 2018.
Winners
2019
In 2019 edition, Korean-sport brand
FILA
Fila Holdings Corp. is a sportswear brand of shoes and apparel. The company was founded by Ettore and Giansevero Fila in 1911 in Coggiola, near Biella, Piedmont, Italy. In 2003, it was sold to United States-based Sports Brand International. Sub ...
bought the naming rights for the competition, and the competition has therefore been named the 2019 FILA Respect Culture for sponsorship reasons.
2019 Crew Battle Results
Location:
Taipei
Taipei (), officially Taipei City, is the capital and a special municipality of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Located in Northern Taiwan, Taipei City is an enclave of the municipality of New Taipei City that sits about southwest of the n ...
,
Taiwan
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia, at the junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the nort ...
Date: September 14, 2019
Judges:
* Viruz (TIP)
* Crazy Legs (Rock Steady Crew)
* Mouse (Mighty Zulu Kingz/Floorgangz)
* Eagle1 (Hoody Homies/Artistreet)
* Raigo (Ariya/MB Crew/Mighty Zulu Kingz)
Individuals in bold won their respective battles.
2019 Solo B-Boy Battle Results
Location:
Taipei
Taipei (), officially Taipei City, is the capital and a special municipality of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Located in Northern Taiwan, Taipei City is an enclave of the municipality of New Taipei City that sits about southwest of the n ...
,
Taiwan
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia, at the junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the nort ...
Date: September 14, 2019
Judges:
* Viruz (TIP)
* Crazy Legs (Rock Steady Crew)
* Mouse (Mighty Zulu Kingz/Floorgangz)
* Eagle1 (Hoody Homies/Artistreet)
* Raigo (Ariya/MB Crew/Mighty Zulu Kingz)
Individuals in bold won their respective battles.
2016
In 2016, R16 changed the name to be Respect Culture due to particular things toward Korean government funding. Instead of held in South Korea as usual, Respect Culture will be held in Taipei, Taiwan along with Challenge Cup.
2016 Crew Battle Results
Location:
Taipei
Taipei (), officially Taipei City, is the capital and a special municipality of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Located in Northern Taiwan, Taipei City is an enclave of the municipality of New Taipei City that sits about southwest of the n ...
,
Taiwan
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia, at the junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the nort ...
Date: December 11, 2016
Judges:
* The End (Gamblerz)
* Wing Zero (Foundnation)
* Crazy Legs (Rock Steady Crew)
* Bojin (Bboy World Asia)
* Wing (
Jinjo , 7 Commandoz, Red Bull BC One All-Stars)
Individuals in bold won their respective battles.
2016 Solo B-Boy Battle Results
Location:
Taipei
Taipei (), officially Taipei City, is the capital and a special municipality of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Located in Northern Taiwan, Taipei City is an enclave of the municipality of New Taipei City that sits about southwest of the n ...
,
Taiwan
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia, at the junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the nort ...
Date: December 11, 2016
Judges:
* The End (Gamblerz)
* Danny (Caster Crew, Mighty Zulu Kingz)
* Crazy Legs (Rock Steady Crew)
* Chen Chen (HRC)
* Wing (
Jinjo, 7 Commandoz, Red Bull BC One All-Stars)
Individuals in bold won their respective battles.
2015
2015 Crew Battle results
In 2015, R16 changed its format for their crew battles. Each country will now have the best possible team to represent the entire nation. Two wildcard members will join the one-on-one b-boy winner and the 4-member crew winner to form a 7-member national team to represent their country at the World Finals.
R16 was held in Seoul, South Korea on September 12–13 at Junggu Jangchung Gymnasium.
Individuals in bold won their respective battles.
2015 Solo B-Boy Battle Results
Location:
Seoul
Seoul (; ; ), officially known as the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea.Before 1972, Seoul was the ''de jure'' capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) as stated iArticle 103 ...
,
Korea
Korea ( ko, 한국, or , ) is a peninsular region in East Asia. Since 1945, it has been divided at or near the 38th parallel, with North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) comprising its northern half and South Korea (Republic o ...
Date: September 12, 2015
Judges:
*Bootuz (Predatorz Crew / Russia)
*Ducky (Drifterz / South Korea)
*Flo Master (Footwork Fanatix, 7 Gems / USA)
*Katsu (Flooriorz, MZK / Japan)
*Kujo (Soul Control, ILL-Abilities Crew / USA)
Individuals in bold won their respective battles.
Menno () earned the fourth bid to the
Undisputed
Undisputed may refer to:
Film
* ''Undisputed'' (film), a 2002 action-thriller-drama film
** ''Undisputed'' (soundtrack), the soundtrack to the film
* Undisputed II: Last Man Standing, a 2006 American martial arts film
* Undisputed III: Redempt ...
World BBoy Series at the end of the 2015 year by winning R16 Korea.
2014
2014 Crew Battle Results
For 2014, R16 Seoul, South Korea on July 6–7 at Olympic Hall, Seoul Olympic Park.
Individuals in bold won their respective battles.
2014 Solo B-Boy Battle Results
Issei () earned the second bid to the
Undisputed
Undisputed may refer to:
Film
* ''Undisputed'' (film), a 2002 action-thriller-drama film
** ''Undisputed'' (soundtrack), the soundtrack to the film
* Undisputed II: Last Man Standing, a 2006 American martial arts film
* Undisputed III: Redempt ...
at the end of the 2014 year by winning R16 Korea.
Location:
Seoul
Seoul (; ; ), officially known as the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea.Before 1972, Seoul was the ''de jure'' capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) as stated iArticle 103 ...
,
Korea
Korea ( ko, 한국, or , ) is a peninsular region in East Asia. Since 1945, it has been divided at or near the 38th parallel, with North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) comprising its northern half and South Korea (Republic o ...
Date: July 6, 2014
Judges:
*Lil G (Speedy Angels Family / Venezuela)
*Benji (France)
*Differ (T.I.P., 7 Commandoz / South Korea)
*Storm (Battle Squad / Germany)
*Asia One (USA)
Individuals in bold won their respective battles.
Issei () earned the second bid to the
Undisputed
Undisputed may refer to:
Film
* ''Undisputed'' (film), a 2002 action-thriller-drama film
** ''Undisputed'' (soundtrack), the soundtrack to the film
* Undisputed II: Last Man Standing, a 2006 American martial arts film
* Undisputed III: Redempt ...
World BBoy Series at the end of the 2014 year by winning R16 Korea.
2013
For 2013, R16 Seoul, South Korea on July 13–14 at Olympic Hall, Seoul Olympic Park.
2013 Main Event Competition Results
Crew Performance Competition Results:
* Best Show: Body Carnival (Japan)
Crew Battle Results:
* First Place: Morning of Owl (Korea)
* Second Place: Body Carnival (Japan)
Solo Bboy Battle Results:
* First Place:Issei (Japan)
* Second Place:Blond (Australia)
2013 Crew Battle Results
Crews in bold won their respective battles.
2013 Solo B-Boy Battle Results
Location:
Seoul
Seoul (; ; ), officially known as the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea.Before 1972, Seoul was the ''de jure'' capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) as stated iArticle 103 ...
,
Korea
Korea ( ko, 한국, or , ) is a peninsular region in East Asia. Since 1945, it has been divided at or near the 38th parallel, with North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) comprising its northern half and South Korea (Republic o ...
Individuals in bold won their respective battles.
2012
2012 Crew Battle Results
For 2012, R16 Seoul, South Korea at Olympic Hall, Seoul Olympic Park.
Crews in bold won their respective battles.
2012 Solo B-Boy Battle Results
Bboys in bold won their respective battles.
2011
For 2011, R16 Seoul, South Korea on July 2–03 at Olympic Hall, Seoul Olympic Park.
MCs:
Jazzy Ivy (Korea)
MC Go (Korea)
DJs:
* DJ Skeme Richards (USA)
*DJ Batsu (Japan)
*DJ Light (Japan)
*DJ Wreckx (Korea)
Judges:
*Ken Swift (USA)
*Alieness (USA)
*Roxrite (USA)
*Focus (Finland)
*Physicx (Korea)
*
Popin Pete
Timothy Earl Solomon (born August 5, 1961), known as Popin' Pete , is an American dancer, choreographer who popularized the " popping" dance style and member of the Electric Boogaloos. Pete’s career has spanned over forty years since the emerge ...
(USA) FunkStyle
*Tony GoGo (USA) FunkStyle
*Bruce(France) FunkStyle
*P-Lock (France) FunkStyle
*Woong (Korea) FunkStyle
*Crazy Kyo (Korea) FunkStyle
2011 Main Event Competition Results
Crew Performance Competition Results:
*Best Show:
Jinjo Crew Jinjo Crew (Hangul: 진조 크루,Hanja: 𨳌𤍒), is a South Korean b-boy crew formed in 2001. Jin (오를 진 𨳌) and Jo (불사를 조 𤍒) means 'Rising Fire (불살라 오르다) '.
Jinjo Crew is famous for winning the world's top 5 major ...
(Korea)
Crew Battle Results:
*First Place:
Jinjo Crew Jinjo Crew (Hangul: 진조 크루,Hanja: 𨳌𤍒), is a South Korean b-boy crew formed in 2001. Jin (오를 진 𨳌) and Jo (불사를 조 𤍒) means 'Rising Fire (불살라 오르다) '.
Jinjo Crew is famous for winning the world's top 5 major ...
(Korea)
*Second Place: Vagabonds (France)
Solo Bboy Battle Results:
*First Place:Taisuke (Japan)
*Second Place:Lil G (Venezuela)
2011 Main Event Competitor List
Crew
*Vagabonds: France
*Top 9: Russia
*STO Crew: China
*Formosa Crew: Taiwan
*Simple System: Kazakhstan
*Killafornia: USA
*All Area Crew: Japan
*South Korea:
Jinjo Crew Jinjo Crew (Hangul: 진조 크루,Hanja: 𨳌𤍒), is a South Korean b-boy crew formed in 2001. Jin (오를 진 𨳌) and Jo (불사를 조 𤍒) means 'Rising Fire (불살라 오르다) '.
Jinjo Crew is famous for winning the world's top 5 major ...
Solo Bboys
*Trickx: Korea
*Pocket: Korea
*Mounir: France
*Lil G: Venezuela
*Lil Amok: Germany
* C-Lil: Laos
* Thesis: USA
* Taisuke: Japan
Showcase & Performing Artists
*
Drunken Tiger
Drunken Tiger () was a Korean hip hop group that debuted in 1999 and has since released several albums and won numerous awards. They are known as pioneers of Korean hip-hop who helped bring the genre into the mainstream.
The group's original lin ...
: Korea
*
Jay Park
Jay Park ( Korean name: Park Jae-beom (Hangul: 박재범; Hanja: 朴載範); born April 25, 1987) is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and entrepreneur of based in South Korea. He is a member of the Seattle-based ...
: Korea
*
Art of Movement: USA
*Sunzoo: USA
*Red Bull All Stars: World Wide
2010
For 2010, R16 was brought back to Seoul, South Korea on July 3–04 at
Olympic Hall, Seoul Olympic Park.
MCs:
Jazzy Ivy (Korea)
MC Go (Korea)
Dumbfoundead (USA)
DJs:
* DJ Timber (Ireland)
*DJ Ben (France)
*DJ Light (Japan)
*DJ Wreckx (Korea)
Judges:
*Easy Rock (USA)
*Flo Master (USA)
*Kwikstep (USA)
*Brahim (France)
*Hong 10 (Korea)
*Legend (USA) FunkStyle
*Walid (France) FunkStyle
*Junior (France) FunkStyle
*Khan (Korea) FunkStyle
*Zero (Korea) FunkStyle
2010 Main Event Competition Results
Crew Performance Competition Results:
*Best Show:
Jinjo Crew Jinjo Crew (Hangul: 진조 크루,Hanja: 𨳌𤍒), is a South Korean b-boy crew formed in 2001. Jin (오를 진 𨳌) and Jo (불사를 조 𤍒) means 'Rising Fire (불살라 오르다) '.
Jinjo Crew is famous for winning the world's top 5 major ...
(Korea)
Crew Battle Results:
*First Place:
Jinjo Crew Jinjo Crew (Hangul: 진조 크루,Hanja: 𨳌𤍒), is a South Korean b-boy crew formed in 2001. Jin (오를 진 𨳌) and Jo (불사를 조 𤍒) means 'Rising Fire (불살라 오르다) '.
Jinjo Crew is famous for winning the world's top 5 major ...
(Korea)
*Second Place: Phase T (France)
Solo Bboy Battle Results:
*First Place: Niek (The Netherlands)
*Second Place:Neguin (Brazil)
2010 Main Event Competitor List
Crew
*Phase T: France
*Terror Bunch: Germany
*Caster Revolution: China
*Big Toe Crew: Vietnam
*Project P-Noise: Philippines
*Puerto Rican All Stars: Puerto Rico
*Fusion Rockers: Spain
*
Jinjo Crew Jinjo Crew (Hangul: 진조 크루,Hanja: 𨳌𤍒), is a South Korean b-boy crew formed in 2001. Jin (오를 진 𨳌) and Jo (불사를 조 𤍒) means 'Rising Fire (불살라 오르다) '.
Jinjo Crew is famous for winning the world's top 5 major ...
: South Korea
Solo Bboys
Neguin: Brazil
Wing: Korea
Lil Kev: France
Lil G: Venezuela
El Nino: Dominican Republic
Just Do It: The Netherlands
Palmer: USA
Linh 3T: Vietnam
2009
For 2009, R16 was held in Metropolitan City of Incheon, South Korea on Sept 25 ~ 27 at
Main Stage
Main stage or mainstage refers to the largest or most prestigious space of a Theater (structure), theatre building and to the productions performed in that space. Mainstage theatre has been historically distinguished from smaller-scale studio the ...
.
MCs:
Jazzy Ivy
Make One
DJs:
* DJ Skeme Richards (USA)
*DJ Renegade (UK)
*DJ Light (Japan)
*DJ Wreckx (Korea)
*DJ Tee (Japan)
Judges:
*
Ken Swift (USA)
*YNOT (USA)
*Storm (Germany)
*
Lilou
Lilou is a French female given name. It is rising in popularity in France, where it is ranked in the top 50 names given to baby girls. It is sometimes considered a diminutive of the name Lily or a combination of the names Lily and Louise. It may ...
(France)
*Ducky (Korea)
2009 Main Event Competition Results
Crew Performance Competition Results:
*Best Show: All Area Crew (Japan)
Crew Battle Results:
*First Place: All Area Crew (Japan)
*Second Place: Top 9 Crew (Russia)
2009 Main Event Competitor List
*Canada: Super Naturalz Crew
*China: STO Crew
*Finland: Sticky Ruckus Crew
*France: Silent Trix Crew
*Poland: Polskee Flavour Crew
*Netherlands: Hustle Kidz
*Portugal: Momentum Crew
*Spain: Arcopom Crew
*Japan: All Area Crew
*Ukraine: East Side Bboyz
*Singapore: Radikal Forze
*Russia: Top 9 Crew
*Taiwan: Formosa
*USA: Renegade Rockers
*South Korea: Rivers Crew
*South Korea: Gamblerz Crew
2008
For 2008, R16 was held in Suwon City, South Korea on May 31 and June 1 at
Suwon Olympic Hall.
MCs:
Jazzy Ivy
Ivan
DJs:
*DJ Renegade
*DJ Light
*DJ Wreckx
*DJ Jus Jones
*DJ Cut Nice
Judges:
*
Ken Swift
*Cros One
*Storm
*Maurizio
*Katsu
2008 Main Event Competition Results
Crew Performance Competition Results:
*First Place: Top 9 Crew (Russia)
*Second Place: Gamblerz Crew (South Korea)
Crew Battle Results:
*First Place: Gamblerz Crew (South Korea)
*Second Place: Top 9 Crew (Russia)
*Third Place: Brazil All-Star Crew (Brazil)
*Fourth Place: Rivers Crew (South Korea)
2008 Main Event Competitor List
*Belgium: Hoochen Crew
*Brazil: Brazil All-Star Crew
*Denmark: Natural Effects Crew
*France: Pockemon Crew
*Germany: Funk Fellaz Crew
*Netherlands: Funky Dope Manouvres
*Israel: Unstoppable Lions
*Italy: Rapid Soul Moves
*Japan: Turn Phrase Crew
*China: Pioneer Crew
*Norway: Ghost Crew
*Russia: Top 9 Crew
*Republic of South Africa: Immortal Style
*USA: Super Crew
*South Korea: Rivers Crew
*South Korea: Gamblerz Crew
2007
The 2007 was held in downtown Seoul, South Korea on June 1 and 2 at the
Jamsil Olympic Stadium
The Seoul Olympic Stadium (), also known as Jamsil Olympic Stadium (formerly romanised as ''Chamshil''), is a multi-purpose stadium in Seoul, South Korea. It is the main stadium built for the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 10th Asian Games in 1 ...
.
MCs:
*Jazzy Ivy
*Ivan
DJs:
*DJ Element
*DJ Renegade
*DJ Wreckx
*DJ Light
*DJ Jinmoo
*DJ Dust
*DJ Jun
Judges:
*
Ken Swift
*Lil'Caesar
*Poe One
*Crazy
*Swift Rock
2007 Main Event Competition Results
Crew Performance Competition Results:
*First Place: Mortal Combat (Japan)
*Second Place: Drifterz Crew (South Korea)
*Cyon Award: Tsunami All Stars (Brazil)
Crew Battle Results:
*First Place: Rivers Crew (South Korea)
*Second Place: Flow Mo Crew (Finland)
*Third Place: Massive Monkees (USA)
*Fourth Place: Tsunami All Stars (Brazil)
*Fresh Award: Style Crax (Germany)
2007 Main Event Competitor List
*Addstars
*Flow Mo Crew
*Ground Scatter
*Sto Crew
*Style Crax
*Formosa
*Knuckle Head Zoo
*Massive Monkees
*Mortal Combat
*No Half Stepping
*Figure 2 Style
*Soul Mavericks
*Tsunami All Stars
*Super Naturalz
*Drifterz Crew
*Rivers Crew
References
External links
Official site2011 Teaser
{{Hip-hop dance
Breakdance
Street dance competitions