Historic Suwon provides backdrop to B-boy contest

A performer with Oshare Crew goes through his moves at the B-boy contest last Saturday.

The “R-16” competition was first held on June 1,?2007 at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul. The two-day contest, dubbed “R-16 Korea Sparkling, Seoul,” brought together 35,000 B-boy lovers from across Korea, Asia and Europe
This year the Korea Tourism Organization teamed up with Gyeonggi Province for “R-16 Korea Sparkling, Gyeonggi,” which will start May 30 at Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon.
“We chose Hwaseong Fortress because we wanted to add a traditional element to the event,” said Kim Seong-jin of the Korea Tourism Organization. “We couldn’t think of a better place than Hwaseong Fortress. It’s where our ancestors’ legacy is embodied.”
On May 31, 16 B-boy crews will commence battle at the Suwon Stadium. Participating will be some of the world’s top 16 exponents.
Each one has a proven track record at international competitions over the last three years.
On the bill will be Super Crew from the United States, Pokemon from France, Turn Phrase Crew from Japan, Brazil All Stars and S.African Bboys.
“I’ve been dancing for over a decade now, and I’ve seen a lot of changes,”?said M.C. Superman Ivy, from the R-16 competition. “But one?thing should never change: the letter R in R-16,” which stands for respect.”
For more details, you can visit www.r16korea.com.

By Kim Hyung-eun Contributing Writer [estyle@joongang.co.kr]