Jiwan Kim performs a card trick. Courtesy of Antonia Giordano
When you think of magic, what comes to mind? Tricks, cards, hats… b-boying? Yes, you read that right. Magic and breaking come together in an unforgettable fusion, brought to life by Korean Filipino performer Jiwan Kim. On Dec. 7, Jiwan will showcase his one-of-a-kind talents in two electrifying shows guaranteed to leave audiences in awe with his latest show, titled "Imagine Vol. 2."
He's one of the many talented individuals performing at Eulji Space in downtown Seoul this weekend, alongside singer-songwriter Lilia, adoptee singer-songwriter Ben Cozy who performs under the moniker 1.5 Iterations and gayageum player Kim So-yeon. The event will also feature the return of Seoul Culture Club's Earthlings Art Market.
Singer-songwriter Ben Cozy performs at Taco Amigo in central Seoul. Courtesy of Antonia Giordano
Born in Korea and raised in the Philippines, Jiwan's love for magic began when he was just 10 years old. For him, magic was more than a hobby — it was a doorway to wonder and a challenge to the ordinary. “Magic has the power to spark awe and shift how we see the world,” he told The Korea Times.
What started as a childhood fascination transformed into a professional passion, leading him to over 300 performances, including appearances on "Asia's Got Talent" and "Pilipinas Got Talent." While he didn't reach the finals, these stages propelled him onto the global scene, fueling his drive to perfect his craft.
Magic isn't Jiwan's only love — around the same time he discovered sleight of hand, he also found breaking. “Breaking brings a completely different energy. Magic is about precision and subtlety, but breaking is raw and emotional,” Jiwan said.
Jiwan Kim breakdances while holding a Rubik's cube on the roof of Eulji Space in central Seoul, Sept. 1. Courtesy of Antonia Giordano
With over 100 competitions and more than 45 championship wins, he's proven himself as a top-tier b-boy, combining intricate footwork, freezes and flips and even maybe a bit of misdirection to keep audiences on their toes with anticipation for what he would do next.
But even for someone as dynamic as Jiwan, life has had its challenges. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, his world paused. It was a turning point that inspired him to move back to Korea, reconnect with his roots and care for his family. “The pandemic quite literally forced me to reflect on what's truly important to me,” he said. "I came to the realization that I needed to be closer to my family and my heritage. It was just time to come back home.”
Returning to Korea only deepened Jiwan's artistry. Training with the elite b-boy crew Fusion MC pushed him to new creative heights. “Training with Fusion MC truly pushed me beyond my limits because at that time, it wasn't just about breaking anymore,” he said.
This new mindset planted the seeds to fuse his two loves together and create performances with a blend of breaking and magic in ways that had never been seen before. This synergy further laid the foundation, and he started testing out new tricks in talent shows and at different venues throughout Seoul.
His hard work and dedication will culminate with his first solo international show, "Imagine," which debuts this December. This performance is a dream realized — a showcase of passion, perseverance and the unique artistry that defines Jiwan.
Why "Imagine"? Jiwan explained, “It's about celebrating creativity and embracing individuality in a world that often values conformity. Imagining something new is like bringing an idea to life. Through this show, I want to inspire others to see the magic in themselves, to stand out unapologetically and to find wonder in the unexpected.”
Whether you're drawn to the mysteries of magic or the explosive energy of breaking, Jiwan's "Imagine" promises an experience unlike any other. Get ready to rediscover your sense of wonder this Saturday — this is a show you don't want to miss!
Kim So-yeon plays the gayageum at Seolleung Art Hall in southern Seoul, Oct. 27. Courtesy of Antonia Giordano
Eulji Space continues to host diverse artistic endeavors by Korean and international artists in Korea. The art market will feature work by photographer A.C. Parsons, traditionally inspired accessories maker Hoya, artwork by Studio Lacosta, clothing by Diazable Apparel, accessories by Yogiyo, Anxiety and Kimbap and ZSJ Silks, as well as Elleskei's wood figurines and scarves and Costa Rican coffee served by Mother C.Coffee.
Sponsors of the event include Eulji Space, Seoul Culture Club, Platinum Karaoke, Platinum Gallery, Taco Amigo, Rabbithole Arcade Pub, Hay Wellness, Seoulshare, Rendezvous Seoul and So Yeon Gayageum Studio.
Antonia Giordano is a freelance photographer and writer based in Seoul. An adoptee, Antonia deeply understands and connects with the issues surrounding adoption and post-adoption. Visit giordanoantonia.myportfolio.com and follow @antonia_creative_services on Instagram.