Meet Seoul Dynasty: The Fashion-Conscious Pro Gaming Team Dominating 'Overwatch'
Much like in the NBA, eSports players are now emphasizing their fashion sense.
What is the relationship between fashion and gaming? Is there one? Last month, Nike featured League of Legends player Jian “Uzi” Zihao in their “Shut Up and ____,” campaign alongside LeBron James. UNDEFEATED created a limited-edition jersey kit for eSports team New York Excelsior last summer. While there is yet to be a first-ever official sportswear sponsorship of an eSports player or team, that day is not too far off in the future.
eSports players are now traded among different teams just like Premiere League athletes, with salary levels just as high. Pro gamers nowadays have both the ability and taste to deck themselves in hyped gear, oftentimes being spotted in the likes of Off White, Gucci, and Balenciaga. To explore this further, HYPEBEAST met with Overwatch team Seoul Dynasty of South Korea, arguably the biggest gaming capital of the world. Who are they? And what is their take on fashion?
Tobi
Palace x Polo Ralph Lauren shirt, sweatshirt and pants. Palace Skateboards hat, Projekt Produkt glasses
“I’m an avid HYPEBEAST reader. I even have the app.”
Name: Jin Mo Yang
Age: 24
Role: Support
Signature Hero: Lucio, Mercy
Experience: Winner of the 2017 Overwatch World Cup as the South Korea Team
Main Strength: Undoubtedly the world’s best Lucio player
Favorite Sneaker: Nike Air Max 98
Fissure
Stone Island anorak, Vetements pants, Prada hat, Gucci slides, Projekt Produkt glasses
“I’m not interested in anything other than gaming and streaming.”
Name: Chan Hyung Baek
Age: 19
Role: Tank
Signature Hero: Winston, Reinhardt, Orisa
Experience: London Spitfire (2017~2018), LA Gladiators (2018)
Main Strength: Best Main Tanker in the League
Favorite Shoe: Gucci ‘Snake Printed Slide’
Fleta
Tommy Jeans sweatshirts and jeans, Supreme hat, Nike sneakers
“Winning the ‘Overwatch’ World Cup was the best experience of my life.”
Name: Byung Sun Kim
Age: 19
Role: DPS
Signature Hero: Pharah, Widowmaker, Genji
Experience: Winner of the 2018 Overwatch World Cup as the South Korea Team
Main Strength: The world’s most flexible DPS who can play many different heroes
Favorite Sneaker: Nike Air Force 1
Zunba
Chance Chance jacket, Polo Ralph Lauren sweater, Off White pants, Balenciaga sneakers
“We’ve never won against London’s Spitfire or New York’s Excelsior. I want to focus on beating them.”
Name: Jun Hyeok Kim
Age: 21
Role: Tank
Signature Hero: Zarya, D.Va, Roadhog
Experience: Winner of the 2016 & 2017 Overwatch World Cup as the South Korea Team
Main Strength: Overwatch League’s best Sub Tank
Favorite Sneaker: Balenciaga Triple S
Ryujehong
Supreme x Nike jacket, Stone Island shirt, Supreme T-shirt, Calvin Klein Jean pants, Gucci sneakers
“‘Overwatch’ enriches my life. I’m thankful to the game.”
Name: Je Hong Ryu
Age: 27
Role: Support
Signature Hero: Ana, Zenyatta
Experience: Winner of the 2016 & 2017 Overwatch World Cup as the South Korea Team
Main Strength: An unusually genius Ana player, especially with Sleep Dart
Favorite Sneaker: Balenciaga Speed Trainer
Visit HYPEBEAST Korea for the full interview with Seoul Dynasty.
