Back to the Golden Days: Skream's Korea Launch Event
By Ryan Kim
Hello everyone! A few weeks ago, Skream made its grand debut in Korea with a launch party in Seoul. Ryan was there to document what felt like a pretty special moment, not just for the brand, but for the Korean fixed gear community as a whole.
Enjoy the read!
I used to spend my weekends at Seoul Olympic Park in the mid-2010s. Fixed-gear riders from all around the country would gather up for impromptu rides across the city or just to chat with each other. Everyone could become friends with anyone over this common hobby, building connections, and overall just having a great time. Other than the bikes themselves, this warmth and sense of belonging in a tight community is what drew people in and kept them coming back.
After moving to the United States, I thought I'd never have another chance to feel this warmth. Between the COVID shutdowns and the bulk of the crowd aging out of the hobby, the fixed-gear community in Korea had seen a steep decline in the past few years.
Well, never say never, right?
This past weekend, Skream organized their launch event in Korea. Kicking off the day with a group ride across the old city, the pack gathered at Yeoido Park for mini games. Honestly, the Onstage guys and I expected the turnout to be around 30, maybe 40 people max. Skream Korea had only announced the event four days prior, and a lot of our friends couldn't show up either.
I was genuinely stunned as the leading pack came in, already filling up half of the area. Yet that was only the first half, as the trailing pack rolled in. We must've had over 80 people as I had a hard time trying to get a count of everyone. It felt like I was back in 2015, and the youthful excitement within me couldn't even settle in before the events started.
Track stand event, followed by a quick game of foot-down and picking up small objects. With the big crowd cheering on, having chats with people here and there, I was truly brought back to the golden days of fixed gear. Just as the mini games were coming to an end, the staff gathered everybody up to ride over to Byclipse. Byclipse, a road and fixed-gear bike shop, hosting the Skream bike launch party.
With the sun setting and the music playing, we kicked off the launch party with some pizza and beer. The new Skream Magnum frames were on display, including the four new colors as well as a special Deythos edition. At the center of it all was their new prototype. Although I can't spill the beans on this one, it was certainly the most eye-catching bike on display. I've had a couple of long chats with Kevin and Mathias about this bike, and all I can say is wow. The amount of effort these guys put into the small yet differentiating details was truly impressive. You won't be disappointed when this drops.
Then there was a surprise giveaway from the lucky draw. The first five winners were given small prizes, while the sixth and final winner, however, was surprised with a brand-new Skream Magnum frameset. What a way to give back to the community!
Overall, the whole event was a blast. Being a part of this event was one of those moments that reminded me of what cycling culture can and should be, just as it was a decade ago. Lastly, a major shoutout to Skream for making this happen for the South Korean fixed-gear community.
✍️: @ryanleokim
📸: @ryanleokim
🎞: Kentemere Pan 400
📷: Nikon F3
📍: Seoul