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Korean Alphabet Meets Soccer: A New Cultural Fusion
5 Oct
Summary
- Designer Ray Rose writes player names in Korean Hangul characters.
- Brand RRose From Concrete highlights Korean culture through soccer.
- Tupac's poem inspired a collection written in Korean.
Ray Rose is redefining "the beautiful game" by infusing Korean culture into the global soccer landscape with his brand, RRose From Concrete. Established around 2022, the brand gained prominence at ComplexCon, showcasing unique 1-of-1 soccer jerseys. These custom kits feature player names, such as those for Brazilian legend Ronaldinho and French star Kylian Mbappé, rendered in the Korean Hangul alphabet.
Rose's initiative aims to promote linguistic diversity, moving beyond the ubiquitous Latin alphabet in sports. His "Coreano Hermano" kit, a blend of Korean and Mexican influences, has garnered attention. RRose From Concrete also partnered with House of Heroes for merchandise for a Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona Legends match, gifting custom jerseys to icons like Rafael Márquez.
The brand draws inspiration from various cultural elements, including West Coast rap legend Tupac Shakur, whose poem "The Rose That Grew From Concrete" was featured on a ComplexCon exclusive T-shirt, with the text in Korean. Rose also expresses admiration for Korean icons like BTS and national team captain Son Heung-min, recognizing their significant cultural impact.
The brand's name, RRose From Concrete, serves as a powerful tribute to Rose's immigrant mother, symbolizing empowerment and upliftment. It reflects her strength in raising him and his sister, with "Rose" referencing both a flower and the past tense of "rise."
