Phil Kim, professionally known as Phil Wizard, is the first-ever break-boy (b-boy) to win a Breaking Gold Medal in Paris. He started breakdancing when he was only 12 years old and quickly developed an interest in the sport.
Today, he’s considered one of the most well-known breakdancers in the industry with nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram and 20,000 followers on TikTok. This article discusses everything we know about Phil Kim, including his early career and achievements.
Who Is Phil Kim?
Phil Kim was born on January 25, 1997, in Toronto, Canada, to Korean parents.
Phil’s interest in breakdancing began when he saw the Now or Never Crew (N.O.N) performing street shows in downtown Vancouver when he was 12. Impressed by their moves, Phil went home and looked up breakdancing videos on YouTube and shortly after started breakdancing himself.
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While attending Magee Secondary School in Vancouver, Phil was known as “the dancer kid.” He’d regularly practice dance moves in the hallway and would even excuse himself from class to try new techniques.
Before graduating from high school, Phil expressed an interest in pursuing breakdancing as a career. Phil’s parents were skeptical of his decision. While they didn’t discourage him from breakdancing as a hobby, they didn’t see it as a feasible career path and instead encouraged him to attend university.
Phil eventually agreed and studied psychology for two semesters, a period he described as the “most miserable” of his life.
Image source: Instagram
When he found an event that qualified for the Red Bull BC One World Finals, he dropped out to pursue breaking as a full-time career. He joined the Wizards Crew, which later inspired his stage name, and began making a name for himself on the international stage.
Phil Kim Career and Achievements
Phil Kim earned several major titles throughout his career. In 2019, he won first place at the Undisputed V Masters in Morocco, becoming the first Canadian to win the Undisputed World Series. He was also the first Canadian invited to compete in the Red Bull BC One World Finals.
Image source: Instagram
In 2022, Phil Kim won the WDSF World Breaking Championship, followed by a gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games, the first-ever men’s breaking event.
In 2024, Phil Kim represented Canada in breakdancing at the Paris Olympics and brought home the gold.
Featured image source: Instagram
