As two of Korea's only active professional wrestling promotions, the Pro Wrestling Society and the World Wrestling Association stage dynamic shows within the greater Seoul area to showcase the sport's high-energy spectacle. Their dream is simple: To make pro wrestling culture bloom in their home country.
PWS was recently founded in 2018 by Hong Dong-hee (professionally known as Shiho). He developed his talent and vision with Jo Kyung-ho, a veteran wrestler at WWA. Their mentor/student relationship allows collaboration in different forms, like co-teaching team training sessions and welcoming each other's members to fight at promotional events. They also invite wrestlers from countries like Japan and the USA to come to Korea for international matches. These shared efforts - along with wrestling streams on YouTube and televised appearances - have increased awareness of a unique athletic experience in a country deeply rooted in tradition and conservative values.
As the popularity of the misunderstood sport grows in Seoul, the community remains optimistic despite challenges like funding and resource shortages. But for deeply committed Korean wrestlers like Shiho, who fell in love with WWF events aired on Korean TV when he was 11, success isn't merely about fame and money - the rewards are far more personal. “Wrestling has changed my life in many ways. It’s not just a sport that I enjoy; it is a cultural bridge for me and has allowed me to meet many others from different countries who share the same dream.”
PWS was recently founded in 2018 by Hong Dong-hee (professionally known as Shiho). He developed his talent and vision with Jo Kyung-ho, a veteran wrestler at WWA. Their mentor/student relationship allows collaboration in different forms, like co-teaching team training sessions and welcoming each other's members to fight at promotional events. They also invite wrestlers from countries like Japan and the USA to come to Korea for international matches. These shared efforts - along with wrestling streams on YouTube and televised appearances - have increased awareness of a unique athletic experience in a country deeply rooted in tradition and conservative values.
As the popularity of the misunderstood sport grows in Seoul, the community remains optimistic despite challenges like funding and resource shortages. But for deeply committed Korean wrestlers like Shiho, who fell in love with WWF events aired on Korean TV when he was 11, success isn't merely about fame and money - the rewards are far more personal. “Wrestling has changed my life in many ways. It’s not just a sport that I enjoy; it is a cultural bridge for me and has allowed me to meet many others from different countries who share the same dream.”
A pre-match portrait of Shiho inside the ring.
Shiho struggles to get out of Zicky Dice's submission attempt.
Shiho dives midair with a flying crossbody onto Zicky Dice.
Hibiscus Mii puts Ann Chamu in a single-leg Boston crab.
Bborri Man enters the ring and disrupts a battle royal match.
Referee Kim Gi-min has a cigarette before officiating.
Ultimo Sombra lunges towards Shiho with a springboard back elbow.
Stuck in the ropes, Mari receives a dropkick from Hikari.
Buffa Aayooo winces in pain and grabs his chest.
Kim Min-ho locks Jo Kyung-ho in a camel clutch.
Ray XI on the mat after challenging Ryan Oshun for the PWS Championship Belt.
Fans heckle and laugh while enjoying a South Korean wrestling event in Seoul.
Shiho and other PWS wrestlers after an event in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.
A view of Seoul from Shiho's apartment rooftop.