Every Runner a Main Character: The Creative Vision of Seoul's Mutant_Crew

The story of Mutant_ begins in 2017 in Seoul, when founder jk.beak started a crew called "SMIT," an acronym for "Single Mutant Infects Totality." The goal was simple and clever: to infect people with the running virus, spreading a passion for the sport across the city. This core idea of a powerful, transformative energy set the stage for the crew's growth into a creative force today.

In 2019, the crew was renamed Mutant_ when the leadership shifted to the visionary GANZ, who still guides the community. The philosophy shifted to focus deeply on the individual within the group. As GANZ believes, "Everyone is different. We want each crew member to shoot out the color in the background of black. Like everyone becomes the main character." This idea shapes their identity as more than just a running crew; they are an "activity crew" where running is a gateway to a wider world of shared experiences, passion, and creative expression. All activities are said to be born from the "infinite imagination" of their leader.

The community of Mutant_ is a curated space filled with energy, passion, and emotion. Rather than being "wild and crazy," the focus is on fostering deep, engaging connections between members who share a love for an active and creative lifestyle. Their collaboration is internal and project-based, using their collective energy to create and participate in a variety of activities that go well beyond a simple weekly run.

The culture of Mutant_ is vibrant and multi-dimensional. As an "activity crew," running is just one part of what they do together. Their sessions are not limited to one format but are part of a broader mix of creative and athletic pursuits. Guided by GANZ's vision, the crew might take part in other sports, creative projects, or urban adventures. This approach keeps their activities fresh and reflects the crew's core belief in living passionately, energetically, and expressively together.

Mutant_ works as a close-knit activity crew with a unique creative vision. For those in Seoul who are drawn to their philosophy of sport and self-expression, the best way to connect and learn about their activities is by following and engaging with their official Instagram account.

Mutant_ occupies a special artistic space within Seoul's diverse running scene. The city is a global hub for run crews, including the neighborhood-focused Nowon Running Crew (N1RC), the large city-wide Crewghost community, and the birth-year-based 1991RUNNERS. Other notable groups like Wausan30 in Hongdae and the female-led Prism Runners each bring their own unique flavor, creating a rich ecosystem where every runner can find their community.

Running in Seoul As I write this from Berlin on a Wednesday morning, the vibrant, trend-setting pulse of Seoul offers a fascinating contrast. Seoul is a global center for art, fashion, music, and creativity, making it the perfect home for a crew as artistically driven as Mutant_. The city's relentless modernity and rich cultural history create a dynamic tension that fuels its creative communities, including those expressing themselves through movement and sport.

Given their flexible nature as an "activity crew," Mutant_ doesn’t stick to a single, regular running route, instead using the whole city of Seoul as their playground. Their runs and activities can take them anywhere, from popular paths along the Han River to the challenging hills of Namsan Park, which offers panoramic views of the skyline. They might also explore trendy neighborhoods like Gangnam or historic districts around Gyeongbokgung Palace, always finding new backdrops for their athletic and creative pursuits.

Members of Mutant_ are seen participating in Seoul's major running events, bringing their unique energy to race days. The biggest event is the Seoul Marathon every March, which draws elite runners from around the world to its fast course. Another major race is the JTBC Seoul Marathon in the fall, offering several distances and passing by some of the city's most iconic landmarks.