The Jopok (조폭) or "Organized violent group" in English, is a terminology that refers to organized criminal syndicates in South Korea. Due to the nature of Korean government's "War against crime" since 1990, Jopok factions were no longer a formidable presence and unable to appear publicly and often masked themselves as legal business corporations. In the modern days, they specialize in the art of white-collar crimes.
In New Zealand exists an alleged Jopok faction within the Three Lakes conglomerate. This faction, led by an anonymous figure labelled as "Seonbae", had operated since 2017 within the shadows of Central Eden, Eden City, with the aids of Silent Killers (조용한 살인자), a more daring South Korean youth gang. However, in 2023, everything changed when their high-rank member, Kwak, who was also the suspected son of "Seonbae", went rogue, leading the Silent Killers to split from the Jopok and pursue their own reckless, independent path. In response to this, Seonbae dispatched Song Ye-Joon, a senior enforcer of the Jopok Mob, to reestablish their presence and authority in Eden City.
History
Background
History of Korean criminal gangs can be traced back to the late Joseon dynasty. However, it was not until the 1970s that modern Jopok began thriving under the military regime. After a period of prosperity, the enactment of strict anti-criminal gang laws on 13 October 1990 transformed modern South Korea into a hostile ground for organized crime. Many mobsters were arrested or forced to go into hiding. Since then, Jopok factions concealed their existances by using legal fronts such as entertainment businesses. Unlike the American Mafia that were capable of using distinct family names as identifiers (e.g. Gambetti and Pegorino), Jopok factions did not have a specific, distinguishable name to set them apart from each other.
Three Lakes
Since the mid 2000s, police had suspected the presence of a Jopok faction behind a multi-industry company named Three Lakes. The corporation is based in the bustling district of Seo-myeon in Busan, where they are widely believed to have established themselves as the unchallenged ruler of the local criminal realm. Legally, Three Lakes' uppermost hierarchy consists of a board of director. _.
New Zealand Chapter
This crackdown on organized crime is what drove the Jopok Mob to establish a chapter in Eden City, New Zealand. The city's chaotic environment and looser law enforcement provided fertile ground for the Jopok to rebuild and expand their operations. By leveraging their international ties, including the Silent Killers, the Jopok aimed to capitalize on Eden City's underground markets, from drug trafficking to money laundering. Establishing a strong foothold in Eden also allowed them to evade South Korea's harsh anti-gang laws while continuing to grow their influence.
However, this expansion was not without its challenges. In 2023, a major split occurred when Seonbae's son, Kwak, led the Silent Killers to break away from the Jopok, taking with him a majority of the younger Korean gangsters. This division significantly weakened the Jopok's power in Eden City. The same year, Martial Law was imposed over Central Eden due to the rampant influx of gangs, further diminishing the Jopok's influence. Faced with increasing pressure, the Jopok were forced to retreat into the shadows and focus on legitimate fronts, such as construction businesses, entertainment ventures, and import/export trade through their ties to New Zealand–South Korea relations.
Membership
"Seonbae"
"Seonbae" is the unknown leader of the Three Lakes' Jopok faction.
Song Ye-Joon
A senior enforcer of the Jopok Mob.
Relations
Allies
Silent Killers
The Silent Killers, a younger and more free-spirited Korean gang, remain affiliated with the Jopok Mob but have carved out a semi-independent identity. While they share cultural and familial ties, their philosophies often clash. The Jopok values tradition, secrecy, and calculated operations, while the Silent Killers embrace a lifestyle of freedom, fun, and reckless criminal ventures. This divide eventually led to the Silent Killers splitting off to pursue their own path, focused on flaunting wealth, dominating street racing, and thriving in Eden City's chaotic underworld.
Despite their differences, the two groups maintain a working relationship. The Silent Killers provide street-level manpower and act as enforcers or "soldiers" for the Jopok when needed. In return, they benefit from the Jopok's financial resources, protection, and connections. This uneasy alliance allows both factions to coexist while pursuing their distinct goals in Eden City's competitive and volatile criminal landscape.
12S Triad
The Jopok Mob maintains a robust alliance with the Chinese 12S Triad, working closely on a range of criminal enterprises. This partnership is bolstered by their mutual membership in the prestigious Four Dragons Alliance, ensuring shared resources, coordinated operations, and unwavering support between the two organizations.
Cross Breed
The Jopok Mob occasionally partners with the Cross Breed biker gang, offering money laundering services to clean their illicit earnings. In return, the two groups maintain a friendly and mutually beneficial relationship, leveraging each other's strengths to expand their influence.
Rivals
Izanami-kai
The Jopok Mob and the Izanami-kai Yakuza are fierce rivals, locked in a constant battle for dominance over Eden City's underworld. Their animosity stems from racial history and competing interests in extortion rackets, smuggling routes, and control over high-end gambling dens. This rivalry frequently erupts into violent confrontations, making them two of the city's most dangerous syndicates.
Raizoku
The Jopok Mob harbors a deep hatred for the Raizoku, fueled purely by their Japanese origins. This animosity is rooted in historical and cultural tensions, with the Jopok viewing the Raizoku as rivals simply because they share a competing East Asian identity. This enmity often leads to violent clashes in South Eden, where both groups vie for influence.
Karibatsu
The Jopok Mob also despises the Karibatsu Street Racers solely due to their Japanese heritage, fueling a bitter and relentless hostility. To assert their dominance over Eden City's criminal underworld, the Jopok frequently hires the Silent Killers to disrupt Karibatsu's operations. From sabotaging races to provoking confrontations, these calculated attacks are designed to weaken the Karibatsu and send a clear message of the Jopok's perceived superiority.
Cresta Cartel
The Cresta Cartel are seen as a significant threat to their drug trafficking operations, creating a tense rivalry fueled by competition for profits and market control. While not as openly hostile as their conflicts with other gangs, the Jopok keeps a close eye on the Cartel's movements, engaging in strategic moves to undermine their influence and protect their earnings in Eden City.
Neutral
Angels of Death NZL
The Jopok Mob keeps things neutral with the Angels of Death, staying out of their way while focusing on their own operations. However, since the Angels are rivals of the Cross Breed, one of Jopok's allies, they're kept at arm's length to avoid stirring up trouble.
Midnight Society and The Successors
The Jopok Mob quietly disapproves of the excessive hedonism displayed by the Midnight Society and The Successors. Their members are strongly discouraged from partying at the Margrave nightclub or on Whaler Island. While the Jopok intentionally steer clear of interacting with these two syndicates, they stop short of declaring open hostility, opting instead for a deliberate distance.
Vehicles
Trivia
- The Three Lakes company is inspired by the Goldmoon International from 2013 South Korean film, New World