Inside 14k: how a Hong Kong triad grew into a global crime syndicate
From its roots in mainland China to expansion in Hong Kong and beyond, we look at the history of one of the most notorious triad societies
Hong Kong is considered one of the safest cities in the world today – but it has not always been so. There have been periods throughout contemporary history when its streets were ruled and terrorised by gangs. In this series, we look at the history of Hong Kong’s major triad societies and how they shaped the underworld of organised crime and inspired the city’s pop culture.
Most well-established Hong Kong triads have auspicious names: Sun Yee On literally means “new, righteousness, peace”, while Wo Shing Wo stands for “peace, victory, unity”. But 14K is an exception – and there are several legends behind the name.
Various sources claim the “K” came from Kot, others say Kuomintang, while some refer to Kowloon’s Kiu Kiang Street, where the 14K was established in Hong Kong.
The name could also stand for 14-karat gold – a mix of gold alloyed with other metals – symbolising the group’s formidable strength.
