Hong 10 wins international B-boy competition in Seoul

Korean B-boy Hong 10 won the Red Bull BC One 2013 Seoul World Final on Saturday, becoming the champion of champions in the world of break-dancing.

Hong 10, whose real name is Kim Hong-yeol, beat the 2012 winner, Mounir from France, at the final dance-off after 14 other contenders had been eliminated. Hong 10 won three out of four judges’ approval with his signature moves, epic stare-downs and powerful freeze holds before some 5,000 fans in attendance and tens of thousands more watching on live TV.

A total of 16 break dancers from around the world ― including eight previous champions, six regional finalists and two “wild card” winners ― participated in the event, known as one of the four hottest B-boy contests alongside U.K. B-boy Championship, Freestyle Session, and Battle Of The Year.

The competition started out as a tournament between previous winners versus regional finalists and wild card holders in the first round, followed by an open-stage face-off at Jamsil Arena. Alongside Hong 10, another Korean B-boy, the 2008 winner WING, also made it to the semifinals, only to be defeated by his compatriot.

Hong 10 was the 2006 winner and became one of the only two dancers to have won the competition twice. The other is Lilou from France, who won in 2005 and 2009.

“I can’t explain how happy and shocked I am that I won, especially in this special year,” the dancer said at a press conference shortly after his victory. “It is every B-boy’s dream to win this kind of competition, and I am so grateful,” he added.

Hong 10 has been one of the most popular dancers in the Korean break-dance circle, which has rapidly emerged as an international powerhouse. Starting in 2001, the 28-year-old won or reached the finals of more than 28 international competitions.

“I have been preparing for this event a lot. I want to stay fit and healthy to dance for a long time,” Hong 10 said.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)