Even the ‘Legendary B-Boy’ could not withstand the passage of time. Kim Hong-yeol, known as Hong-10 (Dobong-gu Office), regarded as the greatest player in breaking history, participated in breaking, which was an official event for the first time in Olympic history, but ultimately accepted his elimination in the group stage.
Breaking representative Hong-10 (Kim Hong-yeol) showcased impressive moves during the men’s group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics breaking event held at La Concorde in Paris, France on August 10 (local time). Hong-10 concluded his match with Jeffro from the United States in a 1:1 draw. Paris, August 10, 2024 = Olympic Photo Joint Press Corps
Kim Hong-yeol faced off against Jeffrey Lewis (Jeffro, USA) in the third match of Group C of the men’s group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics breaking event held at Place de la Concorde in Paris, France on August 10 (local time) and finished with a round score of 1-1 (3-6, 8-1, total votes 11-7).
In his first match during the group stage, Kim Hong-yeol was completely defeated by Dutch rookie Leilaou Demirer (Lee) with a round score of 0-2 (2-7, 3-6). In the next match, he drew 1-1 (7-2, 4-5) with Gaetan Alin (Lagaet, France), but managed to win with a total vote of 11-7.
Breaking representative Hong-10 (Kim Hong-yeol) displayed remarkable moves during the men’s group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics breaking event on August 10 (local time). Paris = Olympic Photo Joint Press Corps
Breaking representative Hong-10 (Kim Hong-yeol) showcased impressive skills during the men’s group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics breaking event held at La Concorde in Paris, France on August 10 (local time). Hong-10 ended his match with Jeffro of the United States in a 1:1 draw. Paris = Olympic Photo Joint Press Corps
Breaking representative Hong-10 (Kim Hong-yeol) impressed with his moves in the men’s group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics breaking event at La Concorde in Paris, France on August 10 (local time). Hong-10’s match with France’s Lagaet ended in a 1:1 draw. Paris, August 10, 2024 = Olympic Photo Joint Press Corps
Breaking representative Hong-10 (Kim Hong-yeol) showcased his impressive moves during the men’s group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics breaking event held at La Concorde in Paris, France on August 10 (local time). Paris = Olympic Photo Joint Press Corps
Kim Hong-yeol, who only achieved one round victory in the first and second rounds, needed to win both rounds in the third round against Lewis to advance to the quarterfinals. However, Lewis, who captivated the audience with his high-difficulty aerial moves, won the first round, diminishing Kim’s chances of progressing. Kim Hong-yeol won the second round 8-1 with a clever dance move that made Lewis smile; however, his chances of advancing to the quarterfinals had already slipped away.
In Group C, Lewis (5 round wins) and Demirer (4 round wins) secured the 1st and 2nd places, while Kim Hong-yeol (2 round wins) finished in 3rd place in the group.
In this competition featuring 16 participants, the contestants were divided into 4 groups, and the top 8 winners from each group were selected through a group league before the medalists were determined through a tournament. Contestants earn more votes from the 9 judges after a 1-on-1 dance battle to win. In the group league, if the scores of two rounds are tied 1-1, the total number of votes from both rounds decides the winner. From the quarterfinals, the competition consists of 3 rounds. There are 5 major scoring criteria, with scores determined by assessing technicality, diversity, originality, execution, and musicality.
Breaking representative Hong-10 (Kim Hong-yeol) smiles during the second match of the men’s group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics breaking event held at La Concorde in Paris, France on August 10 (local time). Paris = Olympic Photo Joint Press Corps
Born in 1984, Hong-yeol Kim is a three-time champion of the Red Bull BC One Final, regarded as the most prestigious international competition (2006, 2013, 2023). He holds the record for the most wins alongside Menno from the Netherlands. Kim, who began his journey as a b-boy by entering international competitions in 2001 at the age of 16, has maintained world-class skills for 23 years and is highly respected in the breaking community.
Breaking is not included in the official program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, making this potentially his first and last Olympic event. Born in December 1984 according to the lunar calendar, he aimed to become the first and last Olympic breaking champion at the age of 40, but the weight of time appears to have been too heavy for the dancer in his 40s.
Paris = Reporter Nam Jeong-hoon che@segye.com
[ⓒ 세계일보 & Segye.com, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
Hong-10 Kim Hong-yeol’s Performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics Breaking Competition
Even the ‘Legendary B-Boy’ was no match for the passage of time. Hong-10 Kim Hong-yeol, celebrated as the best player in the history of breaking, participated in breaking’s Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games, but ultimately faced elimination in the group stage.
Match Performance Overview
On August 10, 2024, Kim Hong-yeol faced off against Jeffrey Lewis (Jeffro, USA) in the third match of Group C of the men’s group stage held in the picturesque Place de la Concorde in Paris. The match ended in a round score of 1-1 (3-6, 8-1), but Kim’s total votes were 11-7, allowing him to secure a win over Jeffro.
Previously, Kim battled against Dutch rookie Leilaou Demirer (Lee), experiencing a tough defeat with a round score of 0-2 (2-7, 3-6). Despite this, he managed a draw (1-1) against Gaetan Alin (Lagaet, France) in his second match but ultimately won based on total votes (11-7). This group stage experience demonstrated the intense competition among elite b-boys.
The Competitive Landscape
During the group stage, Kim Hong-yeol needed to win both rounds against Jeffro to advance to the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, despite his impressive aerial moves in the first round, Lewis secured the win. However, Kim rebounded with a strong second round victory. In total, Group C saw Lewis and Demirer stand at the top, with Kim finishing in third place.
Group C Standings
| Rank | Name | Round Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeffery Lewis (USA) | 5 |
| 2 | Leilaou Demirer (Netherlands) | 4 |
| 3 | Kim Hong-yeol (Korea) | 2 |
Breaking Competition Format
In this Olympic breaking competition, 16 talented participants were divided into four groups. The top two competitors from each group would proceed to the medal rounds through a league format. Judging was strict; a battle could end in a 1-1 tie, prompting a total vote tiebreaker based on the judges’ scores.
Judging Criteria
The b-boys were evaluated according to five key criteria:
- Technicality: The skill level displayed in moves.
- Diversity: The range of styles and techniques used.
- Originality: Unique moves that showcase individual style.
- Execution: The accuracy and smoothness of performance.
- Musicality: How well the performance synced with the music.
Kim Hong-yeol’s Legacy in Breaking
Born in 1984, Kim Hong-yeol has built a prestigious career, boasting three Red Bull BC One Final championships (2006, 2013, and 2023). This remarkable feat makes him a co-record holder alongside Menno of the Netherlands. His journey to success began in 2001 at just 16 years old, and he has remained a dominant force in the breaking community for over two decades.
Despite his impressive track record, the 2024 Paris Olympics could very well be his first and last opportunity to compete on the Olympic stage, as breaking is not included in the official program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Turning 40 in December 2024, Hong-10 sought to become the first Olympic breaking champion, but the physical demands of the competition posed a significant challenge.
Reflections on Age and Experience in Dance
As athletes grow older, maintaining peak physical condition becomes increasingly difficult. Kim’s performance, marked by moments of brilliance, illustrates not only his skills but the relentless commitment required to compete at such a high level. While he may not have advanced past the group stage, his journey remains a testament to the hard work and dedication that defines the world of breaking.
Kim Hong-yeol’s contributions to breaking have inspired countless dancers worldwide, reinforcing the importance of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As the world watches the evolution of breaking as a sport, players like Kim will remain central figures in its rich history.
Paris = Reporter Nam Jeong-hoon che@segye.com
[ⓒ 세계일보 & Segye.com, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
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