Before the 2013 Redbull BC ONE B-Boys Finals in Seoul, South Korea, VIBE was on location to speak to a number of the dancers. Today, we present our second interview from our series with Korea’s Hong 10 (The winner!). The hometown hero was visibly nervous before the event but showed and proved for all to see.. Read on for the full convo. —Mikey Fresh
There’s B-Boys from all around the world in Seoul for the BC ONE finals. What does that mean to you, being that you are a native?
I think theres a huge meaning behind it, to have the world’s best bboys in such a big event in korea, I know its gonna be a really good turnout.
Did you take any special steps to prepare for the event?
In terms of preparation, it was just honing the skills that I already have, and that’s what I hope I can do.
Say that you do win, how do you plan to celebrate in your hometown?
Whether I get to win or not, I’ll be celebrating pretty much either way (laughs)
As a Korean-American, even though a lot of us can’t even speak the language, we’re very proud to see Koreans really making their mark in B-Boying and in hip-hop.
I hear that a lot. While I was abroad and winning all these tournaments, Korean people there would tell me how proud they were to have me putting us on the map. I didn’t realize it living in Korea but the Koreans living abroad really face a lot of racism. feel like with what I do, I could inspire more people to change.
Since Koreans really came to the spotlight in B-Boying, I’ve ways heard criticisms of the Koreans lacking rhythm and style. But they really had the power moves locked. How do you feel about that?
There were a lot of B-Boys like that back in the day, and that was our forte but I feel as though Korea has really came up in terms of rhythm and having a more of unique style of our own.
At the heart of B-boying is the music. Who are some of your favorite artists to dance to?
I have a lot of DJs and artists that I personally like to listen to, but what I dance to is something totally different.
//www.youtube.com/embed/N5Qu7t4Mb4I?feature=player_detailpage
Where do you see the future of B-Boying in Korea?
Honestly I’m kind of worried about the future of bboying in Korea, due to lack of new generation kids coming up, but they are a few that are really solidifying themselves and they have a good chance of complementing us. I don’t think the B-Boy culture in Korea really has an influence in hip hop here.
Alright, last question, and I’m asking all the B-Boys this. What is your favorite and least favorite B-Boy movie of all time?
I liked Beatstreet the most, among those that I hate, I dont know, not sure…