Breaking star Kim Hong-yeol selected for national team, aims for second Asian Games medal

South Korea's breaking star Kim Hong-yeol, also known as Hong10, has been named to the national team for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, setting his sights on a second consecutive medal in the discipline.

The Korea DanceSport Federation (KFD) announced the selection of four athletes: Kim Hong-yeol and Kim Heon-woo (Wing) for the men's division, and Kwon Sung-hee (Starry) and Kim Ye-ri (Yell) for the women's division. Kim Hong-yeol is a celebrated figure in Korean breaking history, having won the country's first-ever Asian Games medal in the sport in 2022. He also competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Kim Heon-woo was also part of the 2022 Asian Games team.

Both veteran male athletes bring extensive experience from competing on the world stage. They are expected to leverage their seasoned performance strategies in their pursuit of medals. The women's team boasts a strong combination of talent. Kwon Sung-hee, who competed in the Hangzhou Asian Games, will be joined by Kim Ye-ri, a bronze medalist at the 2018 Buenos Aires Youth Olympics, who will be making her debut at the Asian Games.

KFD President Kang Il-sung expressed his congratulations and support for the selected athletes. "We offer our sincere congratulations and support to the four athletes representing Korea on the grand stage of the Asian Games," Kang said. "The federation will provide full support, including systematic training and on-site care, to ensure our athletes can showcase their world-class skills without regret."

Breaking has solidified its position as a global sport, gaining official recognition through its inclusion in the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Paris Olympics. The national team's selection marks a significant step as they prepare for the upcoming continental competition.

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We offer our sincere congratulations and support to the four athletes representing Korea on the grand stage of the Asian Games. The federation will provide full support, including systematic training and on-site care, to ensure our athletes can showcase their world-class skills without regret.