Turn It Loose — a movie about b-boying

Hong 10 is one of the most famous B-Boys on the planet, always at the top of his game and known as one of the most creative and strong dancers in the scene, recognized for his extremely complex and intricate style.

In Korea a great Hip Hop scene evolved within a few years. B-Boying is everywhere—on TV, in the papers, and in many theatrical shows. At the tourist office in Seoul, you will find a flyer about a B-Boy show right next to one about a classical Korean dance performance. Korean B-Boys are known to be among the best in the world because they are extremely dedicated, possibly a result of the compulsory two year military service for all male citizens. So every Korean B-Boy tries to get to the top of his game before he gets drafted.

Hong 10 & Roxrite at the Edinburg Film Festival

Hong 10 is known for his exceptional endurance and strength and he’s an organized battle strategist. He sorts out his body and his mind and then calmly calculates what he must do to win. He has a big repertoire and makes sure he has his weapons ready and knows when to drop which move.

The fact that Korean B-Boys are known to be the most dedicated dancers is not the only reason why Hong 10 is struggling with the high expectations of his fans in the battle in South Africa. He won 2nd place in 2005’s Red Bull BC One and 1st place in 2006. He is the title holder in 2007 and wants to be the first one to ever win the title for a second time.

Q & A with Hong 10 in 2010

Describe how you feel in a battle.
I’m always nervous in battles, but at the same time I have butterflies of joy is in my chest! When I am flying through the air or throw a complicated move, I am totally focused. Life becomes crisp, the music sounds louder, and my surroundings become more real.

Are you overambitious?
I wouldn’t say overambitious, but I will always give my best and always try to improve. I have to work very hard and to give up on many things to be as good as I am. You win some you loose some I guess. Winning is like math, there’s a lot of preparation to do win a battle. I would have to break it down to practice hours, concepts and strategy and if everything equals out then winning follows.

You were defending your title. Was that putting extra pressure on you?
Defending the title was a big thing for me. Back then, no one had ever won two years in a row and I really wanted to be the first B-Boy to overcome that, but my plan didn’t work out. Right after the battle I honestly thought I had won, but I was wrong. It all comes down to the judges right? I thought, “Shit I came this far and it all comes down to this? I wish I could have another chance, go another round…”

How did it feel to be followed by a camera crew?
It was a little weird, but also pretty cool! It didn’t really feel like I was participating in a movie. It just felt the same like always when they are filming the event with me being part of it. When I saw the movie I was surprised at how big my part actually was. It felt geat!

What do you think about the movie?
I think Alastair did an excellent job, not only with filming the event, but especially with how deep he got into each character. I really opened up to him and definitely consider him family now.
Turn it loose will be a very important document for every B-Boy, present and future, but also for other people, because they will really get a sense of the life style of a B-Boy and what breaking is all about. I think no other film has accomplished that before.