On November 23, 2024, Hong Beom-seok, a star from Netflix's hit show 'Physical 100', showcased his athletic prowess at the Hyrox Open Asian Championships held at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. Competing in the men's open category, he completed the race in 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 2 seconds, securing sixth place in the non-elite race and second in his age group. During his time in Hong Kong, Hong expressed his admiration for the city's natural beauty and vibrant trail running scene, highlighting the unique blend of urban and outdoor experiences available to athletes and visitors alike. [946c5e8f]
Hong's journey to fame includes a notable background as a member of the South Korean special forces for over 11 years before transitioning to a career as a firefighter in 2017. He gained international recognition after winning the Toughest Firefighter Alive title in 2018 and later participating in both seasons of 'Physical 100', where he reached the finals in the second season. His visit to Hong Kong also included a memorable moment where he took a photo with the statue of his idol, Bruce Lee, at the Avenue of Stars. [946c5e8f]
The Hyrox event itself was a resounding success, attracting a record turnout of 6,500 participants, marking a remarkable 160% increase from the previous year. This surge in participation underscores the growing popularity of fitness competitions in the region, drawing athletes from various backgrounds to compete in this challenging format. Additionally, Hong had the opportunity to meet Hollywood star Tom Cruise in London just weeks prior to the event, further elevating his profile in the entertainment and fitness communities. [946c5e8f]