Often referred to as Poppin' Hyun Joon or Happy Hyun Joon, is a famous Korean contemporary dancer. He is best known for his unique popping techniques. He is also a former rapper for Young Turks Club, and is now going back to the music industry, with his recent release of his latest album One & Only.
He's one of more famous contemporary poppers. He has been a part of several dance groups, including Gorilla Crew, Cyborg and Newest35 (headed by H.O.T member Jang Woo Hyuk). He currently is in his own dance group called Nam Hyun Joon and Kids.
He began his dance endeavor at the age of 12, and quickly rose to the top with his unique freestyle dancing abilities. Practicing 10-15 hours a day, Hyun Joon’s persistency and hard work eventually caught the eye of the famous singer, Lee Juno (from Seo Taiji & boys) who has been one of the leading reasons to Hyun Joon’s current success in Korea. (Hyun Joon is pursuing a career in acting and singing and is currently promoting his new cd titled "I want You")
DANCING TO POPPIN HYUN JOON
The way Hyun Joon views dancing is quite simple. It is a way to express yourself in various forms, but also a way to have fun. To Hyun Joon, skills and abilities is not what gains respect, but a passion to dance. This is what he considers true skills. Passion is what marks a dancer, and that’s what Hyun Joon tries to portray in his performances. His advice, “Smile!” and show that you are actually enjoying yourself.
He also feels that poppin isn’t only old skool poppin style (aka boogaloo), but it includes wave, popping, animation, robot, king tut and glides. if you’ve watched any of hyun joon’s performances, his freestyles are always a mixture of all these techniques
Although Hyun Joon has lost many battles, he has also won many. (Actually more than he has lost). But his advice to other dancers, is to pick yourself up and forget about it. "Some days your dancing is on the ball, and other days you just can't seem to hit the beat. But just forget about everything, and dance!" Many have criticize Hyun Joon for not being a “real popper” but Hyun Joon’s reply to them is “I’m not a popper, I’m a freestyler!” His desire to stick with his dance style despite going against the judges preferences, has cost him a lot of battles, but Hyun Joon doesn't seem to mind at all. "This is my way of showing to people my style. Even if I lose, I still have fun and I get to show people the way I dance."
Dancing isn't about winning or losing, it's about having fun. This is Hyun Joon's motto that he lives on.