Hyeong Cheol Kim, 38, does Underground (9a)

Hyeong Cheol Kim, with two 8c’s under his belt, has done Underground (9a) in Arco.

Can you tell us more about doing your first 9a?
I was born in 1986 in Korea and I started climbing after I was discharged from the military in 2008. It's late to start, but I want to achieve many dream lines. I am the father of two daughters now.

A few years ago, I wanted to try the dream lines that I had seen on YouTube and I went to one or two places every year, including Kalymnos, Rodellar, Margalef, Santa Linya, Ceuse, and this winter, Arco. I just saw and touched the dream lines. This was the first time that I actually tried and succeeded with the goal.

My goal was always 9a or 9a+ but I didn't do well. I felt that I got better and better through many trips and I felt that my skills got better this year.

Underground is one of my dream lines. When I first saw Tomas Mrazek on YouTube, I really wanted to do it, and it became a reality. In a very short time. I was first time Arco and I only had a week. I just wanted to check the moves, but it was my style and I quickly finished it Unbelievable! Luckily!

How does a normal training week look like?
I work out on the spray wall on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and I do outdoor climbing on Sundays. Two sessions a day, 2-3 hours per session.