Hyunbin Min does United (8C+)

Hyunbin Min has repeated Ryuichi Murai’s United (8C+) in Mizugaki, which is a five moves sit start into Decided (8B+).

The 36-year-old Korean climber, who stands 162 cm tall, was a prominent figure in competition climbing, winning a Lead World Cup in 2012. He made a successful comeback in 2018, reaching the podium in his last two events. He returned again last year, with his top finish being 25th place.

Can you tell us more about the ascent?
My goal for this 9-day trip to Japan was to experience a lot and try “Decided (8B+/V14).” I arrived at my accommodation late the day before, so I was tired—but still so psyched for the boulder. After a tough one-hour approach (it was quite hard🥲), I arrived at the boulder! I did a light warm-up and sent “Decided (8B+/V14)” in four attempts. It was such a great rock and a beautiful line—it was just as fun as I expected.

After a 30-minute break, I tried “United (8C+/V16)” for real, but I fell off the shouldery move of “Decided” after passing the difficult section at the bottom on my first attempt. I saw a high possibility of success, and I was really nervous before my second attempt. I wanted to climb it calmly, but I couldn’t settle down in front of something so big. I took a nap for about an hour and a half after falling in a similar spot on my second try.

When I woke up, my mind was much calmer, and after two slips in the starting section, I finally sent it on my fifth attempt..! In the few moves before the mantling, I felt a distinctly different intensity compared to when I sent “Decided,” and I gave it everything I had. It was a truly valuable experience—I don’t think I’ll ever forget that day. Special thanks to my wife and two friends who were there with me. It still feels like a dream, even though it’s been three days.

What are the hardest boulders you have done before?
Two 8B+’, two 8B’s and multiple 8A+ in Korea. This is the first time for me bouldering outside Korea.