The worlds of K-pop, Netflix reality TV, and elite fitness collided in spectacular fashion recently when SHINee's Minho competed alongside Physical: 100 stars at the HYROX Singapore Championship.

This unexpected convergence brought together three remarkable athletes, each with their own compelling story and dedicated fanbase.

Choi Minho: The K-Pop Idol Who Takes Fitness Seriously

Minho from SHINee has long been recognized as one of the entertainment industry's most dedicated sports enthusiasts, regularly participating in marathons, soccer, basketball, and various other athletic pursuits. But his commitment goes far beyond casual hobby, this is an idol who competes at professional levels.

At the HYROX competition in Yokohama, Japan, Minho achieved an impressive 15th place overall among 719 participants and ranked 7th in the 30–34 age category. What makes this even more remarkable? He performed at SMTOWN LIVE in Tokyo Dome hours later the same day, showcasing extraordinary endurance and dedication.

At HYROX Singapore, Minho competed in the Men's Open Doubles category with Physical: 100's Hong Beom-seok. Fans were delighted by his presence, with one TikTok user capturing her pure shock at realizing the rapper from SHINee was standing next to her. One fan commented about his packed schedule: "This man really doing a lot of side quests."

Hong Beom-seok: The Firefighter Who Became a Fan Favorite

Hong Beom-seok is a former South Korean special forces soldier who served from 2006 to 2017, including time in the elite 707th Special Mission Battalion. After his military career, he was appointed as a firefighter in 2017 and became Korea's first world firefighters competition champion by winning the Toughest Firefighter Alive title at the 2018 World Firefighter Competition in Chungju, beating 150 firefighters.

His journey on Physical: 100 was one of redemption. After being eliminated early in season 1, Hong was reluctant to return, saying "I seriously debated whether to join season 2. In season one, they sent me home without mercy after losing". However, the show's creator revealed there were a lot of requests for Hong to return, and he made it to the finals in season 2.

Despite finishing as runner-up to Amotti in season 2, Hong won hearts with his humility and sportsmanship. During the HYROX Singapore event, Hong visited Singapore's Tampines Fire Station and noted that Singapore's firefighting force was very similar to Korea's, not just in equipment but also in the overall vibe.

Amotti (Kim Jae-hong): The Comeback Champion

Amotti, whose real name is Kim Jae-hong, is a former CrossFitter and YouTuber who won Physical: 100 Season 2. His story is one of incredible resilience. In January 2021, he underwent a 10-hour surgery after a car crushed his ankle while commuting by scooter to the gym, with doctors telling him he may not be able to walk again.

After retiring from CrossFit due to the accident, he transitioned into being a fitness YouTuber and won the bodybuilding competition Show Me the Body in 2023. His Physical: 100 journey was dramatic, he was eliminated in Quest 2 but was brought back after being chosen by Jung Ji-hyun and ultimately won against Hong Beom-seok in the final.

Showing true sportsmanship, Amotti shared his prize money with runner-up Hong Beom-seok after Hong suffered a knee injury during the finals. The two have since become friends, collaborating on YouTube videos together.

At HYROX Singapore, Amotti competed in the Mixed Doubles category with his teammate Choi Seungyeon from Physical: Asia, where he continues to showcase his elite athleticism.

The Power of Community

What makes this convergence special isn't just the individual accomplishments—it's how these athletes from different worlds have come together through their shared passion for fitness. Fans across social media celebrated seeing their favorites compete side by side, proving that dedication to physical excellence transcends entertainment industries and creates unexpected but meaningful connections.

Whether you discovered them through K-pop, Netflix reality shows, or fitness competitions, these three athletes represent the best of what sports and competition can bring out in people: perseverance, humility, and an unwavering commitment to pushing beyond limits.