Hong then competed in his first Grand Prix in Qingdao, but lost in golden score to Liu Renwang in the Round of 16.

Hong had a breakthrough in his career when he won a bronze medal at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou.

Hong next won his second international medal at the World Cup in Madrid.

He lost against Igor Soroca in his first fight that lasted over seven minutes before he was thrown for ippon.

He then lost in his second fight at the Grand Prix in Prague, which was his final tournament at half-lightweight.