Servig in the Korean army, Hwoarang had been assigned to a special operations division. He chalked uo many successful missions thanks to his prowess in Tae Kwon Do and his innate talent for combat. But he wasn't interested in military matters and resisted authority.

During his National Serive, Hwoarang began to experience a growing feeling of emptiness. Ironically, army life did littlee to satisfy his craving for combat and he longed to return to hustling a living as a s streetfighter.

When news of the upcoming King of Iron Fist Tournament 4 reached him he realised this could provided another chance to fight Jin Kazama, the first man ever to make him concede a draw. Sneaking out of the army base, Hwoarang set off for the tournament.