Lee Hae-rin is a City Desk reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues, tourism and taekwondo. She is passionate about speaking up for the rights of minorities, including women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and animals as well as discovering the latest makgeolli trend in town. Feel free to reach her at lhr@koreatimes.co.kr.
Why 'Idol Star Athletics Championships' is still K-pop holiday essential
P1Harmony's Keeho and Anton of RIIZE compete in pistol shooting during the 2025 'Idol Star Athletics Championships' aired Monday. Courtesy of MBC
By Lee Hae-rin
CRAVITY’s Hyeongjun, tripleS’s Nien steal spotlight in 15th anniv. edition
K-pop's long-running holiday TV ritual, “Idol Star Athletics Championships” (ISAC), is celebrating its 15th anniversary this Chuseok, reminding fans and its audience why the show remains a holiday classic.
This year’s special, airing in three parts from Monday through Wednesday, brings together a record 374 idols from 61 K-pop groups, cementing its reputation as one of the largest and most lively spectacles in Korean pop culture.
The appeal of ISAC lies in is engaging blend of celebrity and sports competition.
For fans used to seeing their favorite stars grace music shows and red carpets, ISAC offers an entirely new perspective. From track sprints, ssireum (traditional Korean wresting) to revived penalty shootouts and taking shots at gold in pistol shooting, the program offers fans a candid and unscripted glimpse into idols’ teamwork, rivalry and personalities that are rarely seen in traditional idol promotions.
While ISAC has become part of Korea’s Chuseok tradition, with many families making it a holiday viewing ritual, its history is also marked by persistent criticism over safety concerns and harsh filming conditions.
Several idols have suffered injuries during high-intensity competitions, while fans have complained about marathon filming schedules and inadequate facilities. Social media campaigns demanding safety reforms or even cancellation of the program have drawn attention, with critics warning the pressure and physical risks placed on idols could outweigh the entertainment value.
Meanwhile, the show’s cultural impact has extended beyond small screen.
Maggie Kang, director of the Netflix’s acclaimed “KPop Demon Hunters” revealed during an interview that she had initially envisioned the highly anticipated encounter between Huntrix and Saja Boys taking place at ISAC rather than a joint fan signing — underlining ISAC’s special role as a gathering point for idols, fandoms and cultural moments.
This production sketch presented during MMTG's interview with Maggie Kang shows unused scenes of "KPop Demon Hunters" where Huntrix, Saja Boys and their fandoms have an encounter in the Netflix animated film. Screenshot from MMTG YouTube
Monday’s first episode proved the show’s enduring popularity.
According to Nielsen Korea, ISAC captured a nationwide household viewership rating of 3.1 percent, marking it the most-watched variety TV program in its timeslot. Notably, tense moments in the penalty shootout segment sent minute-by-minute ratings peaking at 5.7 percent, uniting multi-generational audiences and fandoms.
Veteran hosts Jun Hyun-moo, Lee Chang-sub, Lee Eun-ji and Jonathan skillfully combined professional commentary with humor. Instead of a traditional opening ceremony, idols warmed up with a K-pop dance routine, with CRAVITY’s Hyeongjun’s spontaneous performance of Jennie’s “Like JENNIE” igniting social media buzz.
Standout moments included the women’s 60-meter final, where tripleS’s Nien decisively claimed gold in a competitive “family feud” style race, putting intra-group rivalries at center stage. In the men’s race, LUN8’s Chael clinched the gold medal with a record of 7.79 seconds.
This combined image shows highlight moments from the first episode of the 2025 Idol Star Athletics Champions, aired Monday. Courtesy of MBC
The newly reinstated penalty shootout drew a high-stake drama featuring idols with nicknames inspired by world-class footballers, such as “Song” Heung-min Eun-seok, Ne“hee”mar Sohee, and Kylian “Yoon”bappe Yoon of RIIZE, adding humor to the event.
In women’s team ssireum, SAY MY NAME claimed an upset gold with an aggressive strategy, jokingly promising their agency CEO a car for the win. In men’s pistol shooting — a new addition replacing archery — RIIZE clinched first place, combining skill with eye-catching visuals.
The second and third parts of the show are set to air at 5:50 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, though the broadcast time may change depending on the KBO postseason wildcard game coverage.