The first episode of ‘I Am Boxer’ kicked off with a 2% viewership rating, marking a strong start for a brand-new variety show. Viewer reactions, however, have been even hotter than the numbers.
‘I Am Boxer’ is Ma Dong Seok’s first-ever variety program since debut, and a project he personally participated in from the planning stage. Its premiere on the 21st recorded a nationwide average rating of 2.0% and a peak of 2.2% on paid platforms (cable, IPTV, satellite combined), according to Nielsen Korea. In the Seoul metropolitan area, it scored an average of 2.7% and a peak of 3.1%, taking No.1 among cable and general programming channels in its time slot, beating out competing programs.
‘I Am Boxer’ features a massive survival format where fighters of all weight classes, ages, and professions go head-to-head in 1:1 bouts to determine the “strongest boxer in Korea.” Its nine rings, no time limits, unique match results announced directly by Ma Dong Seok, a 300 million KRW prize (approximately $203,800 USD), championship belt, and high-end SUV set it apart from standard variety formats.
Right after the broadcast, reactions such as “my blood is boiling” and “the technique is pure art” flooded social media. The casting, including “celebrity fight ranking No.1” Julien Kang, active and former champions, and champions from other combat sports, added weight and authenticity to the sports survival format.
‘I Am Boxer’ is a project deeply shaped by Ma Dong Seok, who holds official pro boxing coach and honorary referee certifications from the Korea Boxing Federation. The program aims to spotlight K-boxing to general audiences. It is rolling out sequentially on tvN, TVING, and global OTT platform Disney+, signaling plans for global IP expansion.
The show also serves as a test to see whether K-sports variety formats can succeed overseas, and is expected to positively influence the growth of boxing’s fan base. Achieving No.1 in its time slot on domestic paid platforms marks an impressive starting point for such a project.
In the next episode, a highly anticipated matchup will unfold between top Korean kickboxer Myung Hyun Man and fighter Jung Da Un, who is aiming to enter UFC rankings, raising expectations even higher for upcoming broadcasts.
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