MBC's "Idol Star Athletics & Swimming Championships" ranked in at the top of the Lunar New Year's programs with a viewer rating of 18.7% and 17.6% for part one and two respectively. While the statistic is very impressive, the show has also garnered a high level of praise for its originality and creativity. Many felt that the program provided something fresh which broke away from the standard Lunar New Year's specials. There were three distinctive points which made the show stand out amidst the competition. First, the show aimed to include all generations for its viewership, and was not directed exclusively towards teenagers alone. Secondly, the show centered around wins and losses, and drew away from sexually suggestive or stimulating content. Lastly, the idols themselves seemed to truly enjoy the competitions - it was a positive energy that managed to touch the distant viewers. ? "Even older age groups are into it, generations of popularity!" Programs which center around idols usually have a limited viewerbase, which mostly consists of teens and those in their 20s. When girl groups prefer to perform 'sexy dances' for their variety show appearances, the older age groups tend to switch channels out of embarrassment. The "Idol Championships" managed to shatter this limitation by introducing a sports content to their program. Since sports is accessible to all generations, MBC drew in a wide audience for their Lunar New Year special. Not everyone will be interested in singing or dancing, but almost everyone has an interest in some type of sport. One viewer, Lee Hyun Sung (57) of Suwon, commented, "I normally don't watch programs with idols in them, but I had a fun time watching this show with my family. Watching young singers work hard not only kept my interest, but also made me feel proud of them." ? "The program featured the idols' desire to win, there was nothing scripted or made up." The idols showed the beauty of getting out there and being active, an image that is vastly different from their dolled-up, scripted images on stage. For once, the idols looked and acted like their ages, jumping up and shouting joyously for wins, and looking gloomy on their losses. Some joked that the idols looked more upset about missing a medal than losing on a music program. The idols broke all barriers and supported and encouraged each other. The winners consoled the losers, and the losers sincerely congratulated the winners. The program allowed for true sportsmanship to shine, giving some substance to the otherwise thin battle between idols. In the viewer message board, many left comments like, "It was nice seeing them help each other up and give encouragement," and "I hope the idols continue to develop a relationship where they are able to push and support each other to do better in their careers." ? "No exploitation, just a genuine idol festival." The idols who appeared on the program are all giving a positive response as well, but for different reasons from the viewers. Every time the Lunar New Year holiday rolled around, idols were forced to come up with and rehearse for a variety of different dances and songs for program specials. No such effort was needed for the "Idol Championships", since the idols were only required to bring their stamina and a will to win. Senior idols Kim Dong Wan and Hwang Bo were also able to spend a more meaningful time with their juniors, since it's difficult for idols to gather in one location. One idol agency reprsentative revealed, "We feel that the members genuinely had a lot of fun. They said that it felt like they had returned to their school days. It was an opportunity to have some fun in the midst of their busy schedule, so a lot of them enjoyed it." Source: Sports Seoul via Nate