According to a June 20 press release by MBC, the 'Idol Star Athletics Championships' (hereinafter 'ISAC') will make a grand comeback as the leading sports entertainment program for the holiday season after a two-year hiatus.
However, safety concerns from past editions and the emergence of new competitors have left idol fans with mixed feelings of anticipation and apprehension.
MBC announced that 'ISAC' is scheduled to be recorded in August and will be broadcast as a Chuseok special. 'ISAC,' which began in 2010, has been a beloved variety show where famous idol groups compete in various sports during the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays each year.
Initially focused on track and field events, the program has since expanded to include a variety of indoor and outdoor sports such as football, rhythmic gymnastics, and eSports, providing a platform to showcase idols' athletic skills. In 2018, the Chuseok special achieved a peak viewership rating of 18.7% (Nielsen Korea, nationwide), solidifying its status as a flagship holiday entertainment program.
However, concerns arose due to frequent injuries among participating idol group members and safety and mistreatment issues involving the live audience. Despite continuous efforts by the production team to address these issues, the large-scale nature of the recordings made finding perfect solutions challenging.
The announcement of 'ISAC's' return has received mixed reactions from fans, with many concerned about the safety of the idols participating. Minor injuries from the competition could significantly disrupt their schedules. Furthermore, the intense heat since June may pose additional challenges for the outdoor events and cheering activities planned for August.
Moreover, the rising popularity of SBS's 'Kick a Goal,' particularly during its 'Golympics' events, might affect 'ISAC's' standing among viewers. To rejuvenate the show, the production team is planning to introduce new events, including street dance and golf.
The idols joining the lineup for 'ISAC 2024' has yet to be announced. In 2022, male teams included Kim Woo Seok, Kim Jae Hwan, DKB, DKZ, The Boyz, Drippin, VERIVERY, Stray Kids, CIX, AB6IX, ATBO, ATEEZ, Xdinary Heroes, N.Flying, YOUNITE, MCND, NCT, ONEUS, WOODZ, WEi, Lee Jin Hyuk, EPEX, Jeong Se Woon, KINGDOM, CRAVITY, TAN, TEMPEST, TNX, TO1, P1Harmony, and Ha Sung Woon.
Female teams featured Kwon Eun Bi, Dahyun, LABOUM, LIGHTSUM, Lapillus, Rocket Punch, Park Hye Won, Brave Girls, BVNDIT, Billlie, STAYC, IVE, ICHILLIN, EVERGLOW, ALICE, NMIXX, Weeekly, ITZY, Jo Yu Ri, Cherry Bullet, Choi Ye Na, CLASS:y, Kep1er, Purple Kiss, and H1-KEY.
As 'ISAC' promises new events and changes, all eyes are on whether it can reclaim its former glory.
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Nugus need to be promoted, so many groups from 2022 disbanded or still unknowns especially female idols
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