Ma Dong-seok's 'I Am a Boxer' Kicks Off Strong, Surpassing 2% Viewership Ratings
Actor Ma Dong-seok's passion project, the new tvN variety show 'I Am a Boxer', has made a successful debut, breaking the 2% viewership rating mark on its first broadcast.
The show, which aired its premiere episode on the 21st, recorded an average viewership rating of 2.0% nationwide and a peak of 2.2% based on paid platform standards (including cable, IPTV, and satellite). In the Seoul metropolitan area, ratings averaged 2.7% and peaked at 3.1%, securing the No. 1 spot among cable and general programming channels in its timeslot.
'I Am a Boxer' presents a unique, large-scale survival format where boxers compete in one-on-one matches to determine the 'strongest boxer in Korea', regardless of weight class, age, or profession. The program features 9 rings, unlimited match times, and a novel rule where Ma Dong-seok himself announces the winners, adding to its fresh appeal. The stakes are also incredibly high, with a grand prize of 300 million KRW, a championship belt, and a luxury SUV for the ultimate winner.
Notably, the show is deeply conceptualized and directed by Ma Dong-seok himself, who holds professional coaching and honorary referee certifications from the Korea Boxing Association, aiming to popularize K-boxing. The casting, including celebrity fighter Julien Kang and champions from various combat sports, adds significant weight to this sports survival entertainment.
Broadcast on tvN and TVING, with simultaneous global release on Disney+, 'I Am a Boxer' is poised to test the international appeal of K-sports variety formats and potentially expand the fanbase for boxing. The upcoming episode featuring a showdown between kickboxing champion Myung Hyun-man and UFC contender Jung Da-un is already building anticipation.
Netizens are raving about the show, commenting, 'It's fun even if you don't know boxing,' and 'The scale is amazing.' Many praised Ma Dong-seok's genuine involvement in the project, highlighting his passion for the sport.