‘I AM BOXER’ Dominates Buzz for 2 Consecutive Weeks, Signaling Revival of K-Boxing

tvN's boxing survival program ‘I AM BOXER’ is continuing its impressive streak, topping the charts for two consecutive weeks and signaling a potential revival for K-boxing.

Broadcast every Friday night at 11 PM, ‘I AM BOXER’ is a grand-scale blockbuster boxing survival show designed to revitalize Korean boxing. From the very first fight, 90 contestants battled it out in 1:1 boxing matches, regardless of weight class, age, or profession, creating thrilling and unforgettable bouts. Following this, the second challenge, a 6:6 'Punch Race,' saw many skilled participants eliminated as teams, heightening anticipation for the upcoming 1:1 death matches scheduled for this Friday, the 5th.

The genuine passion of the contestants for boxing and their fiery competition for victory have propelled the show’s buzz to new heights, securing the top spot for two weeks running. According to a survey by Good Data Corporation's FUNdex, a K-content competitiveness analysis firm, ‘I AM BOXER’ ranked first in TV non-drama buzz for the fourth week of November and maintained its number one position for two consecutive weeks among Friday night non-dramas. Contestant Jang Hyuk, who showcased his fighting spirit despite an injury, also entered the top 10 for non-drama cast buzz, earning supportive comments like, “It’s cool to challenge without thinking about losing,” and “This isn’t variety, it’s real.”

On the global front, ‘I AM BOXER’ has shown consistent growth on FlixPatrol, a viewership tracking site for global OTT platforms, ranking 7th worldwide in the Disney+ TV Shows category as of November 1st. Furthermore, the show surpassed 98 million views in the fourth week of November alone, proving that the charm of K-boxing is resonating not only domestically but also with international audiences.

The production team expressed their ambition: “We believe boxing, with its lack of scripts and pre-arranged choreography, feels more honest and raw. We will continue to deliver thrilling experiences to viewers through boxing, the most energetic and dramatic of sports.” The upcoming third episode, airing this Friday, December 5th, will feature the latter half of the 6:6 Punch Race and the commencement of death matches for the 24 eliminated contestants, further building excitement for intense 1:1 confrontations.

Korean netizens are praising the show's realistic boxing portrayal and the contestants' intense dedication. Comments like, “It feels like watching a real boxing match,” and “Jang Hyuk’s fighting spirit is amazing, I hope he wins!” show their high engagement with the program.