사진 확대 ‘I Am Boxer’ Poster. Photo: tvN
The tvN program ‘I Am Boxer’, which captures the authentic competition of boxers, will air in November.
‘I Am Boxer’ (directed by Wonwoong Lee, written by Kang Sukkyung) is a blockbuster boxing survival show personally designed by global action star and 30-year boxing gym director Ma Dong-seok to revive K-boxing. The show is set to premiere on November 21.
In Korea, the show will be broadcast on tvN and TVING, while global audiences can watch it on Disney+ after the initial airing. The program aims to deliver the true thrill of boxing and the excitement of K-content survival shows to viewers worldwide.
From its early planning stage, ‘I Am Boxer’ drew significant attention as Ma Dong-seok’s first variety show since his debut. Ma Dong-seok began boxing in middle school and is now a boxing coach for fellow actors and athletes, as well as the honorary vice president and promoter for the Boxing Association of Korea, underscoring his genuine passion for the sport.
He described boxing as ‘life itself,’ stating, “I want to support all boxers and show how amazing this sport is,” expressing his heartfelt reason for joining ‘I Am Boxer.’ As someone who has long admired the golden era of Korean boxing and dreams of its revival, he is considered the perfect master for the show.
사진 확대 ‘I Am Boxer’ Teaser. Photo: tvN
In the first teaser for ‘I Am Boxer’ released on the 22nd, Ma Dong-seok said, “I have dreamed of this stage for a long time,” sharing his excitement and anticipation for the large-scale survival competition among the boxers.
Familiar contestants such as Jang Hyuk, Julien Kang, and Yuk Jun-seo step into the ring, and the passionate, intense atmosphere on set is palpable. The participants, who possess both outstanding physical strength and technical skill, are deeply committed to boxing, raising expectations for thrilling matchups and increasing curiosity about the full lineup.
The teaser also captured MCs Kim Jong-kook and Dex fully immersed in the matches. Kim Jong-kook watched the bouts intently, repeatedly muttering, “Go in,” while Dex encouraged the contestants, saying, “It’s all about momentum!” The fierce showdowns between the boxers have even captivated the MCs, heightening anticipation for the competition.
The poster also radiates the intense energy of Master Ma Dong-seok, MCs Kim Jong-kook and Dex, and the contestants who will create an unscripted drama. Notably, Ma Dong-seok, the show’s steadfast pillar, stands in front, while Kim Jong-kook and Dex, symbolizing the red and blue corners, sling gloves of two colors over their shoulders and clench their fists, adding to the tension of the survival.
Meanwhile, tvN’s ‘I Am Boxer’ is a collaboration between PD Wonwoong Lee, who created the military survival show ‘Steel Troops’, and writer Kang Sukkyung, known for the global hit ‘Physical: 100’. The duo previously worked together on ‘Steel Troops’ and the extreme couple survival show ‘The Wedding War’.
The first episode will air on November 21 at 11 p.m.
[Kim Mi-ji Star Today]