Thirty-year boxing veteran "Coach Ma" Ma Dong-seok is opening a customized gym for boxers.
I AM BOXER on tvN, which confirmed its first broadcast for 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, is a large-scale blockbuster boxing survival show personally designed by Ma Dong-seok, a world-renowned action star and a gym owner with 30 years of boxing experience, to revive K-boxing, and it will deliver immersive, unmissable competition driven by the boxers' sincere battles.
The released GYM teaser video features the gym that will serve as the main stage of I AM BOXER. Designed for boxers, by boxers, and as a space for boxers, the gym boasts more than 500 pyeong of comfortable indoor space and state-of-the-art exercise equipment, fully equipped to endlessly stimulate viewers' desire to work out.
The equipment filling the space—friends of boxers such as heavy bags and speed bags, and punch machines for power hitters—suggests Ma Dong-seok's sincere affection for the boxers. In particular, his lovable charm prompts laughter as he hesitantly hits the speed bag and, upon seeing the high number on the punch machine, gives a thumbs-up and says "good."
In addition, a special space has been prepared to strengthen participants' mental fortitude. Pointing and saying, "If you have something to say to me separately, go to the room of truth!" the separate space features Coach Ma wearing an innocent smile and a warning sign that reads "No CCTV," heightening curiosity about its nature.
As Ma Dong-seok said, "It cost a lot of money," I AM BOXER raises expectations among Korean boxers by showcasing the GYM specifications designed specifically for boxers. Above all, Ma Dong-seok's gaze inviting people into the world of boxing—"Want to try boxing once? I feel like you'd be good at it♥"—makes hearts flutter, and the first broadcast of I AM BOXER is already eagerly anticipated.
Ma Dong-seok, who dreams of the revival of Korean boxing, said, "Although I am merely the owner of a small neighborhood boxing gym, as a boxing coach, as honorary vice chairman of the Boxing Association, as a boxing promoter, and as someone who loves boxing, I hope to serve as a bridge and create new opportunities through the global career I have built, and lend a small hand to many excellent athletes, gym owners, and the sport of boxing," asking for much expectation and support.
Meanwhile, I AM BOXER, born from the collaboration of The Iron Squad PD Lee Won-woong and Physical: 100 writer Kang Sook-kyung, promises a boxing survival show unlike any seen before. Leading K-boxing's strong pillar Ma Dong-seok, MC Kim Jong-kook and Dex will come together to write unscripted drama with Korean boxers.
I AM BOXER on tvN, which both professional boxers and boxing newcomers can enjoy together, premieres at 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21. In Korea, the live broadcast will be available on tvN and TVING, and after the broadcast it will reach global viewers via Disney+.
[Photo] tvN I AM BOXER teaser video capture
[OSEN]