'I AM BOXER' rattled Friday night with hot and fierce fighters' fights.
On the 21st, tvN 'I AM BOXER' (directed by Lee Won-woong, writer Kang Sook-kyung) which aired on the 21st stimulated dopamine from episode 1 with jaw-dropping, unprecedented scale and brutal battles by formidable fighters that gave you goosebumps all over your body, announcing the birth of an extreme survival that drains mind, body and soul.
That day's broadcast recorded an average nationwide household rating of 2.0% and a peak of 2.2% (hereafter based on paid platforms combining cable, IPTV and satellite, provided by Nielsen Korea). In the metropolitan area it recorded an average of 2.7% and a peak of 3.1%, claiming first place among cable and general programming channels in the same time slot and marking a pleasant start.
First, 90 boxers who came to 'I AM BOXER' in search of Korea's strongest fist drew attention. Starting with National Sports Festival gold medalist Guk Seung-jun, the entertainment industry one-punch man Yoon Hyung-bin, former kickboxing heavyweight champion Myung Hyun-man, UDT veteran and 'The Iron Squad' winner Yuk Joon-seo, the entertainment world's top fighter Julien Kang, former UFC light heavyweight fighter Jung Da-woon, former super lightweight world No. 5 Kim Min-wook, the boxing ghost with 14 consecutive national competition wins Kim Dong-hoe, actor Jang Hyuk and other prominent strong fighters gathered, drawing gasps.
It also heightened interest by previewing a shocking format that forces boxers to fight for survival regardless of fight type, weight class, age or occupation, testing their limits. Above all, it raised the boxers' competitive spirit with unprecedented benefits. The final winner receives a champion belt, a luxury SUV and a prize of 300 million won. This foreshadowed uncompromising competition among the 90 contenders aiming for the final victory.
Meanwhile, from the first fight, a one-on-one decider, the show built tension by showcasing 'I AM BOXER's' brutal survival game. The unusual nine rings, matches that continue without time limits until Ma Dong-seok declares the end, and the rule that any boxer not called by Ma Dong-seok is immediately eliminated made viewers' hands sweat.
In addition, varied matchups and tight contests added to the viewing pleasure, including the bout between Vietnamese pro boxer Lee Joo-young and pro mixed martial artist Kim Min-woo, the bout between UDT veteran Yuk Joon-seo and hip-hop's top Yoonbi, the bout between entertainment world's top fighter Julien Kang and 130kg monster physique Song Hyun-min, the bout between boxing ghost Kim Dong-hoe and former sambo world champion Lee Sang-soo, and the bout between current Korea super featherweight champion Kim Tae-seon and former Tongyang super lightweight champion Kim Min-wook.
Among them, Lee Joo-young and Kim Min-woo were the only ones who both survived. Ma Dong-seok said, "It was a close call and I wanted to see both one more time so I picked both of them, but I don't know if this is okay?" which drew laughter as he realized belatedly. Dex added, "Actually, you can't see them, but experts behind the camera are watching together. This result came from combining even that," he explained.
In the ensuing bout between Yuk Joon-seo and Yoonbi, Yuk Joon-seo, who had said "I'll bring back the result," landed a solid blow to Yoonbi's jaw and knocked him down. After the match resumed, Yuk Joon-seo relentlessly landed strong punches on Yoonbi and finished the match by TKO, raising the intensity.
The match between the two champions, Kim Min-wook and Kim Tae-seon, felt different from the air itself. Dex marveled, "We'll collect some money. It's unbelievable to watch this for free, and daring to say so, it was the best boxing match I've ever seen in my life." Ma Dong-seok declared Kim Min-wook's survival, noting that Kim Min-wook, with exceptional composure and sharp fists, was not outmatched by active fighters.
Meanwhile, at the end of the broadcast, the match between Myung Hyun-man and Jung Da-woon, counted among the strongest physiques, was arranged and drew attention. The overwhelming power could be felt even by sound, increasing immersion, and with a cannon-like impact sound, Jung Da-woon, hit on the temple by Myung Hyun-man, slumped, leaving viewers curious about the match result to be revealed next week.
With boxers extending their fists toward survival in thrilling head-to-head battles that raise viewers' heart rates, tvN 'I AM BOXER' airs every Friday at 11 p.m.
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