'I AM BOXER' master Don Lee and final winner Guk Seung-joon expressed heartfelt sincerity.
tvN 'I AM BOXER' (directed by Lee Won-woong, writer Kang Sook-kyung) ended after the final match on the 23rd (Fri), which decided the last person, and released Master Don Lee's closing remarks and the victory comments of "body killer" Guk Seung-joon, who claimed the final win.
First, Don Lee, who designed the program himself, said, "From the planning meeting for the first episode to the moment the final bell rang, 'I AM BOXER' was truly a passionate and meaningful journey." He added, "I am simply grateful to see many people around me going to the boxing gym after watching the broadcast. The contestants also sent many messages saying they were thankful for this opportunity, and I felt a lot of gratitude," and expressed thanks to PD Lee Won-woong, writer Kang Sook-kyung, the staff, Kim Jong Kook, and Dex.
In particular, Don Lee said, "As a boxing gym director, as a coach, and as someone who loves boxing, through 'I AM BOXER' I confirmed once again that boxing is not simply hitting and fighting but an artistic sport." He said, "I do not want to forget this gratitude and want to do my part to help spread K-boxing on the world stage," and "I will show a slightly better side and bring more entertaining boxing. We are preparing official matches and sparring competitions as well as entertainment, so please show a lot of interest," previewing the continued actions of the 'bokchinja (those crazy about boxing)'.
Guk Seung-joon said, "As a boxing athlete who loves boxing, I want to first say thank you to Master Don Lee and the production team for creating such a passionate boxing program. I am truly thankful to Cha Hyeon-yi hyung, my final opponent, and I want to say I'm sorry and that you worked hard," he said. Praising Lee Cha-hyeon's skill, he said, "In this final match, both Cha Hyeon-yi hyung and I fought with all our might," reflecting on the final against Lee Cha-hyeon, who risked injury to produce a good match.
Meanwhile, Guk Seung-joon said that his confidence in himself sometimes wavered in front of the many strong competitors participating in 'I AM BOXER.' "Each time that happened, thanks to the Hwasun county office team that trusted and helped me, my middle school teacher, my precious family and acquaintances, I was able to overcome difficult moments and adversities. I am grateful," he said, adding, "I think the champion's position was reached together with you all," giving credit to others.
He also declared a firm ambition, saying, "'I AM BOXER' has ended, but my boxing will continue. I will not forget this experience and love, and I will strive harder and quietly pursue my boxing from my place," drawing attention to boxer Guk Seung-joon's future steps.
Meanwhile, the blockbuster boxing survival tvN 'I AM BOXER' surpassed 520 million cumulative digital views. As the highest video view count among new tvN variety shows that are not seasonal, it led the revival of K-boxing.
Starting with 90 boxers, with one-on-one elimination, 6-on-6 punch races, three ring matchups composed of cage ring, tag ring and aqua ring, a three-way match, quarterfinals, semifinals and a final that determined one ultimate winner, the program completed its long journey meaningfully by twice thrilling viewers' hearts with fresh fights and matchups and with the boxers' sincere battles for survival, nurturing global "bokchinja". (End)
* Below are the full remarks of Don Lee and Guk Seung-joon
- Don Lee closing remarks
From the planning meeting for the first episode to the moment the final bell rang, 'I AM BOXER' was truly a passionate and meaningful journey. Not only professionals and national team members, but everyone who fights themselves, fights laziness, and finds time to go to the boxing gym amid busy daily life is a boxer. I made this entertainment show to cheer on those many boxers.
I am simply grateful to see many people around me going to the boxing gym after watching 'I AM BOXER.' The contestants also sent many messages saying they were thankful for this opportunity, and I felt a lot of gratitude. Thank you to PD Lee Won-woong and writer Kang Sook-kyung and to the many behind-the-camera staff who made me feel this sense of reward.
I also want to express my gratitude to Kim Jong Kook and Dex, who cried and laughed with me. This was possible because so many people gave us great love and support. As a boxing gym director, as a coach, and as someone who loves boxing, through 'I AM BOXER' I confirmed once again that boxing is not simply hitting and fighting but an artistic sport.
I do not want to forget this gratitude and thankfulness, and I want to do my part to help spread K-boxing on the world stage. Following 'I AM BOXER,' I will show a slightly better side and bring more entertaining boxing. We are preparing official matches and sparring competitions as well as entertainment, so please show a lot of interest.
- Guk Seung-joon victory remarks
As a boxing athlete who loves boxing, I want to first say thank you to Master Don Lee and the 'I AM BOXER' production team for creating such a passionate boxing program.
I am truly thankful to Cha Hyeon-yi hyung, my final opponent, and I want to say I'm sorry and that you worked hard. Cha Hyeon-yi hyung is a fighter whose skills make me wonder if I can dare call him a rival. In this final match, both Cha Hyeon-yi hyung and I really fought with all our might. Both of us prepared for the final with our best efforts, and we poured out blood, sweat and tears.
I regret that I could not show the audience and viewers up to the 10th round. I thank Cha Hyeon-yi hyung once again for risking injury to produce a good match.
While filming 'I AM BOXER,' my confidence in myself was often shaken in front of many strong opponents. Each time that happened, thanks to the Hwasun county office team that trusted and helped me, my middle school teacher, my precious family and acquaintances, I was able to overcome difficult moments and adversities. Thank you. I think the champion's position was reached together with you all.
'I AM BOXER' has ended, but my boxing will continue. I will not forget this experience and love, and I will strive harder and quietly pursue my boxing from my place. Finally, to the fans who love boxing and the viewers of 'I AM BOXER,' thank you for your support.<
[photo] 'I AM BOXER' video capture
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