According to data released on December 9 by the K-content competitiveness analysis agency Good Data Corporation, tvN’s new variety show I Am Boxer ranked No. 2 in the TV Non-Drama Buzz category for the first week of December and also secured No. 2 in Friday’s non-drama buzz ranking.

Cast members Myung Hyun-man and Julien Kang, who captivated viewers with their powerful presence, ranked 2nd and 6th respectively in Non-Drama Performer Buzz, proving the show’s strong performer appeal.

Additionally, global streaming data showed equally impressive results. According to FlixPatrol (as of December 8), I Am Boxer ranked 6th worldwide in the Disney+ TV Show category further confirming its international momentum.

A New Dark Horse in Korean Variety

Broadcast on Fridays, I Am Boxer has quickly risen as a “variety show dark horse,” earning attention for its unique blend of authenticity, adrenaline, and star power. Critics highlight three major factors behind its success:

  • A panel of authoritative boxing experts
  • Dynamic production that captures raw intensity
  • The commanding presence of frontman Ma Dong Seok

Raw, Unfiltered Reality Brought to Life by Elite Experts

The show boasts an impressive advisory board made up of Korean boxing legends, including:

  • Former WBA Junior Flyweight Champion & Hall of Famer Yuh Myung-woo
  • Korea Boxing Federation Supervisory Chair Song Nam
  • Former national team boxers Kim Ji-hoon, Kim Do-hyun, Lee Byung-gyu
  • Asian Games gold medalists Shin Jong-hoon and Kim Hyung-kyu
  • Former KBC Middleweight Champion Lee Kyu-won

Alongside them, 18 certified referees from major boxing associations (KBA, KBF, KBM) contribute to elevating the program’s credibility.

Director Lee Won-woong shared his behind-the-scenes commitment, explaining that he used unconventional filming methods to capture even the most subtle moments.

He noted: “We placed microphones in unbelievable places just to catch the fighters’ trembling breaths. I’m confident the result is far more expressive than a typical boxing broadcast.”

Ma Dong-seok’s Unmatched Presence

Serving as the show’s master, Ma Dong-seok blends authority, passion, and respect for the sport. His sincerity resonated deeply with viewers, especially when he stated: “I wanted to create this stage for as many boxers as possible.”

Contestants were visibly moved by his presence, offering remarks like: “He looks like someone straight out of an action film,” and “It feels like the president of a fight organization has arrived.”

Ma Dong-seok added, “As a promoter and architect of this program, I dreamed of boxing’s revival. Please show the world how exciting and amazing this sport truly is.”

A Lineup as Dazzling as an Awards Ceremony

The participant lineup includes:

  • Former Oriental Champion Kim Min-wook
  • 14-time National Sports Festival winner Kim Dong-hoi
  • Julien Kang
  • Action star Jang Hyuk
  • Korea’s first UFC Light Heavyweight fighter Jung Da-un
  • UDT veteran and artist Yuk Jun-seo

The announcement of a major death match between powerhouse contenders Myung Hyun-man and Julien Kang has already stirred massive anticipation.

Meanwhile, when Yuk Jun-seo prepared for his own match, fellow UDT alumnus Dex reacted nervously, saying, “I’m getting anxious just watching.”

Sources: 네이트 뉴스