This year’s Idol Star Athletic Championships (ISAC) will have a star-studded line up with some of the biggest names in K-pop attending.
ISAC is an annual multi-sport event hosted by MBC. The event pits idols against each other in competitions spanning track, gymnastics, aerobics and more. This event provides a unique experience for stars and fans alike. For entertainers, they can compete on a playing field outside of music, shows, and film. Furthermore, for fans, ISAC is one of a handful of events where they can see stars directly compete and interact together outside of award and variety programs.
However, idol participation in these sporting activities can, and has, resulted injury. Accordingly, in recent years fans have been urging their favorite groups and celebrities to forego the event altogether. Moreover, fear of possible injuries that can affect idols during their other activities continues to motivate fan requests.
With some of the biggest names in K-pop set to participate this year including EXO, TWICE, WINNER, Wanna One, BTS’ Jung-kook, and HOMME’s Lee-hyun, viewership is expected to be high – but so will the pressure. MBC will have to find a way to ease the worry that fans have about the event. One possible way may happen through strategically choosing which competitions idols participate in.
This week MBC announced that Jung-kook from BTS and HOMME’s Lee-hyun will only participate in the bowling competition. Bowling, unlike some of the other sports, does not require practice or training and has a very low chance for injury. This news comes while the intended competitions for many idol groups has yet to be revealed. Fortunately, fans can expect more news to come out in the coming days.
Filming will take place in early September with approximately 20 hours of recording predicted.
By O.C
