Ma Dong-seok Leads the Revival of K-Boxing with 'I Am Boxer'... His First Fixed Appearance in a Variety Show

World-renowned action star Ma Dong-seok has stepped up to revive Korean professional boxing. On the 19th, tvN held an online production presentation and unveiled the blockbuster boxing survival variety show 'I Am Boxer', led and starring Ma Dong-seok.

This program is also Ma Dong-seok's first fixed appearance in a variety show. He will serve as the master of the program, with singer Kim Jong-kook and broadcaster Dex joining as MCs, raising expectations.

"I Owe a Debt to Boxing"... A Strong Desire for the Revival of K-Boxing

With 30 years of experience as a boxing gym director and coach, Ma Dong-seok stated, "In the past, there were many great boxing champions in Korea who ruled the world," explaining the purpose of the program's planning. "At some point, the popularity of professional boxing sharply declined. I hope this program creates a stage for athletes to compete again and produces world champions once more."

Having started boxing in his teenage years and prepared for a career as an athlete in the United States, Ma Dong-seok emphasized, "I personally feel indebted to the sport of boxing," describing it as a "sport that has the charm of competing alone on the ring and the reward of overcoming oneself".

He added, "There are many skilled athletes in our country, but they cannot showcase their abilities due to a lack of competition stages," expressing his desire to provide opportunities for athletes, even if it is a small contribution.

A Historic Collaboration Between 'Steel Troops' PD and 'Physical: 100' Writer

'I Am Boxer' is the third collaboration between PD Lee Won-woong, who directed the military survival 'Steel Troops', and writer Kang Suk-kyung, who wrote 'Physical: 100'.

PD Lee Won-woong stated, "I really wanted to create a program that deals with one-on-one matches," adding, "The filming felt more energetic than any other program." Writer Kang Suk-kyung remarked that after watching Ma Dong-seok's boxing demonstration, it felt "like watching a dance," and expressed her confidence that "we could create a rhythmic show with the stage of the ring and the theme of a three-minute battle."

Participants include actors Jang Hyuk, Julien Kang, Yuk Joon-seo, former boxing Eastern champion Kim Min-wook, 14-time national sports festival champion Kim Dong-hoe, UFC fighter Jung Da-woon, among 90 others, with nearly 2,000 applicants surprising the production team. The final winner will receive 300 million won in prize money, a champion belt, and an SUV.