Introduction — What Is I Am Boxer?
A massive boxing survival show designed and led by global action star Ma Dong-seok—who also happens to be a seasoned gym owner with 30 years of boxing experience—I Am Boxer is set to premiere on November 21 (Fri) at 11 PM KST on tvN.
While the live broadcast will be streamed on TVING, the exclusive OTT platform for VOD is Disney+, which means that although it airs on tvN, the project essentially positions itself as a major Disney+ content release. CJ appears to be involved in the investment as well.
Despite the surprisingly low-key promotions, this show may still gain traction once it airs, especially since it was created with global OTT performance in mind. And because it’s a real boxing competition, viewers can expect intense, physical matchups—so a bit of viewer discretion may be helpful.
A New Shot at Reviving Korean Boxing Through I Am Boxer?
Boxing isn’t a massively mainstream sport in Korea today, though many train recreationally and active professionals continue to compete. Ma Dong-seok’s choice to personally design and host a boxing-focused survival show naturally sparks curiosity:
Can I Am Boxer help renew public interest in the sport?
His recent appearances on programs featuring actresses trying boxing now feel more purposeful—though his passion for the sport alone would suffice.
Broadcast Timing & Accessibility of I Am Boxer
The Friday 11 PM timeslot isn’t ideal, and the split structure—tvN broadcast, TVING live streaming, Disney+ exclusive VOD—creates mixed accessibility. Promotions have also been minimal despite the fast-approaching launch.
Previous boxing-related entertainment shows haven’t generated massive buzz, so a stronger marketing push might have helped. Still, because I Am Boxer is a true “survival competition,” post-broadcast highlight clips could go viral depending on how dramatic the fights are.
MC Lineup in I Am Boxer: Ma Dong-seok × Kim Jong-kook × Dex
I Am Boxer features a three-MC system:
- Ma Dong-seok — Creator, main host, symbolic pillar of the program
- Kim Jong-kook — Fitness icon with a deep combat-sports background
- Dex — Popular for sharp commentary and athletic image
Aside from Episode 1 teasers, Kim Jong-kook and Dex have had limited previews. They may serve as commentators or mentors for fighter groups. With all three possessing strong sports backgrounds, they add credibility to this survival format.
Cast: Professional Fighters, Rising Prospects, Celebrities, and National Medalists
The show has not released full individual profiles, but the lineup confirmed so far includes:
Celebrities
- Jang Hyuk
- Julien Kang
- Yoon Hyung-bin
- OZON
- Yook Joon-seo
- Yoon B
Professional Fighters / Combat Athletes
- Myung Hyun-man (MMA / heavyweight striking specialist)
- Jung Da-un (UFC fighter)
- Kim Min-wook
- Kook Seung-joon
- Park Sung-joon
- Lee Chae-hyun, among others
The cast includes rising prospects, national medalists, and active pro fighters—making it one of the most stacked combat-sports lineups seen in Korean entertainment.
Format: 90 Participants, Real Fights, Half Eliminated Immediately
“I Am Boxer” appears to maintain a strict competitive structure:
- 90 total participants
- Professional judges and referees
- One-on-one matches beginning in the first fight round
- Half of all contestants eliminated immediately
This isn’t a narrative-driven audition or a variety-style challenge.
It’s a genuine fight-based survival, conducted with safety protocols, referees, and a focus on authentic boxing rules.
Given the nature of sports survival shows, it’s likely that the first episode will skip lengthy introductions and jump straight into the action—highlighting the raw intensity and technique of boxing.
Early Teasers & Expectation
Character teasers and matchup clips have been released in small batches, hinting at potentially high-impact fights that could go viral among combat-sports fans worldwide. If the show avoids excessive drama and maintains a strong sportsmanship-focused tone, it might capture both domestic and global attention.
“I Am Boxer” premieres on tvN on November 21 at 11 PM KST and will be exclusively available on Disney+ as its official OTT platform.
🌐 External Resources | Official Links for I Am Boxer
Official Broadcasting & Streaming Platforms
- tvN Official “I Am Boxer” Page
https://program.tving.com/tvn - TVING Live Streaming
https://www.tving.com/ - Disney+ Korea
https://www.disneyplus.com/ko-kr/home
Production & Cast Information
- Ma Dong-seok Official Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/donlee/ - Kim Jong-kook Official YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@jkook - Dex Official Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/dex_xeb
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