The breakout hit I Am a Boxer has unveiled some behind-the-scenes details after its explosive premiere.
Last week’s debut of the blockbuster boxing survival show I Am a Boxer on tvN has quickly become a dark horse in the ratings race. According to FUNdex, a K-content analysis firm, the show ranked 4th in TV non-drama buzz and topped Friday entertainment programs. Don Lee, the show’s master, cracked the TOP 10 non-drama cast list at 9th place.
The premiere episode on the 21st scored an impressive 2.7% average and 3.1% peak viewership in the metropolitan area, dominating its time slot across cable and general programming channels. Viewers are buzzing about the show’s unique elements, from the grit and passion of 90 aspiring boxers to the epic showdown between Asia’s kickboxing sensation Myung Hyun-man and UFC powerhouse Jung Da Woon. We took a closer look at the expert panel and production techniques elevating the show’s quality.
A dream team of Korean boxing legends has assembled to advise Don Lee and the production crew. This all-star lineup includes Yuh Yong Woo, former World Boxing Association (WBA) junior flyweight champ and Hall of Famer; Song Nam, current Korean Boxing Federation review committee chair and Korea Promotion Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Kim Ji Hoon, ex-national lightweight and four-time National Sports Festival champ; Kim Do Hyun, 13-year super heavyweight national team veteran with four National Sports Festival wins; and Lee Byung Kyu, former national team performance analyst.
Rounding out the advisory board are Shin Jong Hoon, 2011 Asian Boxing Championships and 2014 Asian Games light flyweight gold medalist; Kim Hyung Kyu, two-time Asian Boxing Championships heavyweight gold medalist and 2014 Asian Games light heavyweight silver medalist; and Lee Kyu Won, former KBC middleweight titleholder. These eight experts are working tirelessly alongside Don Lee to ensure the show’s success. Additionally, a panel of 18 judges from the Korean Boxing Association, KBF, and KBM are collaborating to select the cream of the crop.
Director Lee Won Woong explained the show’s unique approach: They’ve gone to great lengths to capture the raw emotions of the boxers. They’ve employed unconventional filming techniques and placed mics in unexpected spots to pick up every nervous breath. The result is a boxing experience far more visceral than typical live broadcasts. Viewers familiar with mixed martial arts (MMA) or boxing coverage will immediately notice how much more dramatic and immersive the show is.
Don’t miss the second episode of tvN’s game-changing I Am a Boxer, airing Friday at 11:00 p.m. (KST)
