Yes, the Idol Olympics are back—and they’re wilder than ever
Forget turkey trots and family BBQs. In Korea, Chuseok—a major harvest holiday akin to Thanksgiving—now comes with hurdles, wrestling, and K-pop idols going full Olympian. The 2025 Chuseok Special: Idol Star Athletics Championships aired its first part on October 6 via MBC, and it’s already scoring big with fans.
Ratings sprint past competition
According to Nielsen Korea, the show’s second segment pulled in a 3.1% national rating and hit No.1 among variety shows in the coveted 20–49 age group. That’s not just gold medal-worthy—it’s K-pop nation domination.
Game on: fierce match-ups and fan favorites
- Women’s 60m Sprint: tripleS’s Nien blazed past the finish line for gold, avenging last year’s silver.
- Men’s 60m Sprint: LUN8’s Kael edged out the win by a hair—0.07 seconds to be exact.
- Women’s group wrestling: SAY MY NAME turned the tide with an epic comeback, after cheekily asking their agency head Kim Jaejoong for a car if they won gold. (Spoiler: they did.)
- Men’s team shooting: RIIZE hit the bullseye to claim their first championship medal, living up to their “visuals-meets-skills” reputation.
Surprise MVPs and viral moments
The long-awaited penalty shootout soccer segment made a dramatic return after five years. LUCY and AHOF lit up the field with daring saves and clutch goals. One moment even earned praise from commentator Park Moon-sung, who declared one goalie had real “natural talent.” That scene alone spiked ratings to a peak of 5.7%.
Meanwhile, kickoff turned into a performance stage when CRAVITY’s Hyeongjun broke into BLACKPINK Jennie’s “like JENNIE” mid warm-up. Talk about ‘main character energy.’
MCs bring the comedy, chaos, and chemistry
Veteran host Jeon Hyun-moo, BTOB’s Changsub, comedian Lee Eun-ji, and “idol encyclopedia” Jonathan served up laughs with smooth commentary and inside idol trivia. Literally the dream team of MCs.
What’s next? Get your popcorn ready
Part 2 of the athletics showdown airs October 7 at 5:50 PM KST—though times may shift depending on baseball playoffs. Expect more high-stakes action in male sumo, female team shooting, and that nail-biting PK final. Will RIIZE live up to their soccer-inspired nicknames and take it all the way?
A flash of gold—and a dash of sass
The real charm of the Idol Star Athletics Championships isn’t just the speed, sweat, or team spirit. It’s the blend of fierce athleticism and full-on K-pop chaos. Where else can you see an idol wrestle, win gold, and then casually ask for a car from their CEO on national TV?
Only in K-pop, folks. Only in K-pop.
