The Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC), MBC’s flagship idol sports festival, is making its return for the 2025 Chuseok holiday. Now in its 15th year, the program is set to be the biggest edition in its history. It will include 373 participating idols from 61 teams, introduce new events, and a mix of veteran and first-time MCs.
Filming and Broadcast Schedule
Filming for Idol Star Athletics Championship 2025 will take place in late August, though MBC has not yet confirmed exact dates. As with past editions, the event will be pre-recorded and broadcast during the Chuseok holiday in early October. The competition is expected to be shown over multiple episodes to cover the wide range of events and participants.
Where to Watch ISAC 2025
The broadcast will air on MBC, which has hosted ISAC since its launch, and international fans will have access to the program through streaming platforms such as Viki and KOCOWA. Fans can stay updated with social media hashtags like #ISAC2025 to get real-time updates and fan interactions.
Hosts for ISAC 2025
MBC has officially announced the four MCs for this year’s special: Jun Hyun Moo, Lee Chang Sub, Lee Eun Ji, and Jonathan.
- Jun Hyun Moo has hosted ISAC since 2013, earning the title of the event’s “veteran MC.” Known for his sharp timing and witty remarks, he will once again lead the program.
- Lee Chang Sub (BTOB) joins as the main MC for the first time. With his variety experience and idol background, he is expected to bring a new perspective to the hosting team.
- Lee Eun Ji has built a reputation as a reliable MC across various programs. Her quick humor and strong stage presence are expected to keep the event lively.
- Jonathan, representing the younger MZ generation, rounds out the lineup.
In 2024, the event was led by hosts Lee Chan-won, Jun Hyun-moo, NMIXX’s Haewon, and former Wanna One member Kang Daniel.
ISAC 2025 Lineup
For 2025, ISAC will see its biggest lineup yet, 61 teams and 373 idols, uniting popular acts with newly debuting groups. Among them are:
- NCT WISH
- Hearts2Hearts
- KiiiKiii
- RIIZE
- Close Your Eyes
- KickFlip
- MEOVV
- P1Harmony
- IDNTT
- Kep1er
- AHOF
- STAYC
- Billlie
- Kiss of Life
- UNIS
- CRAVITY
- FIFTY FIFTY
- EVNNE
- Say My Name
- tripleS
- TEMPEST
- AMPERSANDONE
- THEWIND
- nSSign
- NewBeat
- ARrc
- ZEROBASEONE
- TWS
- NOWZ
The full ISAC 2025 participant list also includes LUN8, XIN, Candy Shop, USPEER, 82MAJOR, NEXZ, YOUNGPOSSE, XODIAC, WHIB, 8TURN, POW, Double One, Lucy, NouerA, Baby DONT Cry, KIIRAS, ifeye, ICHILLIN’, Queenz Eye, WOOAH, and HITGS
Competitions and New Events
This year’s ISAC will include five official sports, each offering its own appeal:
- Track and Field – sprint and relay races, a traditional highlight of ISAC with unpredictable comebacks and close finishes.
- Ssireum – Korea’s traditional form of wrestling- highlights a mix of raw strength and technical skill.
- Pistol Shooting – a newly added event for 2025, showcasing precision and concentration.
- Penalty Shootout – another high-pressure event, where a single goal or save can decide the outcome.
- Dancesport – ballroom and Latin dance competitions, already a fan favorite since their introduction, combine choreography and athletic skill.
MBC has also hinted that breakdancing, which debuted in 2024 and was well-received, may return depending on the programming lineup.
About ISAC
ISAC has grown beyond Korea to become a global event, thanks to streaming platforms and fan-driven content. Videos of idol matches, relay finishes, and behind-the-scenes interactions frequently trend across platforms like X, YouTube, and TikTok. The program is particularly popular during Chuseok, when families and fans gather to watch together.
The event also has a tradition of connecting competition with social causes. In previous editions, prize money and sponsorship funds were donated to charity, and this is expected to continue in 2025.
Since its return to full-scale production in 2022, following pandemic restrictions, the Idol Star Athletics Championship has re-established itself as a space where fans can see idols in a new light.
What to Expect
With more participants than ever, new events like pistol shooting, and a fresh hosting team, ISAC 2025 is going to be bigger and better this year.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Idol Star Athletics Championships will be broadcast during the Chuseok holiday in October on MBC.
