MBC’s iconic holiday special, Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC), is making a comeback this Chuseok. K-pop fans will witness another round of fun competition and moments of unexpected camaraderie among idols.
On July 2, an MBC representative confirmed to local media that the network is preparing to air ISAC 2025 during the Chuseok holidays this year, although the filming dates and detailed schedule are still being finalized.
First launched in 2010, ISAC quickly became a holiday staple, airing as both Lunar New Year and Chuseok specials each year. It earned the nickname “Idol Sports Day” as it gathers dozens of idol groups in one place to compete in track and field, archery, aerobics dance, e-sports, and more.
While some criticize the program for the risk of injuries, seeing K-pop stars offstage and interacting freely with peers has made it a fan favorite.
The show was put on hold for a few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with its last pre-pandemic edition airing during Lunar New Year 2020.
Fans waited patiently for its revival, and in 2022, ISAC returned with a Chuseok special after a long break. Last year’s ISAC Chuseok edition brought back nostalgic fun with newer fourth and fifth-generation idols joining for the first time. ILLIT, TWS, ZEROBASEONE, KISS OF LIFE, tripleS, UNIS, NCT WISH, and NOWZ (formerly NOWADAYS) participated for the first time.
Over the years, many top K-pop groups have participated in the Idol Star Athletic Championships. This includes BTS, EXO, TWICE, SEVENTEEN, Red Velvet, NCT, Stray Kids, ITZY, and more. The program has often become a trending topic online as fans get rare glimpses of friendships between idols from different agencies.
Legendary moments, like BTS’s Jungkook’s stunning sprints and TWICE’s Tzuyu’s iconic hair flip, are still shared today.
Along with classic sports like sprints, archery remains one of the most popular events thanks to its dramatic visuals and viral idol reaction shots. Idol archers like TWICE’s Tzuyu, Red Velvet’s Irene ITZY’s Ryujin, and SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu have wowed fans with their unexpected athletic skills. The show has also introduced fun categories like dog agility races featuring idols’ pets.
While this year’s lineup has yet to be confirmed, fans are already guessing which new-generation groups and rising rookies might make their ISAC debut.
As ISAC 2025 gears up to bring idols and fans together once again this Chuseok, viewers can look forward to seeing their favorite stars compete, laugh, and create moments that will likely be talked about for years.
Stay tuned for MBC’s official announcement in the coming weeks about filming schedules, participating groups, and broadcast dates.
