Happy Chuseok! Let’s Celebrate the Special Holiday With The 2025 Idol Star Athletic Championship!

The ultimate Idol Olympics, “Idol Star Athletics Championships” (ISAC), is back with its highly anticipated Chuseok special for 2025! This beloved event has become a staple of Korean holiday programming, bringing together top K-pop idols and entertainers in a friendly but thrilling athletic showdown.

What Is ISAC and Why Do K-Pop Fans Love It?

If you’re a K-pop fan — or even just recently joined the fandom — you’ve probably heard of ISAC. But if you’re still curious about what it’s all about, here’s the rundown. “Idol Star Athletics Championships”, more commonly known as ISAC, is MBC’s long-running reality television sports program where idols, singers, and celebrity groups compete in a range of sports events. It’s a rare chance for fans to see their favorite stars not on stage, but testing their athletic skills in real competitions!

The sports lineup is always packed with variety. ISAC has featured athletics, gymnastics, bowling, football, swimming, basketball, archery, breakdancing, dancesport, fencing, table tennis, and even e-sports. What makes it extra fun is the blend of competition and teamwork— idols cheering each other on, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and sometimes even making unexpected friendships. In recent years, the program has also been adding new categories in response to fans’ suggestions. Last year’s Chuseok special introduced dancesport and breakdancing, which were huge hits with both fans and participants.

ISAC typically airs twice a year — once during the Lunar New Year holiday in the winter and again during the Chuseok holiday in the fall. It first aired as a Chuseok special back in 2010 and has since become one of MBC’s signature holiday programs. These broadcasts have grown into a tradition for K-pop fans, with many tuning in to see their faves off the stage and on the track.

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The “2025 Idol Star Athletics Championships – Chuseok Special“

This year’s “2025 Idol Star Athletics Championships – Chuseok Special” promises to be one of the biggest yet. Featuring top idols and entertainers, the show also brings together a star-studded lineup of MCs: Jun Hyun Moo, BTOB’s Changsub, Lee Eun Ji, and Jonathan, who will guide viewers through the high-energy games.

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, ISAC is pulling out all the stops with a record-breaking 61 teams and 373 idols competing. That means more exciting interactions, unexpected moments, and a thrilling lineup of events. This year’s competitions will include five main categories: track and field, ssireum (Korean wrestling), the newly added pistol shooting, penalty shootouts, and dance sports.

The 2025 ISAC – Chuseok Special will air this October — perfect timing to enjoy with family and friends during the holiday break. Don’t worry about where to watch — the event will also be streaming on KOCOWA+, which offers not just this year’s ISAC but also past episodes from previous years, complete with multiple subtitles for international fans. Here are some of the idols expected to appear:

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How ISAC Became A Legendary Show for K-pop Fans

One of the most memorable moments in ISAC history came from the “2015 Idol Star Athletics Championships,” where fans witnessed an unforgettable 60-meter sprint showdown. This race featured some of K-pop’s biggest stars, including SEVENTEEN and BTS members, going head-to-head on the track. The energy inside the stadium was electric as fans cheered for their favorite idols, making it one of the most iconic and replayed events in ISAC history.

Another sweet and lighthearted moment came from the “2019 Idol Star Athletics Championships” when Chanyeol (EXO) and Jaehyun (NCT) teamed up for an “acrostic poem” challenge using the word “BOWLING.” They took turns coming up with words for each letter, keeping it fun and playful. Moments like this are exactly why ISAC has become more than just a sports show—it’s a place where idols’ personalities shine, friendships grow, and fans get to see their favorite stars being themselves.

One of the most exciting moments also came from the “2020 ISAC New Year Special,” when Jaemin of NCT Dream and Park Ji Hoon went head-to-head in a playful yet competitive match. It wasn’t a full-scale athletic event—just a fun showdown—but the energy in the stadium was still electric. It showed two charismatic idols at their best, pushing each other with smiles and friendly rivalry.

Don’t forget, the “2025 Idol Star Athletics Championships – Chuseok Special” will be streaming on KOCOWA+ with multiple subtitles!