The Idol Star Athletics Championships: A Unique Athletic Event in Korea

The Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC) is a major sporting event in South Korea that has captured the hearts and minds of many music fans and sports enthusiasts. Since its inception in 2010, ISAC has been a symbol of the intersection between idol culture and athletic prowess. This event showcases the true athletic talent of idols who have either been playing these sports since pre-debut, or who excel at them, highlighting their versatility and physical abilities.

About ISAC and Its Organizer

ISAC, organized by the popular South Korean TV network MBC, has been held 17 times up to date. Each year, the event delights fans by presenting a variety of sports events including track and field, swimming, and several non-traditional sports such as esports and rhythmic gymnastics. The event is held once or twice a year, with notable dates including:

2010: September 25 and 26 2011: February 5 and 6, September 13 2012: January 24 and 25, July 25 and 26 2013: February 11 and 20, September 19 and 20 2014: January 9 and 10 2015: February 19 and 20, September 28 and 29 2016: February 9 and 10, September 15 2017: January 30 2018: February 15 and 16, September 25 and 26 2019: February 5 and 6, September 12-14

Track Events at ISAC

From sprinting to long jumping, ISAC offers a variety of track and field events. Competitors can participate in:

50 Metre Sprint 50 Metre Hurdles 60 Metre Sprint 70 Metre Sprint 70 Metre Hurdles 100 Metre Sprint 100 Metre Hurdles 110 Metre Hurdles 4 x 50 Metre Relay 4 x 100 Metre Relay Long Jump High Jump Javelin 50 Metre Freestyle

Non-Traditional Sports

Along with the traditional track and field events, ISAC introduces an array of non-traditional and exhilarating sports, some of which include:

Aerobic Gymnastics Archery Baseball Pitching Basketball Bowling Curling Esports Equestrian - Dressage Fencing - Individual Sabre Football (Soccer) Footvolley Futsal (Indoor Soccer) Penalty Shoot-out Rhythmic Gymnastics Ssireum (Korean Wrestling) Table Tennis Ten-pin Bowling

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its entertainment value, ISAC has faced significant criticism over the years due to the high number of injuries sustained by participants. One notable incident is the injury suffered by INFINITE's Woohyun in 2014 during a futsal match. A concerning X-ray revealed that the cartilage around his left shoulder had been severely damaged, which could affect his full use of the arm. MBC's handling of these injuries has also been a source of controversy, with some patients expressing dissatisfaction with the way they were treated.

MBC has faced numerous accusations of negligence regarding the well-being of the idols. In 2016 alone, several idols were injured, including VIXX’s Leo, BTS’s Jin, EXO’s Xiumin, GOT7’s Jackson, and AOA’s Seolhyun. The injuries ranged from nosebleeds and nose injuries to torn ligaments and fractures. These incidents highlight the critical need for more stringent safety measures and protocols during the event.

Conclusion

While the Idol Star Athletics Championships offers a unique platform for idols to showcase their athletic talent, the event also faces significant challenges. As MBC continues to host ISAC, it is essential that the network prioritizes the health and safety of the participants. The incident with Woohyun is a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with this type of event, and measures must be taken to minimize the likelihood of similar tragedies occurring in the future.