2025 Idol Star Athletics Championships Episode 1: Thrilling Chuseok Special – Winners, Highlights & K-Pop Magic
The 2025 Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC) Chuseok Special kicked off with explosive energy at Goyang Gym, marking the 15th anniversary of this iconic K-pop event. With a record-breaking 374 idols from top groups competing, fans worldwide went wild as stars traded stages for tracks, mats, and shooting ranges. Hosted by returning commentator Jun Hyun Moo, alongside fresh faces like Lee Chang Sub (BTOB), Lee Eun Ji, and "Idol Master" Jonathan, Episode 1 delivered non-stop thrills. From the origin of K-pop's athletic legacy to new events like pistol shooting, here's your ultimate recap!
Warm-Up Shenanigans: Cookies, K-Pop Dances & Hyeongjun's Stage Takeover
Setting the festive Chuseok vibe, mascots GingerBrave and friends from Cookie Run led a "national warmup routine" that quickly morphed into a full-blown K-pop dance challenge. Idols grooved to EXO's "Love Shot", NCT 127's "Kick It", aespa's "Whiplash", Jennie's "like JENNIE", and Saja Boys' "Soda Pop". The highlight? Hyeongjun of CRAVITY hijacked the stage for an impromptu performance, turning the gym into a concert hall and hyping the crowd to max levels.
Track & Field: 60m Sprint Stars Born – Nien & Chael Claim Gold
The "flower of ISAC" bloomed with the women's and men's 60m races, narrated by sprint expert Kim Kuk Young. Rookies dominated, proving track and field remains the gateway for breakout stars.
Women's 60m Final: Nien of tripleS Unrivaled at 9.7s
- Prelims Highlights: Nien (tripleS) crushed Group 4 in 9.69s; Haneul (KISS OF LIFE) flew in Group 2 (10.23s); TAERIN (ifeye) shocked Group 5 (10.18s).
- Final Lineup: RAHEE, TAERIN, Haneul, ARIA, Nien, Lynn (tripleS).
- Winner: Nien dominated with 9.7s, slowing down at the finish – a new record challenger! Teammate Lynn took silver.
Men's 60m Final: Chael of LUN8 Edges Out at 7.79s
- Prelims Stars: Chael (LUN8) blazed Group 6 (7.79s); Hong Minsung (NEWBEAT) edged Group 5 by 0.04s; So Geon (NEXZ) led Group 2 (8.25s).
- Final Lineup: Choi Han (ARrC), So Geon, Song Seung Ho (CLOSE YOUR EYES), EUNCHAN (TEMPEST), Hong Minsung, Chael.
- Winner: Chael overtook Hong Minsung mid-race for gold – a 7-second prelim record sealed his "star runner" status!
Women's Group Ssireum: SAY MY NAME's Bear Hug Glory
Returning after five years, ssireum (Korean wrestling) brought gritty power plays under legendary coach Lee Tae Hyun. Best-of-3 format, Korean beef prizes, and cutthroat brackets!
- Prelims: SAY MY NAME def. Hearts2Hearts (Kanny's ace bear hugs); FIFTY FIFTY over UNIS (Athena's dizzying spins); Billlie crushed tripleS (Tsuki's competitive fire); DreamNote edged PRIMROSE (Miso's quick footwork).
- Semis: SAY MY NAME swept FIFTY FIFTY (Junhwi's ambushes); Billlie topped DreamNote (Su Hyeon's counters).
- Final: SAY MY NAME vs. Billlie – Kanny's core-powered bear hug on Tsuki clinched 2-1 gold! (Billlie's Sua mystery aunt genes remain untested.)
Men's Group Pistol Shooting: RIIZE's Sniper Supremacy
The anniversary newbie event – laser pistols à la Olympics – thrilled with Kim Jung Mi and Cho Yeong Jae on commentary. 15 shots per team, 50s per pull, total score wins!
- Quarters/Semis: RIIZE edged ZEROBASEONE (Anton's steady 10.1s); P1Harmony outlasted NCT WISH in shoot-out (Jongseob's assassin vibes).
- Final: RIIZE vs. P1Harmony – Anton's textbook aim (10.1 max) and Won Bin's clutch 9.6s secured 18-12 gold. RIIZE: First "Idol Snipers"!
Penalty Shoot-Out Quarterfinals: RIIZE & NCT WISH Advance Amid "Siu!" Drama
Soccer fever hit with Park Moon Sung calling the 11m "roulette." Teams of 3 (2 kickers + GK), 5 shots each – ties go to GK kicks!
- Match 1: RIIZE def. CLOSE YOUR EYES 3-2 (Sungchan's Lewandowski power; Song Heung Min blocks).
- Match 2: NOWZ over EVNNE 3-2 (Yoonbappe's stability).
- Match 3: LUCY beat AHOF 2-1 (Deity Ye Chan's corners).
- Match 4: NCT WISH edged ZEROBASEONE 5-4 (Sakuya's "Golden Left Foot" GK goal).
Semifinals Tease: RIIZE vs. LUCY; NCT WISH vs. NOWZ – Will SM groups clash in the final?
What's Next? Episode 2 Teasers & Safety First
With zero injuries thanks to med teams and warm-ups, ISAC 2025 prioritizes fun. Upcoming: Men's ssireum beasts, women's pistol queens, and full penalty finals. Archery's out, but pistol's in – echoing Kim Ye Ji's Olympic legacy!
Stay Tuned: Watch replays on MBC or stream globally. Who’s your MVP? Comment below! #ISAC2025 #KpopAthletics