ISAC Puts Idol Injury Risk and Fan Givebacks in Spotlight

ISAC puts idol injury risk and fan givebacks under sharp public attention from fans and media. Recurring accidents, exhausting filming schedules, and growing competition in givebacks fuel frustration across fandoms. Despite rising criticism, strong ratings and social buzz keep the event firmly in the holiday lineup.

Once a Holiday Favorite, ISAC Becomes a Dreaded Assignment for Idol

The Idol Star Athletics Championships—ISAC to most fans—once held a cherished place in Korea’s holiday TV lineup. Back then, it felt like a rare, lighthearted break from the industry’s polished music stages. Viewers could watch their favorite idols race down tracks, fire arrows, and play games with genuine smiles. In recent years, though, that warmth has cooled. ISAC has earned a different reputation, one built on injury scares and punishing filming days that leave both fans and idols questioning why the show still exists.

ISAC Turns Idol Competition Into a Safety Hazard

The competition’s format makes injury almost inevitable. Last year’s Chuseok special brought one of the most talked-about moments when Han Yujin from Zerobaseone stumbled mid-race and strained his leg muscles. His agency insisted it would not affect his schedule, but fans knew better. Even a small injury can cancel shows, disrupt comebacks, and derail months of preparation. Despite MBC’s repeated pledges to strengthen safety, the same problem areas remain. Vinyl-coated tracks and other unsuitable equipment keep athletes—especially idols—at risk, and that risk has become impossible for the audience to ignore.

Fans Cheer When an Idol Sits Out ISAC

It has reached a point where fans openly celebrate when their favorite idols skip ISAC. On X, formerly Twitter, one artist’s absence was met with posts saying, “It’s a festival,” quickly spreading across timelines. The relief is real. Many fans see no upside to the event beyond a fleeting broadcast appearance. TXT’s Soobin put it plainly during a livestream: he had never joined and had no plans to start. The comment went viral, striking a chord with those who wish their idols could avoid the grueling experience entirely.

Endless Filming Days and Harsh Audience Realities

ISAC’s filming days can run longer than most music video shoots. Call times before sunrise are common, with wrap times well past midnight. Idols lose valuable rehearsal and rest hours, while fans make exhausting treks to the venue before the first trains. Many then wait for hours in uncomfortable conditions, sometimes leaving sick the next day. Despite mobilizing massive audiences, the network provides no food or drinks. That absence of basic care has become a sore spot, making the whole experience feel less like a celebration and more like an endurance test.

Givebacks Meant as Gratitude Become a Competition

One tradition tied to ISAC is the “fan giveback,” where idols prepare meals or snacks for their supporters. At first, it was a sincere thank-you gesture. Over time, it has evolved into a public measure of generosity between fandoms. This year, fans received lavish offerings—lobster, steak, and ginseng chicken soup among them. Smaller agencies often cannot afford such displays, leaving their idols and fans feeling overshadowed. For many, the pressure to keep pace turns what should be a warm moment into a financial and emotional burden.

Pandemic Pause Fails to End ISAC’s Cycle of Issues

ISAC went dark after the 2020 Lunar New Year because of COVID-19, returning in 2022 with high anticipation. That optimism faded quickly when the first comeback broadcast demanded 15-hour filming sessions while banning food and mid-show exits for the audience. Public criticism forced producers to relax the rules, yet the underlying issues—long unpaid audience hours and minimal rights—remained. The event skipped certain holidays in 2023 and 2024, but each return has brought the same injuries and long shoots. Still, MBC shows no sign of letting go. Last year’s Chuseok special topped its time slot, proving that ISAC’s mix of spectacle and controversy still draws a crowd.

MBC ISAC: A Controversial Festival Returns After Two Years

MBC ISAC’s return raises concerns about idol safety during outdoor summer filming and fan discomfort due to strict seat restrictions and limited opportunities for relief. Prioritizing idol well-being, addressing spectator concerns are crucial for ISAC’s sustainable future.

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