How did the “Idol Star Athletics & Swimming Championships” outshine other Lunar New Year specials?

MBC’s “Idol Star Athletics & Swimming Championships” ranked in at the top of the Lunar New Year’s programs with a viewer rating of 18.7% and 17.6% for part one and two respectively.

While the statistic is very impressive, the show has also garnered a high level of praise for its originality and creativity. Many felt that the program provided something fresh which broke away from the standard Lunar New Year’s specials.

There were three distinctive points which made the show stand out amidst the competition.

First, the show aimed to include all generations for its viewership, and was not directed exclusively towards teenagers alone. Secondly, the show centered around wins and losses, and drew away from sexually suggestive or stimulating content. Lastly, the idols themselves seemed to truly enjoy the competitions – it was a positive energy that managed to touch the distant viewers.

◆ “Even older age groups are into it, generations of popularity!”

Programs which center around idols usually have a limited viewerbase, which mostly consists of teens and those in their 20s. When girl groups prefer to perform ’sexy dances’ for their variety showappearances, the older age groups tend to switch channels out of embarrassment.

The “Idol Championships” managed to shatter this limitation by introducing a sports content to their program. Since sports is accessible to all generations, MBC drew in a wide audience for their Lunar New Year special. Not everyone will be interested in singing or dancing, but almost everyone has an interest in some type of sport.

One viewer, Lee Hyun Sung (57) of Suwon, commented, “I normally don’t watch programs with idols in them, but I had a fun time watching this show with my family. Watching young singers work hard not only kept my interest, but also made me feel proud of them.”

◆ “The program featured the idols’ desire to win, there was nothing scripted or made up.”

The idols showed the beauty of getting out there and being active, an image that is vastly different from their dolled-up, scripted images on stage.

For once, the idols looked and acted like their ages, jumping up and shouting joyously for wins, and looking gloomy on their losses. Some joked that the idols looked more upset about missing a medal than losing on a music program.

The idols broke all barriers and supported and encouraged each other. The winners consoled the losers, and the losers sincerely congratulated the winners. The program allowed for true sportsmanship to shine, giving some substance to the otherwise thin battle between idols.

In the viewer message board, many left comments like, “It was nice seeing them help each other up and give encouragement,” and “I hope the idols continue to develop a relationship where they are able to push and support each other to do better in their careers.”

◆ “No exploitation, just a genuine idol festival.”

The idols who appeared on the program are all giving a positive response as well, but for different reasons from the viewers.

Every time the Lunar New Year holiday rolled around, idols were forced to come up with and rehearse for a variety of different dances and songs for program specials. No such effort was needed for the “Idol Championships”, since the idols were only required to bring their stamina and a will to win.

Senior idols Kim Dong Wan and Hwang Bo were also able to spend a more meaningful time with their juniors, since it’s difficult for idols to gather in one location.

One idol agency reprsentative revealed, “We feel that the members genuinely had a lot of fun. They said that it felt like they had returned to their school days. It was an opportunity to have some fun in the midst of their busy schedule, so a lot of them enjoyed it.”

“Idol Star Athletics & Swimming Championships” PD answers questions

The producer of MBC’s “Idol Star Athletics & Swimming Championship” revealed their disappointment with the co-ed relay race not making it to air during the broadcast.

On February 5th and 6th, the program featured a 50m race and hurdle, a high jump, and 50m swimming, and managed to record 18.7% and 17.6% in viewer ratings, respectively.

Unfortunately, the co-ed 400m relay was completely edited out, leading some fans to speculate whether the segment was deliberately cut out due to ZE:A and SISTAR winning the match. Some viewers commented, “Were edits done with popular idols in priority?”

Regarding the speculations, Kim Yugon PD stated, “There was just so much footage, I suggested that we divide the program into three parts instead of two, but that was canceled. There was too much to air while having to divide a 70 minute program into two parts. We had no choice but to edit the way we did.”

He continued, “It is not true that we edited according to the most popular idols. For the relay, entire teams did not participate, and the match and its results overlapped with the 50m race. I, too, am upset, and am apologetic towards ZE:A and SISTAR. It’s difficult to just focus on the sports on a variety program. There were other things we had to show, so other segments such as interviews, Rainbow’s synchronized swimming, and athlete Jung Darae’s segment were all edited out as well.”

The PD concluded, “Since the program is centered around the sports, we weren’t able to feature a large variety of the stars and mainly focused on the idols that distinguished themselves in their respective matches. I’m both thankful and apologetic to everyone that participated.”

Although the ’swimming’ portion of the championships made its debut this year, whether the program will continue to include it in its line-up is unconfirmed.

PD Kim Yugon further revealed, “Track is one of the most basic lineups and we have already garnered a variety of results from the two times we’ve featured it. There’s already a set concept in which idols must break the records. It’s also a line-up that doesn’t require any special skill, and any idol can do it. Unfortunately for swimming, it’s different.”

He continued, “You need a certain skill set and you need to have learned swimming prior to taking part. We’re not able to confirm whether we’ll include it in the Chuseok line-up this year, as we’re not sure how many idols will be taking part. There hasn’t been any talks about next time yet, but using track as the foundation, we might be adding swimming or other line-ups to the program.”

“Dream High” reveals behind-the-scenes photos!

On February 7th, KBS’s “Dream High” revealed some behind-the-scenes photos of the main cast on-set.

miss A’s Suzy and T-ara’s Eunjung proved that they weren’t bitter enemies in real life, as seen by their bright smiles and affectionate posing. Meanwhile, Kim Soo Hyun and Ok Taecyeon re-created their drama love line by standing close to Suzy’s sides. IU and Wooyoung, who’re both receiving much love as the ‘Milky Couple’, can be seen smiling brilliantly with peace signs.

Although the drama focuses on the rivalry between students and classes, the film set proves to be a fun and exciting environment for the young actors.

HyoMin Vs Gain,who wears it better?

It has been a while since we last spotted idols wearing outfits of the same design.

Brown Eyed Girls' Gain and T-ara's Hyomin were spotted wearing hoodies of the same design,who do you think wears it better?Share your thoughts here!

Jiyoon sings for My Princess OST

After Gayoon, it is Jiyoon's turn to showcase her vocal talents on a refreshing and rather cute track composed by Every Single Day's member, Moon Sungnam. The song, "Oasis", was released as part of the My Princess OST on February 7th.

4minute receive the "K-Pop New Artist fo the Year" award

On February 6th, 4minute received the "K-Pop New Artist of the Year" award at the Billboard Japan Music Awards 2010, an awarding ceremony that was held in Tokyo Midtown Hall.

4minute debuted in Japan last May with Muzik and have, since then, been actively promoting there. They released 3 Japanese singles and even contributed to the original soundtrack of a popular drama by singing the opening theme.

In their acceptance speech, 4minute declared "We will work hard to become acknowledged artists not only in Korea and Japan but also throughout Asia."

This year, popular Japanese groups EXILE and AKB48 as well as famous foreign artists performed at the Billboard Japan Music Awards. The event was broadcasted on FujiTV.

As for the girls, they're said to have delivered an impressive and powerful performance of "First" and "Muzik".

The group is currently recording for their new album to be released in March. Their 4th Japanese single, WHY, will also be released in March.

SS501’s Kim Kyu Jong gives KARA some advice

SS501’s Kim Kyu Jong gave his thoughts on the KARA dispute with DSP Media through an interview with Daily Sports.

KARA’s former labelmate expressed, “I might have to give the girls a light clout when I see them. It’s upsetting that such a situation arose when they were doing so well. No matter what agency they go to, they have to remain as one. I hope they never forget that.”

Kim Kyu Jong continued, “I’ve been watching over KARA since they were trainees, so it feels good to see the level of popularity they’ve achieved in Japan. It’s only just now that they’re finally harvesting the fruits of their labor, but it’s upsetting that this had to happen. I hope that they don’t become swayed by the words of those around them, and focus on gathering their opinion as one.”

Kim Kyu Jong left DSP Media in 2010 and is now a part of B2M Entertainment.

SM idols are Sports-dols?

On the Idol atheletic championships aired on the 5th, Shinee's Minho and f(x)'s Luna won 50m freestyle swimming and high jump respectively.

Luna won Female's high jump after jumping 143cm. She bet After School's Gahi and Miss A's Fei.

Before the finals Minho said "It is my first time standing at a swimming lane so I'm really nervous. I know others are good at swimming but i'll do my best" and won with a record of 32.81 seconds.