Ma Dong-seok to host tvN’s I Am Boxer, a bold boxing-survival reality show set to premiere on November 21

Ma Dong-seok, the global action star and long-time boxing gym director, is stepping into the role of host for tvN’s new entertainment program I Am Boxer, marking his first foray into a variety format. I Am Boxer is a large-scale boxing-survival show conceived by Ma Dong-seok to revive Korean boxing, promising the kind of authentic, high-stakes competition that fans of the sport crave.

The program is slated to premiere on November 21 at 11 p.m. Domestic audiences will be able to watch the live broadcast on tvN and TVING, with Disney+ handling global distribution after the premiere. The show features familiar ring personalities such as Jang Hyuk, Julien Kang, and Yuk Jun-seo, with MCs Kim Jong-kook and Dex also appearing in previews and on set. A poster depicts Master Ma Dong-seok flanked by Kim Jong-kook and Dex, underscoring the intense, competition-driven tone of the program.

I Am Boxer is produced by PD Lee Won-ung, the creator of the military survival hit The Iron Squad, and writer Kang Suk-kyung, known for Physical: 100. The project reunites a team with a track record of high-energy reality formats, further fueling anticipation for this new venture.

Ma Dong-seok has trained boxing since his middle school days and remains deeply involved as a boxing coach, as well as serving as Honorary Vice President of the Korea Boxing Association and a boxing promoter. He has described boxing as life itself and expressed a desire to showcase the sport’s excitement and resilience to a broad audience. This venture marks his first foray into a genuine entertainment program since his debut, a move that has drawn considerable attention from fans and industry watchers alike.