Kim Dongjun, former member of ZE:A and now an established actor entertainer, has opened up about the long rumored behind the scenes atmosphere of MBC’s ‘Idol Star Athletics Championships’ (ISAC) and firmly shut down the idea that it was ever a “place for romance,” at least for him.
Kim appeared on a recent episode of the YouTube channel ‘Jodongari,’ uploaded on January 4, where he reflected on his experiences participating in ISAC during his idol years. The topic quickly turned to a familiar fan curiosity: whether idols actually met or formed relationships during the massive sports event.
“I Was a Full Time Athlete That Day”
Addressing the long standing perception of ISAC as a social hub for idols, Kim Dongjun explained that his own experience was very different. “A lot of people say ISAC is a place where idols meet each other,” he said. “But I was basically an athlete. People asked me all the time if anything happened.”
According to Kim, his schedule during the competition left little room for anything beyond catching his breath. “I’d run the 100 meters, lie down for a bit, then go run hurdles. After that, I’d rest briefly and head straight to the long jump,” he recalled, emphasizing the nonstop nature of his participation. Rather than exchanging notes or glances, Kim joked that the only thing he received was a relay baton. “I got batons instead of love notes,” he said, laughing. “So I don’t really have any romantic episodes.”
A Crowded, Chaotic Reality
Fellow guest Ricky of Teen Top, who appeared alongside Kim, added context to the hectic environment behind the cameras. “From what I’ve heard, there are so many staff members and idols that the waiting rooms feel like a marketplace,” Ricky said. He explained that with people constantly moving in and out, it’s hard to even notice who’s passing by.
“If you meet someone, it’s more likely to happen by an emergency exit or something,” he added, reinforcing how far the reality is from the polished broadcast image. Kim nodded along, suggesting that the sheer scale of the event left little opportunity for meaningful interaction unless by chance.
Medals, Not Memories
If anything, Kim Dongjun’s memories of ISAC are defined more by medals than moments. Known for his athletic ability, he became one of the most decorated participants in the show’s history. “I had so many medals that my closet actually collapsed once,” he said, drawing laughter from the studio.
The comment underscored his reputation as one of ISAC’s standout performers—an idol who approached the competition less as variety entertainment and more as a serious athletic challenge.
Reframing the ISAC Myth
Kim Dongjun’s candid remarks offer a grounded look at an event often surrounded by fan speculation. Rather than secret encounters and whispered conversations, his experience reflects exhaustion, tight schedules, and intense competition.
For viewers, the story serves as a reminder that behind ISAC’s festive atmosphere lies a demanding production where many idols are simply focused on performing their best sometimes to the point of collapsing closets full of medals.
The “ISAC Romance” Myth vs. the “Kim Dong-jun” Reality
Kim Dong-jun’s recent appearance on ‘Jodongari’ (January 4, 2026) has finally provided a much-needed reality check to the decades-old urban legend that the Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC) is K-pop’s premier dating ground. By humorously contrasting the fan fantasy of “secret love notes” with his own reality of “receiving relay batons,” Dong-jun highlighted a significant shift in how veteran idols discuss their past. For a “medals-over-memories” athlete like Dong-jun—whose physical prowess was so dominant it literally collapsed his closet—ISAC was less a social mixer and more a high-stakes survival gauntlet. His testimony, supported by Teen Top’s Ricky, paints a picture of a “chaotic marketplace” where exhaustion and staff surveillance far outweighed any opportunity for romantic intrigue.
Editorial’s Insights
Kim Dong-jun’s appearance on Jodongari (January 4, 2026) has finally provided a much-needed reality check to the decades-old urban legend that the Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC) is K-pop’s premier dating ground. By humorously contrasting the fan fantasy of “secret love notes” with his own reality of “receiving relay batons,” Dong-jun highlighted a significant shift in how veteran idols discuss their past. For a “medals-over-memories” athlete like Dong-jun—whose physical prowess was so dominant it literally collapsed his closet—ISAC was less a social mixer and more a high-stakes survival gauntlet.
From an editorial perspective, this “debunking” comes at a strategic time. Dong-jun’s transition from a “top-tier athletic idol” to a respected actor in 2025 hits like Goryeo-Khitan War has given him the “Senior Authority” to strip away the show’s polished mystique. His testimony, supported by Teen Top’s Ricky, paints a picture of a “chaotic marketplace” where exhaustion and staff surveillance far outweighed any opportunity for romantic intrigue.
As we move into April 2026, the narrative focus for the upcoming summer ISAC is shifting toward “New Gen Professionalism.” Industry insiders are noting that with the rise of 5th-generation idols who are hyper-aware of “fancam culture,” the “emergency exit” encounters Ricky mentioned are becoming even rarer. We are tracking how this “athlete-first” framing will impact 2026 viewership, as fans seem increasingly interested in the genuine competitive grit of their idols rather than manufactured romantic tropes.