tvN's anticipated survival show "I Am Boxer" has already begun getting ready to reveal a large-scale boxing competition based on authenticity, showmanship, and matchup scenarios with the intention of addressing viewers' years of curiosity about fighters from different backgrounds.

With action star Ma Dong-seok as the mastermind behind the project, the series incorporates a variety-show aspect alongside professional athletic standards.

Coverage shared through OSEN underlined the unusual production scale of the show and the competitive structure crafted to revive interest in K-boxing.

Helmed by PD Lee Won-woong of Steel Troops and writer Kang Suk-kyung of Physical: 100, the series boasts a 1,000-pyeong main match arena and a 500-pyeong boxing gym built with the help of art director Lee Young-ju. The winner will get 300 million won, a champion's belt, and a luxury SUV.

The cast includes former Oriental champion Kim Min-wook, 14-time National Sports Festival champion Kim Dong-hoe, National Sports Festival gold medalist Guk Seung-jun, Army Sports Corps member Lee Chae-hyun, actor Jang Hyuk, UFC fighter Jung Da-woon, and UDT-trained Yuk Jun-seo.

Writer Kang Suk-kyung said, "Adding that about 2,000 applicants joined in the competition, from elementary school students up to those born in 1964."

Additional reporting by FN News underlined the open-eligibility concept, wherein people of all skill levels could apply. The competitors reportedly fought with resolve in the ring against extreme weight differences, often more than 20 kilograms, and achieved unexpected outcomes.

According to Ma Dong-seok, "TWhen someone who reached the pinnacle in another sport faces someone who has boxed their entire life, that curiosity is resolved"

Kim Jong-kook said, "There's a lot of curiosity about who would win if a celebrity fighter and a real athlete went head-to-head, and there's a match that can resolve that curiosity. There are also competitions between different disciplines."

Dex added, "It also resolves the curiosity about what the outcome would be if someone who has trained for years faced someone who has just started learning. I'll show you all the matches you might be curious about at least once. The community is expected to be on fire."

PD Lee Won-woong said, "Even tho we informed them that they would be competing in matches with a significant weight difference, no one gave up. In reality, it's not easy when you're actually in that situation, and the weight difference can be over 20kg in some cases. In those cases, upsets and reversals often happen, which made it interesting to watch."

While the series does not stage a direct fight between Ma Dong-seok and Dex, the show's design—including inter-sport and cross-weight-class matchups—may hint at how such a fantasy matchup might unfold. "I Am Boxer" will air for the first time on Nov. 21 at 11 p.m. on tvN.