(MBC)

MBC’s special show “Idol Star Athletics Championships” is at the center of debate among K-pop fans, as it is gearing up for more episodes this upcoming Chuseok holiday with a new event featuring Korean traditional wrestling “Ssireum.”

The program, which features top K-pop singers and bands as athletes, has been aired since 2010 in celebration of the country’s biggest festival.

However, since a few singers had encountered injuries while competing, fans have voiced concerns. As the show can offer a great opportunity for rookies to promote their teams and their lively and sporty images, the competition has been getting fiercer, leading to possible injuries.

(MBC)

AOA’s Seolhyeon hurt her leg while practicing for curling, and had to spend six weeks in hospital. EXO’s Tao, BIXX’ Leo, Sistar’s Bora, and many others were also wounded during the competitions.

The show’s next episode is scheduled to be filmed on Aug. 10 and 11 at Goyang Gymnastics Gymnasium in Gyeonggi Province, while the full list of the participants have not yet been revealed.

By Ko Ji-seon (jiseonko@heraldcorp.com)