The Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC) has been a staple in the K-Pop calendar since 2010, offering fans a unique glimpse into the athletic abilities of their favorite idols. Over the years, ISAC has seen remarkable performances — with certain idols emerging as consistent victors and accumulating impressive medal hauls.
With the competition seemingly coming to an end, it’s time to celebrate these top achievers and their contributions to making ISAC a highly anticipated event.
2010: SISTAR’s Bora and 2AM’s Jo Kwon
The inaugural year of ISAC saw standout performances from SISTAR’s Bora and 2AM’s Jo Kwon. Bora’s exceptional athletic prowess was evident as she clinched three gold medals and a silver, marking a dominant start for female idols in the competition.
#Throwback to the birth of the original athletic idol aka Bora winning gold in women 100m at ISAC 2010 #Sistar pic.twitter.com/MBmcUqaZfc
— wanghosom (@wang_hosom) August 29, 2016
Jo Kwon — known for his charismatic stage presence — translated his energy into athletic success, securing two gold medals and setting a high bar for male idols in the years to follow.
2011: SHINee’s Minho and ZE:A’s Dongjun
2011 was the year of SHINee’s Minho and ZE:A’s Dongjun. Minho — often nicknamed the “sports idol” — lived up to his title by winning three gold medals, showcasing his versatile athletic abilities.
just minho being a part time athlete pic.twitter.com/BjvQ6Vm77t
— adelaide (@hobiwheein) May 8, 2020
Meanwhile, Dongjun’s performance was equally impressive, as he bagged two gold medals, proving his mettle in the sporting arena.
180925 ISAC Foot Volleyball#KimDongjun #Dongjun #김동준 #동준 #ドンジュン #金桐俊 #제국의아이들 #ZEA pic.twitter.com/L9BpF6a7ic
— Unexplained Sunshine (@dongjun_daily) September 25, 2018
2013: BtoB’s Minhyuk and INFINITE’s Hoya
In 2013, BtoB’s Minhyuk and INFINITE’s Hoya left their mark on ISAC. Minhyuk emerged as a multi-talented athlete, securing two gold medals and a bronze, highlighting his all-round sporting abilities.
what’s the point of isac if the legend lee minhyuk himself isn’t gonna be there pic.twitter.com/BZs3OpxORS
— huta thinker CLOSED (@thinkabthuta) August 2, 2022
Hoya — demonstrating his competitive spirit — won a gold medal and two silvers, adding to his already versatile idol image.
remember when hoya slayed ISAC 2013 #hosainbolt pic.twitter.com/9CKsyXHSHw
— remember when IFNT (@rmemberwhenIFNT) January 18, 2016
2014: BtoB’s Minhyuk
2014 was the year of BtoB’s Minhyuk. He continued his streak from the previous year, this time capturing three gold medals and a silver. His continued dominance in the championships cemented his status as one of ISAC’s most formidable competitors.
“BTOB can’t do stunts wtf are they doing on Kingdom? ”
Sweetie… just because they don’t WANT to doesn’t mean they don’t have a whole ass Minhyuk that’s an athletic king breaking almost every record at ISAC…pic.twitter.com/0O0aSW1Llh
— (@btobtrash1004) March 31, 2021
2015: BtoB’s Minhyuk and BTS
The year 2015 saw the continued reign of BtoB’s Minhyuk — who won one gold, two silver, and a bronze medal.
Ah yes, ISAC legend Lee Minhyuk things pic.twitter.com/KpCSWGcu8Z
— BTOB bot (@hyunsiklovesme) August 19, 2020
This year also marked the rise of BTS in ISAC, as they secured two gold medals, showcasing their athletic skills and team spirit.
2016: EXID’s Solji
2016 was a standout year for female idols, with EXID’s Solji shining brightly. She proved her athletic prowess by winning two gold medals, underscoring the increasing participation and success of female idols in ISAC.
— solji playing archery during ISAC (2016) ♡
© owner | in pic
[ #솔지 • #허솔지 • #이엑스아이디 • #solji • #exid ] pic.twitter.com/TVt95pSlWc
— solji pics (@soljipic) November 18, 2018
2017: ASTRO
In 2017, the boy group ASTRO made their mark in the competition. They demonstrated their athletic abilities and teamwork, winning one gold medal and a silver, indicating the rise of newer groups in the competition.
2015 vs 2017 ISAC Aerobics
They truly deserve that gold medal#아스트로 #ASTRO #차은우 #김명준 #박민혁 #윤산하 #진진 #문빈 pic.twitter.com/AGEHAai7uX
— Jenny (@charcoal_roha) April 20, 2019