The 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games kicked off spectacularly yesterday (8th) with the acquisition of 7 gold medals on the first day of the competition, and MBC celebrated its second consecutive day of leading viewership ratings in major event broadcasts.
According to data compiled by Nielsen Korea, MBC ranked first in viewership ratings in the metropolitan area and among the 2049 demographic during the curling and short track broadcasts that aired from 9:41 AM to 3:16 PM. Notably, in the key 2049 demographic, which is a major indicator for advertisers and a measure of channel competitiveness, MBC recorded a 1.3% rating, overwhelming competing channels and maintaining its lead for two consecutive days.
MBC's competitiveness shone during critical moments of the short track events. In the mixed relay, which secured the first gold medal of the competition, the rating peaked at 3.5%. When Kim Gil-ri won gold in the women's 1500m, the rating soared to 5.7%, and during Park Ji-won's gold medal moment in the men's 1500m, it reached 5.8%. The women's 500m final featuring Choi Min-jung's gold medal moment peaked at 7.0%.
The grand finale was the men's 500m final. Despite a disappointing disqualification for Kim Tae-sung, which allowed China's Lin Shao-jun to take the gold, Park Ji-won and Jang Sung-woo secured silver and bronze medals, respectively, culminating in a momentary viewership rating of 7.3%, capturing significant viewer interest. (Based on metropolitan area ratings)
At the 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games, South Korea continued its beautiful challenge by winning valuable medals in short track, speed skating, curling, and other representative events.
The first gold medal for South Korea was secured by the 'world's strongest' short track team. Kim Gil-ri, Choi Min-jung, Kim Tae-sung, and Park Ji-won advanced to the mixed relay 2000m final and easily clinched the gold medal with their overwhelming skills, marking a pleasant start.
In the subsequent women's 1500m, Kim Gil-ri won gold, while Park Ji-won and Jang Sung-woo secured gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the men's 1500m. In the women's 500m, South Korea's Choi Min-jung, Kim Gil-ri, and Lee So-yeon swept the gold, silver, and bronze medals, achieving an all-podium finish.
In the final short track event of the day, the men's 500m, Park Ji-won and Jang Sung-woo added silver and bronze medals, respectively, achieving a remarkable total of 4 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals across 5 events.
The synergy between MBC's caster Kim Sung-joo and commentator Kim Ah-rang during the short track broadcasts also shone brightly. Despite this being their first joint broadcast, their seamless chemistry enhanced the enjoyment of watching the events.
When Kim Gil-ri, Choi Min-jung, Kim Tae-sung, and Park Ji-won confidently secured the gold medal in the mixed relay 2000m with flawless teamwork, Kim Sung-joo and Kim Ah-rang joyfully exclaimed, "We’ve threaded the first button well. A good start," celebrating the victory over their strong rival, China, from the very first event.
In particular, commentator Kim Ah-rang, who had spent a long time training with the athletes, heightened the immersion with accurate analyses of the athletes' strengths and relatable commentary.
Before the events began, she stated, "Each athlete has different strengths. They need to play to their strengths. We must not let the Chinese athletes dictate the pace; we need to disrupt their flow continuously," providing insightful analysis. She also expressed pride in the athletes, saying, "I know how well our athletes have prepared and who they are, so I believe everyone can finish in the top 1, 2, or 3."
The veteran caster Kim Sung-joo and commentator Kim Ah-rang also drew attention with their witty banter. Before the final match, Kim Sung-joo comforted the nervous Kim Ah-rang by saying, "Even though you’re in the commentary booth, I can feel your heart is in the arena," showcasing his exceptional hosting skills.
Additionally, since the event was held at home, Kim Ah-rang responded to the strong support for the Chinese athletes by saying, "Jang Sung-woo is Korea's idol," and when Kim Gil-ri secured the gold in the 1500m, she exclaimed, "It was a match we could trust to Kim Gil-ri, 'Ramborgil-ri'!" expressing her excitement.
When Park Ji-won won gold in the 1500m, she conveyed, "Park Ji-won said that Harbin holds special meaning for our country, and he wanted to wave the Taegeukgi here. He kept that promise," to which Kim Sung-joo added, "Our athletes are once again making history here," leaving a touching afterglow.
South Korea also added medals in curling and speed skating. In the mixed doubles curling, Kim Kyung-ae and Seong Ji-hoon won a silver medal.
MBC's curling broadcast that day also caught attention with various visual elements. The first commentator, 'Glasses Senior' Kim Eun-jung, provided a 'curling paper' that allowed viewers to grasp the match's progress and strategies at a glance. Additionally, Kim Eun-jung's calm commentary exuded the aura of a top-notch curling instructor, enhancing viewer enjoyment.
In the women's 100m speed skating, Lee Na-hyun and Kim Min-sun won gold and silver medals, respectively, while Kim Jun-ho secured a bronze medal in the men's 100m.
Caster Kim Na-jin expressed joy, saying, "The first gold medal in speed skating has come from a historic venue. It truly is 'Korea Hura'," while Kim Bo-reum, who made her debut as a commentator, said, "The past and present of speed skating stand side by side. The athletes did so well from the very first race. I am proud of them," offering her unwavering support.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
