[OSENWORLD] Netflix is taking its global reality hit to a new level with Physical: Asia — an all-star international edition that brings together elite athletes from eight countries in the ultimate test of strength, strategy, and endurance.
The new season, unveiled at a press conference in Seoul on October 24, features competitors from Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines, each representing their national flag in an Olympic-style competition. Legendary figures from traditional combat sports — including Korean ssireum, Mongolian wrestling, Thai Muay Thai, and Turkish oil wrestling — go head-to-head in physically and culturally charged events.
Director Jang Ho-gi, who also helmed the original Physical: 100, described the new series as
“a form of Olympic entertainment that only Netflix could make — something new and massive that represents Asia’s physical culture.”
A Cinematic Reality Show
The show’s massive production scale was teased in a recent trailer, showcasing colossal sets and cinematic quests inspired by Korean landmarks.
“We wanted to capture Asia’s diverse cultures,” Jang said. “We spent over a year preparing, designing one of the main challenges inspired by Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Geunjeongjeon Hall — imagining what an ancient athletic festival might look like there.”
A large ceremonial drum, modeled after the 1988 Seoul Olympics, also appears as part of an homage to Korea’s cultural legacy.
“When viewers see mountains, sunrise scenes, and ships — those motifs come from the linguistic roots of the word ‘Asia,’” Jang added. “There’s meaning in every visual choice.”
Global Participation, Local Pride
To ensure accessibility across languages, Physical: Asia uses color-coded subtitles that match each team’s designated color — allowing viewers to instantly identify speakers regardless of language familiarity.
The show’s prize is a staggering ₩1 billion (around $720,000), but Jang emphasized that the true motivation went beyond money.
“They weren’t driven by the prize,” he said. “It was about pride — representing their country and their discipline.”
Korea’s Team: “We Fought Like It Was Life or Death”
The Korean team — led by Kim Dong-hyun, with members Yun Sung-bin, Kim Min-jae, Amotti, Jang Eun-sil, and Choi Seung-yeon — shared their determination to live up to the national flag.
Kim Dong-hyun, who previously appeared in Physical: 100 Season 2, said,
“This time, it wasn’t just a TV show. It felt like a real battle — we carried the weight of representing our country.”
Olympic skeleton champion Yun Sung-bin reflected on the difference from the solo competition format:
“In Physical: 100, I only had to focus on myself. But this time, one person’s mistake could bring the whole team down — that pressure made us closer and stronger.”
Veteran wrestler Kim Min-jae, CrossFit champion Choi Seung-yeon, and MMA fighter Jang Eun-sil each echoed that teamwork was their greatest weapon. Amotti, the Season 2 winner of Physical: 100, admitted feeling the pressure:
“Competing as a representative of my country was a huge responsibility — but having teammates made it possible.”
Legendary Fighters Across Asia
The series also features captains from other nations, including boxing icon Manny Pacquiao (Philippines), Robert Whittaker (Australia), Yushin Okami (Japan), James Rusameekae (Thailand), Arunbaatar Bayarsaikhan (Mongolia), Recep Kara (Türkiye), and I Gede the Executioner (Indonesia).
Pacquiao recalled his invitation with excitement:
“When Netflix called, I was honored. I knew it would be a special chance to show our country’s strength.”
Whittaker praised his team’s discipline and unity, while Okami said Japan’s lineup of judo, wrestling, and MMA stars reflects “the country’s fighting spirit.”
“Beyond Race, Gender, or Age”
Jang emphasized that Physical: Asia aims to transcend borders — not just geographically, but philosophically.
“It’s not about race, gender, or age,” he said. “This isn’t an official sports tournament; it’s a space for everyone to compete equally and discover what strength truly means.”
The Korean team’s motto? Kim Dong-hyun summed it up simply:
“If we stay united, we live. If we fall apart, we die. We fought with that mindset.”
Physical: Asia premieres globally on October 28 at 4 p.m. KST with Episodes 1 through 4, followed by new episodes every Tuesday through November 18.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
Courtesy of Netflix
