[OSENWORLD] Netflix is breaking new ground in accessibility and design with its latest Korean production Physical: Asia, the first Korean title on the platform to adopt a color-coded subtitle system.
Premiering October 28, Physical: Asia builds on the success of the hit Physical: 100 franchise, expanding it into a multinational survival competition featuring contestants from Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines. As eight teams compete under their national flags, multiple languages and cultural nuances collide in what the producers describe as “a true physical war.”
To match the show’s multilingual structure, Netflix has developed a color subtitle feature that lets viewers identify speakers instantly — even without knowing the language. For example, Korean contestants’ lines appear in red, while Japanese players speak in blue. Each color corresponds to the team’s official color within the show, reinforcing team identity and immersion.
The feature supports up to 33 languages, including Korean and English subtitles for Deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, and can be toggled on or off in the iOS app settings. According to Netflix, the design also complies with W3C’s international accessibility guidelines, ensuring readability across devices and viewing conditions.
This update builds on Netflix’s ongoing efforts to make entertainment more inclusive — from improved captions to two-person commentary formats for variety programs. With Physical: Asia, the company takes that mission a step further by turning subtitles into part of the storytelling itself.
“Because Physical: Asia brings together so many languages and cultures, we wanted viewers to feel connected beyond translation,” a Netflix spokesperson said. “By introducing color subtitles, we hope to create a more immersive and inclusive experience for everyone.”
The first four episodes of Physical: Asia will debut globally on October 28 at 4 p.m. KST, followed by Episodes 5 and 6 on November 4, Episodes 7 through 9 on November 11, and the finale (Episodes 10 through 12) on November 18.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
Courtesy of Netflix
