Entertainment
26 September 2025
Link copied to clipboardNetflix has revealed the first look at its upcoming competition spectacle, Physical: Asia, raising the curtain on a truly global showdown infused with Korean and Asian cultural motifs.
Following the Greek Pantheon-inspired battles of Physical: 100 Season 1 and the underground mine arena of Season 2, the franchise now enters uncharted territory: its first-ever international tournament, where elite athletes from eight nations – Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines – go head-to-head in this physical competition.
A Stage Built on Culture and Myth
The newly released footage teases colossal quests and visually arresting stages:
A judge modeled after a Jeoseungsaja (Korean grim reaper) in a gat (traditional hat), standing beneath the glow of a giant moon.
Guardians are drawn from Korean folklore, including Haetae (a mythical creature symbolizing righteousness and protection), Jangseung (a Korean totem pole that serves as a village guardian), and the vividly decorated village Seonangdang (a holy shrine).
Monumental tasks that push human strength to its limits — from lifting boulders of staggering weight to withstanding towering totems.
These sequences, paired with the thunderous beat of traditional Korean instruments, position Physical: Asia as not just a competition, but a cultural showcase battleground.
Producer Jang Hogi explained the inspiration: “Our goal was to harmonize the diverse histories and cultures of Korea and Asia. We chose Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace (the main hall) as the main motif, a place where foreign envoys were once welcomed, making it the perfect stage to host athletes from across the region. Behind the throne at Geunjeongjeon sits the Ilwolobongdo, a painting of the sun and moon symbolizing royal authority. We placed those celestial motifs within key quests to represent the search for a new sovereign of the Physical series. By weaving in traditional music and instruments, we also wanted to share Korean artistry with the world.”
A Clash of Legends
Among the competitors are world-renowned icons:
Korea: UFC trailblazer Dong-hyun “Stun Gun” Kim leads a powerhouse squad featuring Olympic gold medalist Yun Sung-bin, famed ssireum champion Kim Min-jae, Amotti (Physical: 100 Season 2 winner), Jang Eun-sil, and Choi Seung-yeon.
Japan: Yushin Okami, one of Asia’s most decorated MMA fighters.
Australia: Former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker.
Philippines: Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion in history.
Thailand: Muay Thai world champion Superbon.
Mongolia: Traditional wrestling star Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan.
Türkiye: Four-time oil wrestling champion Recep Kara.
Indonesia: Physique powerhouse I Igedz “Executioner”.
They are joined by medalists and champions from wrestling, crossfit, Mongolian wrestling, Thai Muay Thai, and Turkish oil wrestling — creating an unprecedented collision of global physical traditions.
With its scale, mythic staging, and cultural depth, Physical: Asia promises to deliver not just brute strength, but a clash of nations, traditions, and legends. The competition premieres in October 2025, only on Netflix.