Netflix's 'Physical: Asia' Returns with a Massive Prize of 1 Billion Won

'Physical: Asia' is back with an unprecedented scale, offering a whopping 1 billion won as the prize money.

The press conference for Netflix's new variety show 'Physical: Asia' was held on the afternoon of the 24th at the Westin Parnas Harmony Ballroom in Gangnam, Seoul. Present at the event were PD Jang Ho-gi, along with participants Yun Sung-bin, Kim Min-jae, Amotti, Jang Eun-sil, and Choi Seung-yeon. Additionally, Kim Dong-hyun, Okami Yushin, James Rusameekae, Robert Whittaker, Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan, Recep Kara, and Igedz Executioner joined the conversation virtually.

'Physical: Asia' is the new season of 'Physical: 100', where fierce competition unfolds to select the ultimate physical champion. This time, the scale has expanded globally, with eight Asian countries competing under their national flags.

PD Jang explained, "Although the title is 'Asia', please see it as a concept of expanding towards Asia. We gathered athletes evenly from eight countries without significant differences between them. I remember reaching out multiple times to Filipino athlete Pacquiao. He invited us to the Philippines, where we visited his home, watched him train, and enjoyed a home-cooked meal while explaining the program and securing his participation."

He continued, "I have a great interest in Korean culture. We worked hard to incorporate various cultures centered around Korea. As seen in the trailer, we imagined 'what if a sports event was held at Gyeongbokgung Geunjeongjeon' and even paid homage to the opening ceremony of the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Watching this season, exploring Korean culture, history, and Asian culture will be a highlight."

He added, "The program's prize is substantial, but the participants didn't work hard just for the money. They were driven by pride in their physical abilities and national honor, putting in their utmost effort to the point of asking, 'Are they really going this far?'"

PD Jang also discussed the criteria for selecting the eight countries. He stated, "Although it's titled 'Asia', please see it as a concept of starting from Korea and expanding to Asia. We chose countries with a high interest in sports and strong characteristics, gathering traditional sports athletes."

Kim Dong-hyun and international athletes participated virtually. Kim Dong-hyun shared, "I had a painful memory from Season 2, but this time, I participated with the mindset of a national representative, aiming to showcase Korea by competing against strong individuals in 'Physical: Asia'. Our team consists of members with different strengths. There are six team leaders, and I'm just the oldest among them. Amotti has perfect physicality, Yun Sung-bin possesses incredible strength, Jang Eun-sil has martial arts skills, Choi Seung-yeon is the most physically outstanding among female athletes, and Kim Min-jae, as a champion, demonstrated Korea's power and bull-like qualities."

Meanwhile, 'Physical: Asia' will premiere on the 28th and will release two episodes every Tuesday at 5 PM, up to a total of 12 episodes.

Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr