Netflix has unveiled the first glimpse of Physical: Asia, its most ambitious competition yet, a global arena where athleticism meets myth, and cultures collide on a stage unlike anything seen before.
Following the Greek Pantheon-inspired battles of Physical: 100 Season 1 and the gritty underground arena of Season 2, the franchise now enters uncharted territory with its first-ever international tournament. Elite athletes from eight nations including Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines. All will go head-to-head in a spectacle that blends sport, tradition, and storytelling.
The newly released footage teases monumental challenges set against stunning backdrops, including:
- A judge modeled after a Jeoseungsaja (Korean grim reaper) standing under the glow of a giant moon.
- Guardians from Korean folklore, including Haetae (symbol of justice), Jangseung (village totem), and the sacred Seonangdang shrine.
- Herculean tasks pushing competitors to their limits, from lifting massive boulders to enduring towering totems.
Traditional Korean instruments thunder through the soundtrack, transforming Physical: Asia into a cultural battleground as much as a competition.
Producer Jang Hogi shared, “Our goal was to harmonize the diverse histories and cultures of Korea and Asia. We took inspiration from Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, a place where foreign envoys were once welcomed. It became the perfect motif to host athletes from across the region. The sun and moon motifs from Ilwolobongdo, the royal backdrop. It appear in key quests to symbolize the search for a new sovereign of the Physical series. By weaving in traditional music and instruments, we wanted to share Korean artistry with the world.”
This season gathers some of the world’s most celebrated athletes and fighters:
Korea: UFC trailblazer Dong-hyun “Stun Gun” Kim, Olympic gold medalist Yun Sung-bin, ssireum champion Kim Min-jae, Physical: 100 Season 2 winner Amotti, Jang Eun-sil, and Choi Seung-yeon.
- Japan: MMA icon Yushin Okami.
- Australia: Former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker.
- Philippines: Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion.
- Thailand: Muay Thai world champion Superbon.
- Mongolia: Traditional wrestling champion Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan.
- Türkiye: Four-time oil wrestling champion Recep Kara.
- Indonesia: Physique competitor I Igedz “Executioner.”
They are joined by medalists and champions from wrestling, CrossFit, Muay Thai, and Turkish oil wrestling, creating an unprecedented showdown of global strength and tradition.
With its breathtaking scale, mythic staging, and powerhouse roster, Physical: Asia promises not just raw strength, but a cultural and athletic clash like no other. The competition premieres in October 2025, only on Netflix.
