Netflix Unveils First Look at Physical: Asia – The Series’ First-Ever Cross Boarder Showdown

Epic quests inspired by Korean and Asian heritage set the stage for the next evolution of the hit competition franchise

Netflix has revealed the first-look teaser of 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 showcased battleground.

The Vision Behind the Arena

Producer Jang Ho-gi 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 of Gyeongbokgung Palace) as the main motif, a place where foreign envoys were once welcomed - making it the perfect stage to host athletes from across the region." He added: "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.

Coming This October 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 October 2025, only on Netflix, for audiences worldwide.