Big names from the world of sports will star in Netflix’s survival reality show “Physical: Asia”.
The show premieres in October. It will become the newest season of the South Korean “Physical:100” franchise.
From Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines to Robert Whittaker of Australia, the line-up features elite athletes from across Asia and beyond.
Together, they bring strength, determination and national identity to the competition. As a result, those qualities will fuel high-stakes challenges for “nothing less than national pride”.
From inside the ring to TV screen
Netflix revealed the 48 contestants in a news release on September 19.
According to Netflix, “Physical: Asia” represents “the most ambitious evolution” of the “Physical: 100” franchise to date.
This season will introduce an inaugural nation-vs-nation showdown.
Previously, the first two seasons featured 100 competitors. Each athlete fought to outlast the others in a gruelling individual tournament.
However, the upcoming season will take a different approach.
Contestants will form eight six-member teams. The countries involved are South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Turkey, Indonesia, Australia and the Philippines.
National superstars
Netflix says each squad has a national superstar at its centre.
These leaders represent the competitive spirit of their respective countries.
For the Philippines, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will lead the squad. He remains the only eight-division world champion in boxing history.
Meanwhile, Robert Whittaker will lead Australia. The UFC star made his name in the sport as “The Reaper”.
South Korea will feature another UFC icon. Dong-hyun Kim, also known as “Stun Gun”, will serve as the team leader.
Japan, meanwhile, will put forward Yushin Okami. Netflix describes him as “one of Asia’s most decorated MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighters”.
Thai figurehead
Muay Thai world champion Superbon Singha Mawynn will lead Thailand.
Meanwhile, traditional wrestling star Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan will represent Mongolia.
Turkey will rely on another wrestling great, Recep Kara.
For Indonesia, bodybuilder Igede Dharma Susila will serve as the team leader. Fans also know him by the nickname “Executioner”.
In addition, the series combines “elite athleticism” with “cultural tradition”.
As a result, Netflix expects “Physical: Asia” to showcase “heritage, pride and physical mastery on an unprecedented global stage”.
Raw competition
Show creator Jang Ho-gi says the series focuses on raw competition across different sports and generations.
“At its heart, the Physical series is about raw competition that transcends disciplines and generations.
“By bringing national pride into the equation, the battles will be more intense, more emotional, and more unforgettable than ever.”
Here is the complete list of members for each team:
South Korea: Kim Dong-hyun (MMA fighter), Yun Sung-bin (skeleton racer), Kim Min Jae (ssireum wrestler), Amotti (Physical:100 Season 2 winner), Jan Eun Sil (wrestler) and Choi Seung-Yeon (crossfit athlete).
Japan: Yushin Okami (MMA fighter), Yoshio Itoi (former baseball player), Katsumi Nakamura (swimmer), Soichi Hashimoto (judo athlete), Nonoka Ozaki (wrestler) and Kana Watanabe (MMA fighter).
Thailand: Superbon Singha Mawynn (Muay Thai fighter), James Rusameekae (volleyball player), Sunny Kerdkao Wechokittikorn (rugby player), Anucha Yospanya (wrestler), Ploy Nuannaree Olsen (Muay Thai coach) and Jar Uracha Teerawanitsan (crossfit athlete).
Mongolia: Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan (traditional wrestler), Dulguun Enkhbat (basketball player), Enkh-orgil Baatarkhuu (MMA fighter), Lkhagva-Ochir Erdene-Ochirn (circus artist), Khandsuren Gantogtokh (volleyball player) and Adiyasuren Amarsaikhan (judoka).
Turkey: Recep Kara (wrestler), Anil Berk Baki (sailor), Ali Sofuoglu (karate athlete), Ogeday Girisken (rower), Yasemin Adar Yigit (wrestler) and Nefise Karatay (track athlete).
Indonesia: Igede Dharma Susila (bodybuilder), Jeremiah Lakhwani (hybrid athlete), Glenn Victor (former swimmer), Marcus Gideon (former badminton player), Fina Phillipe (jiu jitsu athlete) and Maria Selena (former basketball player).
Australia: Robert Whittaker (MMA fighter), Eddie Williams (strongman), Dom Tomato (parkour athlete), Eloni Vunakece (former rugby player), Katelin Van Zyl (crossfit athlete) and Alexandra Milne (fitness coach).
Philippines: Manny Pacquiao (boxer), Mark Mugen (MMA fighter), Ray Jefferson Querubin (strongman), Justin Coveney (rugby player), Robyn Lauren Brown (hurdler) and Lara Lorraine Deang Liwanag (crossfit athlete).
