Netflix Unveils First Look at Physical: Asia – A Global Competition Inspired by Korean and Asian Heritage

Netflix has unveiled the first look at Physical: Asia, a competition series inspired by Korean and Asian heritage. The show features elite athletes from eight nations competing in physically demanding quests and visually arresting stages. The competition will be set in Korea and will showcase diverse histories and cultures of Asia. The show will premiere in October.

Netflix has unveiled the first look at "Physical: Asia," a competition series inspired by Korean and Asian heritage. The show features elite athletes from eight nations competing in physically demanding quests and visually arresting stages. The competition will be set in Korea and will showcase diverse histories and cultures of Asia. The show will premiere in October.

The series, titled "Physical: Asia," will feature eight national origin-based teams, each consisting of six athletes. The teams will compete in tests of strength, strategy, and teamwork, with the ultimate goal of national pride. The competition will blend elite athleticism with cultural tradition, spotlighting disciplines from combat sports and ball games to track and field, alongside heritage events like Korean ssireum, Mongolian wrestling, Turkish oil wrestling, and muay Thai.

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker will lead the Australian team, while former UFC fan favorite Yushin Okami will captain the Japanese squad. Superbon, a ONE Championship muay Thai standout, will lead Thailand, and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will lead the Philippines. Dong Hyun Kim, a UFC standout, will be on the Korean team, and former Bellator women's flyweight title challenger Kana Watanabe will join the Japanese squad.

The competition format, inspired by the successful "Physical: 100" series, will see athletes from Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Turkey, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines compete against each other. The series promises to be more than just a clash of athletes, but a showcase of heritage, pride, and physical mastery on an unprecedented global stage.

The show is expected to premiere in October 2025, with the first nation-vs.-nation edition of the series being broadcast live from Korea. The competition will feature a mix of well-known athletes and emerging talents, making it a must-watch for sports and cultural enthusiasts alike.