Netflix Confirms October 2025 Premiere for ‘Physical: Asia,’ Its First Cross-Border Spin on the Hit Competition Series
Netflix to Launch ‘Physical: Asia’ on October 28, 2025
Netflix has officially announced the release of Physical: Asia, the highly anticipated first cross-border installment of its hit unscripted series Physical: 100. The new season will bring together 48 athletes from eight nations—including Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines—for an unprecedented regional showdown when it premieres on October 28, 2025.International Rivalries Take Center Stage
The newly unveiled teaser highlights intense head-to-head clashes, particularly between Korean and Japanese competitors, while also showcasing the star power of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker, and Korean UFC pioneer Dong Hyun Kim. Their presence emphasizes the high-stakes rivalries and international pride fueling the competition.A Colossal Arena Built for the Challenge
Producer Jang Hogi revealed that the production team constructed one of the largest sets ever built for the franchise, spanning an area equivalent to five soccer fields. The monumental build incorporates 1,200 tons of sand and 40 tons of steel, creating settings such as a sinking ship challenge and fortress-style arenas inspired by Geunjeongjeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. These designs highlight the spirit of Asia’s cultural exchange while paying homage to traditional Korean motifs.Visual elements—including judges wearing Jeoseungsaja-inspired attire with traditional hats, symbolic guardians like Haetae, carved Jangseung totems, and Seonangdang shrines—further root the competition in heritage while adding mythic depth to its spectacle.
Part of Netflix Korea’s Expanding Unscripted Lineup
The arrival of Physical: Asia bolsters Netflix Korea’s growing roster of unscripted content, which continues to resonate globally. The competition series will join returning fan-favorites such as Culinary Class Wars and Single’s Inferno, further cementing Netflix as a leading platform for ambitious, high-concept reality programming.With its global cast, massive production scale, and cultural symbolism, Physical: Asia is positioned to be one of Netflix’s most significant international releases of 2025.
