Korean Reality Series Physical: 100 Captures Global Audience
Kim Bong-seok
Culture Critic
On January 24, Netflix premiered the Korean survival series Physical: 100, which subsequently earned first place on the streamer’s weekly “Global Top 10” list for non-English TV shows in the second and third weeks of February. It is the first time that a Korean reality TV show has topped the charts. Korea’s global fame as a media powerhouse was first ignited by the film Parasite, followed by the series Squid Game, and has now also spread to reality TV.
Physical: 100 is a survival show that started with 100 contestants boasting impressive physical strength, including but not limited to CrossFit performers, wrestlers, MMA fighters, a gymnast, bodybuilders, stunt performers, a mountain rescuer, and dancers. The series’ opening episode states at one point that human bodies do not lie—they only reflect the history and results of any pain endured. Human bodies are only built as they are trained—unless enhanced with unnatural substances, they cannot build themselves. Physical: 100 tested the contestants’ overall power, muscular strength, adaption skills, and other physical abilities, with the ultimate survivor receiving a cash prize of KRW 300 million (approximately USD 230,000).
There are many similar programs outside Korea such as Strongman and The Beastmaster that pit contestants against one another according to specific physical abilities. In Physical: 100, participants climbed the ladder to the top through various confrontations, each of which required a different ability. Those who were strong but failed to adapt quickly could not make it to the top. The last five survivors dropped out one by one as they beat each other in competitions, such as a five-way tug-of-war, the “square-flip” challenge, shuttle running, and “infinite rope pulling.” Winners varied depending on the kinds of competitions, but generally those with well-rounded bodies and physical abilities came out on top.
One of the reasons behind Physical: 100 earning such high global recognition may be that the show did not only consist of one-on-one battles; it also contained team competitions in which contestants had to work together as a team to achieve a common goal. The game’s “Quest 2” was the “Moving Sand Challenge.” The team led by wrestler Jang Eunsil, comprised of three women as well as two men of relatively short height, may have seemed at a disadvantage to some, but the team defied such expectations and won through effective cooperation. Each team member showed great fighting spirit and worked to the best of their abilities to claim the victory. Physical: 100 captivated its viewers by staging a multifaceted bodily competition going far beyond a simple trial of strength.
During “Quest 0,” the “Hanging Challenge,” the 100 contestants were split into two groups and competed to hang from a bar raised above water for as long as they could, subsequently being ranked accordingly. From the first winner on, each of them then picked their opponent for a one-on-one match. Most picked someone who appeared easy to beat. Some chose men of shorter height or those they considered weak. However, there were others who stood out by doing the opposite. An MMA fighter chose a prominent figure from his own sport out of respect and a desire to excel. Another contestant picked a much taller and muscular opponent, probably under the impression that he could still win through quick adaptation. Ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling) athlete Park Minji picked a male rugby player who was taller and heavier than her and succeeded in taking him down with her ssireum skills. Though the rugby player ultimately won the match, Park’s decision to challenge him was not in vain as it garnered admiration from viewers.
Physical: 100 was created by Jang Ho-gi, an MBC producer. Perhaps due to Jang’s experience of having previously worked on programs covering current issues, Physical: 100 is not like most other reality TV shows in that it is rather simple and consistent. The show does not have a host or subtitles offering additional explanation or trying to add spice to the show. Instead, the contestants’ cheers and sighs, aimed at other performers, were powerful and effective enough to capture audiences. Contestants’ struggles seemed to lie not just in fighting for victory but in each and every process leading up to it. If someone lost a match, even after pouring all their energy into it, they would gladly recognize and praise the winner. Such spirit symbolized the camaraderie felt by all contestants participating in the program. It is no surprise then that viewers were drawn in by the games, sharing in the companionship and cheers of encouragement.
Squid Game features a survival game that only one person is able to survive. Despite this, many players still chose compassion. The show became a global sensation not just by drawing attention to the fierceness of the competition, but by highlighting the intense struggle of people wanting to live through it. Physical: 100 shares some common points with Squid Game. Without discriminating between men and women, the series sheds light on the beauty of different bodies as seen through their fights for life. The two series have demonstrated the excellence of Korean media via the Netflix streaming platform. Now more than ever, we need to develop effective systems that aid and continue the production of similarly successful media.
KOREA FOUNDATION
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