Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Netflix's 'Physical: Asia' Producer on Manny Pacquiao and Global Expansion
Imagine a big sports competition where people from different Asian countries try their best in tough challenges.
It's like a super-tough Olympics, but with athletes showing off their unique traditional sports too.
The show is called 'Physical: Asia' and it's on Netflix.
A famous boxer named Manny Pacquiao from the Philippines, who was even the inspiration for the whole show idea, is a big part of it!
The producer wanted to make the show bigger than just Korea, so they brought in teams from places like Japan, Mongolia, and Turkey.
It took a lot of helpers, like translators, to make sure everyone could understand each other.
The goal is to show how strong people from Asia are, no matter their size or background.
They're even thinking about making similar shows for the US and Italy.
It's all about celebrating sports and different cultures coming together.
Netflix's 'Physical: Asia' is expanding the 'Physical: 100' franchise, with US and Italian spin-offs in development.
Legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao served as the inspiration for the entire 'Physical: 100' franchise and participates in 'Physical: Asia'.
Eight countries participated in 'Physical: Asia', chosen for their traditional sports and fanbases, aiming to showcase Asian strength.
Extensive interpretation teams were necessary on set due to the multinational cast, and cultural elements like traditional Korean attire were incorporated.
The producer aims for 'Physical: Asia' to be a celebration of diverse cultures and traditional sports, akin to a 'fun Olympic Games'.
- Who
- Netflix and producer Jang Ho-gi, featuring athletes from eight Asian countries, including Manny Pacquiao.
- What
- Discussion about the production of Netflix's 'Physical: Asia', its global expansion plans, casting choices, and behind-the-scenes details.
- When
- Recent release of the first half of 'Physical: Asia' episodes, with future spinoffs planned.
- Where
- Filmed in Korea, featuring international contestants.
- Why
- To expand the 'Physical: 100' franchise globally, showcase diverse Asian strengths and traditional sports, and provide new challenges for athletes.
Producer's Intent
Potential Concerns
Country Selection Rationale
Producer's Intent
Countries were chosen for their traditional sports games and large fanbases, aiming to showcase the strength of Asian people and their unique sports.
Potential Concerns
There is a potential perception that countries were selected based on Netflix's key growth markets rather than purely sporting reasons.
Competition Fairness
Producer's Intent
While Korea has familiarity with the format, athletes from other countries have experience in similar shows and have studied previous seasons, suggesting a balance.
Potential Concerns
The nationalistic aspect of the competition could lead to heightened sensitivities and potential biases among viewers due to the competitive nature between countries.
- Show Title
- Physical: Asia
- Platform
- Netflix
- Producer
- Jang Ho-gi
- Featured Countries
- Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Australia, Turkey, The Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia
- Notable Participant
- Manny Pacquiao (Philippines)
- Spin-offs
- Physical: US, Physical: Italy
- Episode Release Schedule
- Two new episodes every Tuesday