Netflix’s hit reality franchise has announced its new champion.
The South Korean team has emerged victorious in Physical: Asia, successfully defending their flag after a grueling season. However, the victory has sparked heated controversy among international viewers.
Physical: Asia racked up 2.5 million views last week, securing the No. 8 spot on the Global Top 10 Non-English TV Shows list, according to Netflix on November 19th. The show has remained in the global top tier for three consecutive weeks since its late October release.
The competition was intense and unpredictable, with Japan securing first place in the fourth round’s rope relay to move on to the final challenge. Meanwhile, Korea, Mongolia, and Australia battled for the remaining two spots in the final. The deciding round involved a tough task where participants had to rotate a massive 1200kg pillar 100 times, testing their strength and endurance to the limit.
Korea excelled in the final that tested both strength and technique, including pushing heavy barriers and dragging metal slabs, securing the championship.
In a tearful victory speech, the Korean team shared, “We protected our torso, which is more valuable to us than any gold medal. We protected our flag.”
Despite the emotional win, the finale has faced sharp backlash from international netizens who claim the games were biased toward the host nation.
Comments flooding social media include statements like, “It was obvious the Korean team would win since they organized the competition,” and “I’m Japanese and I accept our loss, but Mongolia was the true winner.”
The most specific criticism targeted the physics of the final challenges. One comment noted, “Mongolian and Australian athletes struggled to lift a heavy tree with six people, so how could two Korean women lift such a heavy object? It looks like Korea manipulated the game rules to force a win.”
Here are the reactions from other countries to Korea’s victory.
Despite the loss, the show has generated massive buzz in Mongolia. According to local outlet Iq.mn, Chinvat Undram, Mongolia’s Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, revealed in an interview that she watches the show weekly with her son.
“It is beautifully promoting Mongolia to the world,” Minister Undram said. “It enhances our prestige and significantly aids the tourism industry.” Even Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, the former President of Mongolia, publicly posted his support for the Mongolian team, highlighting the show’s cultural impact.
With the success of Physical: Asia, the franchise is continuing its global expansion, with American and Italian versions of Physical: 100 already confirmed for production.
Source: Netflix
