Meet The ‘Physical: Asia’ Contestants From 8 Countries (Yes, Amotti Is Back)
With contenders from eight countries, national pride is on the line
By Michelle Lee -
Brutal challenges, extreme physicality, and pure grit (and of course, sweaty sculpted bods) — Netflix’s hit Korean survival show Physical: 100 is returning this October, and levelling up. In its third season, the series is breaking out of Korea and going regional this time, featuring contenders from across Asia under a new title, Physical: Asia.
According to Netflix, “Elite athletes from Asia engage in a gripping test of physical prowess, fiercely battling for national pride. In the end, only one flag will claim victory.”
The past seasons have seen a diverse mix of contestants, from national athletes and Olympians to soldiers, fitness personalities, and even K-pop idols taking part in gruelling matches that pushed them to the limit. Who could forget the hanging challenge or the “Punishment of Atlas” boulder hold? In S1, CrossFit and snowboard athlete Woo Jin-yong came out on top, while S2 crowned fan-favourite Amotti, another CrossFit enthusiast who’s also a YouTuber. He edged out former firefighter Hong Beom-seok in a showstopping “Pole Push” finale, and walked away with a cool 300 million won cash prize (approx. S$277,000).
With the series raising the stakes, here’s what we know so far, from Physical:Asia’s contestants to the countries you can expect to see.
When is Physical: Asia releasing on Netflix?
Netflix has announced that Physical: Asia is expected to premiere in Oct 2025. It is helmed by showrunnerJang Ho-gi, also behind the past two Physical: 100 seasons.
Who Are The Physical: Asia contestants?
The upcoming reality show will follow 48 contestants from eight country teams competing against each other: Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Turkiye, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines. Each six-person squad is anchored by a national superstar who embodies the competitive spirit of their homeland.
Team Korea
Amotti fans, scream. Because the winner of Physical 100 S2 is back, this time with fellow Team Korea members. These include other familiar faces, Olympic skeleton racer Yun Sung-bin and wrestler Jang Eun-sil from Season 1, as well as former MMA fighter Dong Hyun-kim from S2. There are two new faces: Choi Seung-yeon, who’s a CrossFit athlete, and Kim Min-jae (@minjaebull). A quick round of Internet sleuthing reveals that he’s a Ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling) athlete.
Team Philippines
Leading Team Philippines is professional boxer and former Senator of the Philippines Manny Pacquiao, who made headlines in February when he was announced as part of the line-up. The boxing icon, who recently made his return to the ring at 46 years old, is known for his relentless stamina and mental toughness, so we’re excited to see what he’ll bring to the games.
Other contestants are MMA fighter Mark Mugen, strongman and powerlifter Ray Jefferson Querubin, rugby player Justin Coveney, Olympic hurdler Robyn Lauren Brown, and CrossFit athlete Lara Lorraine Deang Liwanag.
Team Japan
The face of Team Japan is Yushin Okami, one of Asia’s most decorated MMA fighters. Joining him is a power-packed crew comprising fellow MMA fighter Kana Wantanabe, former national team baseball player Yoshio Itoi, Olympic swimmer Katsumi Nakamura, Olympic judoka Soichi Hashimoto and national team wrestler Nonoka Ozaki, who’s a two-time World Championship gold medalist and 2024 Olympic bronze medalist.
Team Thailand
Those into Muay Thai will know of world champion Superbon Singha Mawynn, who’s traded his gloves for the challenges of Physical: Asia. On his team are Thai-Swedish actor and former volleyball player James Rusameekae, national team rugby player Sunny Kerdkao Wechokittikorn, national team wrestler Anucha Yospanya, Muay Thai coach Ploy Nuannaree Olsen, and CrossFit athlete Jar Uracha Teerawanitsan.
Team Mongolia
Traditional wrestling champion Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan leads the team as its biggest star, joined by national basketball player Dulguun Enkhbat, MMA fighter Enkh-orgil Baatarkhuu, national volleyball ace Khandsuren Gantogtokh, and national judoka Adiyasuren Amarsaikhan. Adding a unique twist to the line-up is contortionist and balancing artist Lkhagva-Ochir Erdene-Ochirn, and we can’t wait to see how he’ll shake things up in the games.
Team Australia
Those facing former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker in an octagon (or any confined space) during Physical:Asia, should there be one, ought to be wary. His teammates comprise strongman Eddie Williams, parkour whizz Dom Tomato, Hyrox athlete Katelin Van Zyl, fitness coach Alexandra Milne, and former rugby player Eloni Vunakece.
Team Turkiye
Four-time oil wrestling champion Recep Kara anchors Team Turkiye, which also comprises national team sailor Anil Berk Baki, national karate athlete Ali Sofuoglu, national team rower Ogeday Girisken, national team wrestler Yasemin Adar Yigit, and former national team track athlete Nefise Karatay.
Team Indonesia
Bodybuilding champion Igedz ‘Executioner’, whose real name is Igede Dharma Susila, helms Team Indonesia. He was also crowned Mr Indonesia in 2018. His teammates include hybrid athlete Jeremiah Lakhwani, former national team swimmer Glenn Victor, former national team badminton player Marcus Gideon, Jiu Jitsu athlete Fina Phillipe and former basketball player Maria Selena.
Physical 100 also has US and Italy in the works
It’s not just Asia getting the action. The fitness survival reality show is also getting US and European spin-offs.
The Italian edition has been announced, featuring 100 contestants, including some well-known athletes and public figures such as rugby player Mirco Bergamasco, Olympic diver Tania Cagnotto, actress Elisabetta Canalis, and retired gymnast Jury Chechi.
Netflix also kicked off casting for the US spin-off back in July 2025, calling for 100 new American competitors ready to test their strength, endurance, and determination.
This article was originally published on Sep 2, 2025 and updated on Sep 19, 2025.