Looking for something different from the horror films/series and cooking shows that I spend hours binging I decided to check out the trailer for Physical: 100 a South Korean competition series on Netflix. That convinced me I had to at least catch the first episode. I've just finished binging the first four.
I never got into shows like American Gladiators and similar shows, but this one is amazing. One hundred of the top athletes (pro & amateur) from South Korea were invited to compete to demonstrate the "perfect body type". You've got military personnel, MMA fighters, gymnasts, and bodybuilders all competing in various feats of strength.
Not only do they have to perform physical feats, but in one competition they must go one on one in a 'death match'. They use skill, athletic abilities, and wrestling (in at least one match I've seen two MMA fighters were allowed to follow the rules of that sport). In some cases, men and women compete against each other as the top 50 competitors are allowed to challenge anyone, whether from the top or bottom group.
It's interesting that some of the competitors in the first episode, compare this to Squid Games since they are all competing for a prize of millions of Korean won (their money). The initial qualification challenge, to decide their place in the competition, even reminded me of one of the games in Squid Games, just not as lethal. Add to that the referees, basically there to ensure contestants are following the rules (but never speaking) and as safety folks in some challenges, are masked, looking like ninjas.
The first episode introduces all the competitors and it was fascinating to see how star-struck some were to meet Olympic athletes and World Champions in various sports.
If the first episode doesn't appeal to you then I'm not sure if the rest of the series will be of interest. Just not sure if the 'Death Match' would be something American networks would allow, as these folks literally pull no punches.
The Koreans do it again!
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