Netflix to Create U.S. Version of 'Physical: 100'.. "Korean Variety Show Expands Globally"

Netflix announced on the 16th that it has confirmed the production of the U.S. version of the Korean variety show 'Physical: 100', which captivated the world, titled 'Physical: 100 USA' (working title). According to Netflix, this is significant as the format of K-survival 'Physical: 100' is making a full-fledged global expansion.
'Physical: 100' Season 1 and Season 2 both entered the Netflix Global TOP 10 (TV Non-English category) in over 80 countries, creating a global sensation. In particular, Season 1 became the first Korean variety show to rank No. 1 globally in this category, overcoming language and cultural barriers and proving the limitless potential of K-variety shows. 'Physical: 100', which has a unique charm that differentiates it from existing reality survival formats, is praised for leaving a strong impression on global viewers with its fresh planning and narrative, supported by meticulous localization work, showcasing the differentiated influence of 'K-variety'.
This 'Physical: 100 USA' (working title) will feature elite participants selected from across the sports, fitness, and military sectors throughout the United States, competing in an extreme showdown to determine the 'most perfect physical'. Netflix's non-fiction director Yu Gi-hwan said, "'Physical: 100' created by Korea has received explosive love from viewers worldwide, proving that Korean variety shows work globally," adding, "'Physical: 100 USA' (working title) is expected to offer a different kind of fun while realizing the global expansion of our variety shows."
Additionally, Netflix indicated that following the U.S. version, a European version of the 'Physical: 100' format is also in preparation, suggesting that the survival variety series that started in Korea is rapidly expanding worldwide.
Meanwhile, in the fourth quarter of this year, 'Physical: Asia', which expands the universe of the 'Physical: 100' series to Asia, will be released as the third season produced in Korea. This season, produced in Korea, will introduce a national competition for the first time in the series, returning as a grand-scale survival show where the strongest physical representatives from each Asian country clash with pride on the line. Notably, legendary boxing champion Manny Pacquiao's participation as the representative of the Philippines has garnered even more attention. The fierce national competition featuring 'hexagonal physiques' that transcend nationality, gender, weight class, and occupation heralds a new evolution of Korean variety shows.

solidkjy@fnnews.com Ku Ja-yun Reporter