'Physical 100' Season 2 creator, finalists share grueling journey of survival show
Amotti, left, the winner of "Physical: 100" Season 2 takes part in one of the challenges during the show. Courtesy of Netflix
Netflix’s hit reality show “Physical 100” returned with Season 2, offering another heart-pounding spectacle of physically demanding survival challenges.
From left, Andre Jin Coquillard, producer Jang Ho-gi, Amotti and Hong Beom-seok / Courtesy of Netflix
The show, which assesses the best physique out of 100 competitors through a series of demanding challenges, sparked a global sensation after its debut on the platform last year.
The new season, which dropped its last episode Tuesday, has also been garnering popularity, landing on top of Netflix’s non-English TV show streaming chart on the week of its release in March.
In Season 2, cross fitter and YouTuber Amotti, whose real name is Kim Jae-hong, was named the final winner, after beating former rugby player Andre Jin Coquillard in the semi-final round and firefighter-turned-YouTuber Hong Beom-seok in the final.
“As a non-celebrity, it was an honor to work out with Olympic gold medalists whom I’ve admired in my childhood and celebrities. I feel fortunate to be here and am in good spirits,” Amotti said during an interview with The Korea Times at a café in Jongno District, Seoul, Wednesday.
“When I entered the hall filled with competitors' torso sculptures, I never imagined I could secure first place. I simply participated each day with the mindset of giving my best effort and seeing how far I could go. Until a few days ago, winning didn't feel real. However, when I watched the last episode yesterday, it finally sank in.”
A scene from the show "“Physical 100” Season 2 / Courtesy of Netflix
The show's creator and producer, Jang Ho-gi, expressed the pressure he felt with the new season, especially considering the enormous global spotlight the previous one received.
“Because the show got a lot of attention and so many fans, I contemplated a lot on whether I should make (Season 2) in a way that’s familiar to them or to completely start anew,” he said.
“If I make it entirely new, (the previous season’s) viewers might dislike it, but if I make it too similar, some might also not like it. So, I tried to strike a balance by using some familiar elements while also making efforts to introduce something new.”
One of the highlights of the show was Hong, who was eliminated in the first round in Season 1, but managed to challenge himself once again, ultimately rising to become a semi-finalist this season.
The producer said initially, he did not plan to invite competitors from the previous season to participate in the show again.
“We didn’t plan to call back Season 1’s participants, because there were so many applicants already, but there were a lot of requests for Hong to return,” Jang said.
“I also hoped to show his performance as he is a remarkable individual. And in terms of the show’s entertainment, it would be nice to have his own narrative unfold. As a result, he made it to the finals.”
Hong Beom-seok runs on a treadmill during the show "Physical: 100" Season 2. Courtesy of Netflix
Hong said it was a difficult decision for him to join the show again, but he has no regrets.
“I seriously debated (whether to join Season 2). In Season 1, they sent me home without mercy after losing. The same situation could be repeated in Season 2, and if that happens, I felt it would be mentally too taxing for me. However, if I didn't participate, I felt I might regret it deeply forever,” he said. “Thanks to the opportunity to be on Season 2, I made such unforgettable memories.”
Coquillard, who played on the national rugby team at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, said he joined the show to promote the sport in Korea, adding that he wasn’t sure he would survive to be one of the top finalists.
“Getting called (to join) three years after retiring felt like destiny. I had an opportunity to challenge myself again and I’m happy to be among the top 3. As I searched for solutions to each mission that I faced, I just kept on having faith in myself,” he said.
“I entered the competition with the intention of promoting rugby, so I felt a lot of pressure to perform well. As a third-year rugby coach, I've been grappling with various thoughts, and this experience will greatly contribute to enhancing my leadership skills.”
The second season ends with a clip hinting at the show’s third season.
Jang, the producer, noted that although it hasn't been finalized yet, they are discussing the possibility of creating a new season with a different format. He shared that the new season might include competitors from Asian regions to broaden its international reach.
“Since I first developed the show, we talked about expanding it on a country-by-country basis. So I do have in mind that I want to introduce completely new formats and content with participants from other countries, demonstrating a completely new structure,” he said.
“Also, there are participants from Season 1 and 2, who the viewers are interested in seeing again. So I’m also open to exploring the idea of bringing them back to show a different side of them.”