Physical: Asia PD Bags Pacquiao on Philippine Visit

The production team of Physical: Asia made a special trip to the Philippines to bring in Manny Pacquiao, one of the most celebrated boxing figures from the country. Known for his dominance across eight different weight classes, Pacquiao is not only a sporting icon but also a former politician and national hero.

On the afternoon of the 24th, a presentation event was held at the Westin Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where the show’s producers and cast members unveiled details about the upcoming Netflix original variety series. Attendees included PD Jang Ho-gi, along with cast members Yun Sung-bin, Kim Min-jae, Amotti, Jang Eun-sil, and Choi Seung-yeon.

Physical: Asia will feature teams from eight Asian countries, each representing their unique cultural identities and physical strengths. The teams include:

• Avengers Korea – known for their perseverance and resilience.
• Japan – recognized as meticulous strategists.
• Thailand – embodying the spirit of Muay Thai.
• Mongolia – referred to as the "giants of the grasslands."
• Türkiye – described as descendants of warriors.
• Indonesia – showcasing explosive energy.
• Australia – noted for overwhelming physicality.
• The Philippines – highlighted as the place where the blood of champions flows.

Pacquiao's involvement in the show generated significant interest. With a record of 62 wins (39 by knockout), 2 draws, and 8 losses, he is the only boxer to have won world titles in eight different weight classes. Born in a slum in Manila, he rose to fame through his dedication to boxing and became a national hero through his charitable efforts throughout his career.

PD Jang Ho-gi shared that the production team reached out to Pacquiao multiple times before he agreed to participate. He added, “He invited us to his home in the Philippines, where we watched him train and had a meal together.” According to Jang, after explaining the concept of Physical, Pacquiao agreed to appear on the same day.

Jang emphasized that the show aims to provide exclusive content for Netflix viewers. He explained, “We created it as a new form of Olympic-like content available only on Netflix.” He further stated, “Legendary athletes from eight countries gave their all. Viewers will witness unprecedented performances not seen in Korea.”

In addition to Pacquiao, Physical: Asia will feature other notable athletes from across the region. These include Kim Dong-hyun, Korea’s first UFC fighter known as the “Stun Gun”; Yushin Okami from Japan, who holds the title of UFC’s all-time winner in Asia; and Robert Whittaker from Australia, a former UFC middleweight champion and “Grim Reaper.”

The Korean team, led by Kim Dong-hyun, includes several accomplished athletes. Yun Sung-bin, the first Korean skeleton gold medalist, Kim Min-jae, known as the “Heaven and Earth Champion” for his dominance in ssireum, Amotti, the winner of Physical 100 Season 2, Jang Eun-sil, a former wrestling national team member and leader of Physical 100 Season 1, and Choi Seung-yeon, a CrossFit Asia champion, will represent the host nation.

The competition, featuring intense physical challenges under national flags, will premiere globally on Netflix on the 28th at 4 p.m., with episodes 1–4 released simultaneously.