Why Manny Pacquiao agreed to join Netflix’s ‘Physical: Asia’
MANILA, Philippines — Netflix Korea’s hit reality franchise “Physical” returns in its “most ambitious edition” yet with “Physical: Asia,” featuring sports legends and idols from across the region who will battle it out to become champion.
In a virtual presscon yesterday, Netflix officially revealed the 48 contestants of “Physical: Asia,” which promises to be the franchise’s first-ever “nation versus nation” showdown. This means eight countries — Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, Australia and the Philippines — will “collide in a high-stakes competition of strength, strategy and teamwork for nothing less than national pride,” according to the international streamer’s media primer.
Each six-person squad is anchored by a national superstar who “embodies the competitive spirit of their homeland.”
Team Korea is led by UFC trailblazer Dong Hyun Kim. For Japan, it’s Yushin Okami, one of Asia’s most decorated MMA fighters. Leading Australia is former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker. For Thailand, it’s Muay Thai world champ Superbon. Mongolia’s team is fronted by traditional wrestling star Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan. Türkiye is headed by four-time oil wrestling champion Recep Kara, while Indonesia presents physique powerhouse I Igedz “Executioner.”
It was clear though that one of the show’s most important contenders is Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao — the only eight-division world champion in history — who will lead Team Philippines. During the mediacon, several questions were raised by Korean reporters about Manny’s participation as he appeared via Zoom.
The showrunner, Jang Ho Gi, shared how they were able to convince Manny to join in the first place.
“We also wanted to reach out to champions of their respective sports as well. In the case of Manny Pacquiao, we really reached out to him often, many times. He actually invited us to his home (in the Philippines). We went to his home, we were treated to a nice home meal, and we got to see him train. After the meal, we explained to him and that day, he said yes,” recalled Jang.
For his part, Manny said his immediate “yes” came from pure excitement over the opportunity.
“Excited ako nung tinawagan ako, may tumawag sa akin na sumali daw ako sa ‘Physical: Asia.’ I was excited that moment over the opportunity to join. Then, we had a meeting. That was the start,” said Manny in a mix of Filipino and English, which were translated to other languages during the presser.
When asked if he ever faced a Korean boxer in his illustrious boxing career, he said, “I had boxing opponents who were Korean, at matitigas at matitibay yung mga nakalaban ko na Korean boxer (they were strong and tough). So, I’m excited with ‘Physical: Asia’ because I know the challenges here are very difficult and it’s very competitive really, especially among the participants na malakas din. It’s gonna be exciting (for the viewers).”
Describing Team Philippines, Manny teased the strengths of his fellow Filipino players: “We’re complete. May malakas kami, may mabilis kami at saka may mga plano kami, may magaling magplano sa mga kasama ko na iba. We can strategize everything that we will do to win the challenges.”
He added, “Thank you to all the organizers and producers of ‘Physical: Asia,’ and to all the participants and teams who are going to participate or are participating in ‘Physical: Asia.” Thank you at nakasama ko kayong lahat. Please watch this show.”
According to the showrunners, “Physical: Asia” is designed as an Olympic-style competition exclusive to Netflix. The series will combine elite athleticism and cultural tradition, spotlighting disciplines from combat sports, ball games and track and field, alongside heritage inspired games and events such as the Korean ssireum, Mongolian wrestling, Turkish oil wrestling and Muay Thai. Some quests will also pay tribute to the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
The ultimate victor is set to receive 1 billion won or around 40 million in Philippine pesos.
“This prize is huge. But they (the contestants) are here not for the prize — this is not what this is about. It’s about honor, honor for their physique, honor for their country. The prize comes after that,” said Jang.
The show obviously builds on the global buzz and success of its first two seasons in 2023 and 2024.
But, Jang said, that what truly sets “Physical: Asia” apart is the level of intensity fueled by national pride.
“When you have your national flag on your chest, that pride — it was so much stronger than anything I had ever expected. It really brought a lot of tension to the show. It made me very nervous, too, and I think the intensity is going to be another level,” he explained.
“I feel like some people might speculate that these incredible legends might not pour their everything into a variety show — but that is not the case. Even in their downtime, they were up and running, training for their next quest.
“They were doing their absolute most, and so, it was a genuine and authentic clash of competitive spirit. There was also great drama and amazing narratives in there, too. I can dare say, this is something you have never seen anywhere else,” he said.
The first four episodes of “Physical: Asia” will land on Netflix this coming Tuesday.
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