The finale of Netflix’s physical competition show Physical: Asia, released on November 18, 2025, has sparked a wave of online controversy. Viewers are questioning if the South Korean team had an unfair advantage in the series, which was produced in Korea and featured athletes from eight different countries competing for a grand prize of one billion Korean won (approximately $700,000). The debate centers on several moments throughout the season that fans claim seemed to favor the host nation.
The Backlash Explained
After South Korea defeated Mongolia in the final showdown, social media platforms were flooded with reactions. Many viewers labeled the outcome as predictable, suggesting that a Korean-produced show was always destined to have a Korean winner. Critics point to three key incidents during the competition that raised red flags for them: a rule change affecting the Philippines, a lack of transparent scoring during Australia’s elimination, and equipment issues for Japan.
One fan expressed a common sentiment on social media, writing, “They really want us to believe that a show produced by Koreans, held in Korea and won by Korea is totally legitimate?” This feeling was echoed by many who felt the competition’s credibility was damaged.
The Disputed Moments
The first major controversy occurred during the Sack Toss challenge. The Philippines team was eliminated after producers changed the competition parameters mid-round. Instead of increasing the sack weight as initially stated, officials shortened the time limit. Fans argued this sudden change was inconsistent with the established rules and unfairly impacted the outcome.
The semifinal round intensified the debate. During the Battle Rope Relay, the Australian team competed without any visible scoring counters on screen. The show relied on sensors to track performance, but the lack of a public display left viewers unable to verify the results. Australia, which had performed strongly in earlier rounds, finished last in the subsequent Pillar Push Death Match and was eliminated. Critics questioned the timing and the opaque scoring, with one fan stating the sequence felt “orchestrated to remove a strong competitor.”
Japan’s elimination in the Castle Conquest challenge added another layer. During their attempt, the gate and drawbridge mechanisms appeared to move sluggishly, significantly hindering their progress. Side-by-side comparisons with the South Korean team’s run circulated online, with some viewers claiming the Korean team faced lighter equipment. The apparent discrepancy led to further accusations of unequal conditions.
Defending the Victory
Despite the accusations, many fans have come to the defense of Team Korea and the show’s integrity. They argue that the Korean team’s victory was earned through superior preparation and strategy. The team included veterans from previous seasons of Physical: 100, such as Amotti and Dong Hyun Kim, giving them valuable championship experience.
In response to claims that Korea had an unfair advantage in selecting their team, one fan shared details about Team Mongolia’s own rigorous selection process. The Mongolian team was formed through a national project that selected the six best athletes from a pool of 200 candidates. This suggests that other countries also had thorough processes to field highly competitive teams.
The head of the agency representing the Mongolian athletes, Dulguun Enkhtsogt, also addressed the bias claims directly. In an Instagram post, he urged fans to be respectful and cautioned against attacking Netflix and the other teams. He explained that organizers with a long-term vision for the show would not favor their own country, citing the risks and strict regulations involved.
“It is unacceptable to even cross the border and start a fight and attack Netflix and the competing teams with words,” Enkhtsogt stated. He also acknowledged that the Korean team had a natural advantage due to their experience from previous seasons and the pressure of competing as the host nation.
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A History of Competition Controversy
This is not the first time the Physical franchise has faced scrutiny. The original Physical: 100 also encountered controversy when its final challenge, an infinite rope pull, was temporarily stopped and resumed due to technical problems with the equipment. The production team at that time stated they did not intervene to overturn results or give advantages to any player.
The current dispute highlights the challenges international reality competitions can face regarding perceptions of fairness, especially when produced by a participating nation. As of now, Netflix has not made an official statement addressing the allegations surrounding Physical: Asia.
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