REVIEW: ‘Physical 100’ Season 2 Maintains Its Addictive Quality

Following the immense popularity of its first season, it’s no surprise that Netflix’s Physical 100 returns for Season 2. The Korean reality competition series recruits 100 contestants in top physical shape to compete in various challenges. The last one standing wins. The first four episodes introduce the contestants before instantly whirling them down to the more manageable group of 50. From bodybuilders to arborists to stunt performers and cross-fit enthusiasts, the series highlights the many different walks of life these contestants stem from.

However, this time around, there are many more who seem primed for entertainment than in season one. But Physical 100 Season 2 still goes through the motions of reclaiming the same magnetism of its first. For the most part, it works. Episode 1 introduces the extensive cast and speeds this portion up so as not to lose viewers who are less accustomed to the patient pacing of the Korean reality series. Most of the introductions are pretty standard. Olympic team members and athletes wear their uniforms to indicate their sport, while others get fresher, scene-stealing opportunities to establish their personalities/brands, such as the Zoro cosplayer who comes decked in costume as the character.

Notable names off the bat are those such as the returning Hong Beom-Seok. A former special forces soldier, he lost in the first round in Season 1. His return is one of the question label elements of Season 2 as it suggests an advantage. The first Idol competitor, Lee Jang-Jun, from the group Golden Child, joins, too. One of the most familiar faces is Kim Dong-Hyun. A retired mixed-martial artist, he’s probably best known now for his role as an entertainer on reality shows. He’s appeared in everything from Law of the Jungle to The Return of Superman and more. His experience with this type of format is apparent, as he quickly established an on-camera-ready charisma.

The others that make up the batch of uber-fit competitors include Seol Young-ho, Chang Yong-hueng, Lee Ho-yeon, Justin Harvey, Ko Jong-hun, Lee Hyun-jeong, Jo Sung-bin, Ju Sung-min, Wi Sung, Park Woo-jin, Jung Dae-jin, Kim Min-su, Kang Cheong-myeong, Yami, Lee Jang-kun, Gibson, and many more. All of which represent different gender identities, and professions. From ex-firefighter to a handball player, this sophomore season of the hit reality series still offers a perfect blend of strength and grit.

The first round to establish ranking is another endurance test. The contestants must run on a treadmill for 20 minutes through intervals. It offers a glimpse at Physical 100 Season 2’s commitment to their style. The season design looks like it’s taking part in a mine. The stage lighting is dizzying. But it effectively grounds the moment as the contestants fight only themselves and their stamina.

It’s funny. So often in reality TV or even sporting events, it’s easy to be the spectator on the side — with no actual training — baselessly regaling those who’ll listen with what they’d do differently. What other more physically capable athletes should be doing in order to win. I’m guilty of this. In the second competition, I declared that the right way to win was to lay down on the ball, hold tight, and not be shaken.

But what Physical 100 does so well is make that away from viewers. Because yes, in a hypothetical situation where we, too, are let loose on a maze to gather sandbags, we can think of suitable options and ways in which triumph would be ours. Physical 100 Season 2 nullifies those beliefs by showing us the best basic, stripped-down version of athleticism — running on a treadmill. It makes their abilities shine greater because it’s something many of us have experience with.

While it establishes the physical prowess of our contestants, the second and third battles are more engaging. It’s also where some of the defining personality traits begin to shine through. Season 1 was overly friendly (as far as what we get shown), with the competitions celebratory of others’ abilities. Season 2 takes a more aggressively competitive approach. We see this first when Hong Beom-Seok challenges Idol Lee Jang-Jun despite the former coming in first in the treadmill challenge. While Lee Jang-Jun performs admirably, he’s clearly Hong Beom-Seok’s choice as a “weaker opponent.’

It’s why MMA fighter Shin Yu Ri is such a standout. In her one-on-one, she chooses Hunter Lee, an American FBI agent. The series does an excellent job of casting a wide variety of athletes with the representation of gender and body types. But the contestants themselves still look down on female competitors. Whether chosen last for the third-round teams or seen as a detriment, the bias and toxicity remain. Shin Yu Ri has none of that and wins her battle with Hunter Lee with a tremendous display of endurance.

By the time the group is down to 50 contestants, there are clear “protagonist” types. Names such as Kim Dong-Hyun and CrossFit influencer Amotti. But despite their camera-ready ease, it’s others that make the best showing. From Shin Yu Ri in the one-on-one game to Lee Won-Hee’s team in the third challenge winning against Hwang Choong-Won’s team.

The third challenge involves two teams of five working to move supplies from a depot to three zones within a maze. The challenge goes on for 15 minutes with bags weighing anywhere from 6 to 20kg. After five minutes, flags go up to show which team is winning in each zone, and the battle becomes to both move the bags while also defending their area. This allows for more physical altercations between teams as they work to stop their opponents from moving more bags. Episode 4 ends on a cliffhanger as we wait to see who wins between Lee Jang-Jun and Hong Beom-Seok’s team.

Physical 100 Season 2 is just as addicting as its first season, though not without its shortcomings. While there’s no denying the adrenaline rush of watching these powerhouse figures compete for the top spot, there’s yet to be a real hero among them like last year’s Jang Eun-sil and the underdog narrative she and her team underwent. It’s all a bit more polished, but despite that, the series continues to have us at the edge of our seats as these competitors brawl and deplete every energy reserve they have to win it all.

Physical 100 Season 2 Episodes 1–9 are available now on Netflix, with new episodes each Tuesday.