Physical: 100 flexes its muscles: How this ‘wholesome’ South Korean reality TV show became a global hit

GLOBAL FANS

Physical: 100 caused some controversy by pitting contestants of different genders against each other, prompting questions about whether it was fair. Ultimately, the top five contestants were men.

But Jang Eun-sil, one of 23 women competing in the show, told AFP she found the format “original and fresh”, and that it helped to motivate her throughout the challenges.

“I just gave my best every moment, so I have no regrets and never thought it was unfair,” said the 32-year-old wrestler, who was widely praised for the leadership she demonstrated on the show.

Although she didn’t win, she said competing allowed her to bring her beloved sport to a broader audience.

“To be honest, wrestling is an unpopular sport in South Korea,” she said, adding it was a “huge honour” that, thanks to her, more South Koreans had become aware that women wrestlers existed.

She’s also seen an influx of global fans flooding her social media accounts. “I now plan to add English subtitles (to my YouTube channel),” she said.