Physical: Asia viewers call Team Korea’s finale win ‘rigged’ after Mongolia, Australia & Japan losses, fans say ‘waste of 12 episodes’
Netflix wrapped up Physical: Asia on November 18, 2025, with the final three episodes releasing simultaneously. South Korea emerged victorious over Mongolia in the last quest, claiming the championship. However, the finale ignited a wave of online backlash, as fans questioned the fairness of eliminations, particularly for Japan, Mongolia, and Australia, with many labeling the outcome “rigged” in favour of the host nation.
Physical: Asia teams. Credit: X|@pannchoa
Controversy erupts over early eliminations: Philippines and Sack Toss challenge
Disputes over fairness began earlier in the season. During the Sack Toss challenge, the Philippines was eliminated under contentious circumstances. The original rules stated that if rounds extended too long, sacks would gradually become heavier while the time window narrowed. Instead, production abruptly cut the time, leaving fans frustrated and skeptical about the consistency of the rules.
Australia’s Battle Rope Relay performance under scrutiny
Australia’s exit in the semifinals provoked further outrage. Viewers questioned whether the Battle Rope Relay sensors accurately recorded the team’s efforts, arguing that a visible counter should have been displayed on screen. When the three lowest-scoring teams faced the Pillar Push Death Match, Korea finished first, Mongolia second, and Australia last – eliminating the nation and prompting accusations of bias.
Australia’s exit in the semifinals provoked further outrage. Credit: X|@DDl1903
Japan struggles in Castle Conquest: technical issues raise doubts
Japan became the next nation eliminated during Castle Conquest. Fans criticized a gate and drawbridge mechanism that allegedly failed during Japan’s run, calling it “fishy” and suggesting foul play.
Many highlighted how Korea’s team appeared to complete heavy tasks with minimal effort, while Mongolia and Japan seemed to require larger crews to move the same equipment, feeding suspicions of preferential treatment.
Japan became the nation eliminated during Castle Conquest. Credit: X|@kanawatanabe821
Final showdown: Korea vs Mongolia fuels skepticism
The season’s finale featured a six-on-six match between Korea and Mongolia across three intense games. While Korea secured victory, many viewers felt the outcome confirmed a perceived pattern: a Korean-produced show filmed in Korea ending predictably with the host nation as champions. Social media buzzed with skepticism and memes mocking the idea of neutrality.
Physical: Asia overview and global reception
Physical: Asia is a country-versus-country spin-off of Physical: 100, featuring 48 athletes from South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines. Competitors, both men and women, faced challenges testing strength, endurance, and strategy, with 1 billion Korean won at stake.
From November 3–9, the show logged 3.6 million viewing figures, placing third in Netflix’s global Top 10 Non-English TV shows for two weeks and topping rankings in four countries. It entered the Top 10 in 26 markets, including South Korea and Australia. The series is now available for streaming on Netflix.
