NETFLIX
As the highly anticipated second season of Netflix's smash-hit reality television sensation "Physical:100" takes shape, producers are offering an exclusive glimpse into the captivating world of the show. Local reporters were recently granted a behind-the-scenes tour of the show's final stage set, offering a tantalizing preview of the intense competition awaiting the contestants.
In a press event held at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi, on Wednesday, main producer Jang Ho-gi shared insights into the ambitious vision driving the second season's creative direction. "Our goal was for the second season of 'Physical:100' to look very different from the first season," Jang stated. Drawing inspiration from the realm of underground mines from the 1950s to the 60s, the new season promises a setting steeped in history and saturated with fierce competition and desire.
"Physical:100" is a gripping reality television program that pits 100 contestants against each other in a series of grueling challenges, all vying for the coveted top spot and the accompanying prize money. The show's debut season, which premiered on Netflix earlier this year, quickly ascended the ranks to capture the global audience's attention, dominating the streaming service's charts and achieving a remarkable over 192 million hours of total viewing time. The immense success led to the swift announcement and fervent anticipation of a second season.
As the upcoming season prepares to captivate viewers once again, the contestant lineup boasts enhanced diversity, featuring individuals from various occupations and body types. This season, Jang noted, will introduce a higher number of female participants, reflecting a broader representation of the human experience.
"Our contestants span a wide range of weights, from 44 kg (97 lbs.) to 200 kg, encompassing diverse body types. More than 30 contestants have affiliations with national sports teams, further enriching the composition, and we're excited about the potential for a female contestant to secure the final prize this season," Jang remarked.
With the aim of creating an even more captivating viewer experience, the production team has expanded the set for the second season, nearly doubling its scale. Delving into thematic depth, each quest is intricately interwoven to contribute to an overarching theme, ensuring a seamless and engaging narrative. Safety remains a paramount concern, driving meticulous attention to detail in crafting the larger set.
Addressing past concerns, Jang emphasized the rigorous background checks and psychological evaluations conducted on potential contestants. "We have undertaken exhaustive measures to verify and assess applicants' backgrounds, conducting comprehensive searches and individual consultations. Mind sessions with psychologists have been an integral part of our approach to ensure contestants' well-being in the face of competition pressures."
Controversies that emerged during the inaugural season have not been overlooked. Efforts have been intensified to prevent technical mishaps, such as the incident during the finale where a quest was repeated three times due to equipment issues. Jang underscored the team's commitment to running extensive simulations, testing every element of equipment, and simplifying quests to minimize reliance on intricate gear.
Producing "Physical:100" has been a reflective journey for Jang, prompting a reevaluation of preconceived notions about the human body. He aspires for viewers of the second season to embark on a similar introspective exploration, fostering not only entertainment but profound contemplation on the spectrum of human capabilities and ideals.
"I have been compelled to rethink the potential of the human body, confront biases, and question what constitutes the 'perfect' physique," Jang shared. "It is my hope that audiences engaging with the second season will find themselves entertained while embarking on a transformative journey of introspection."
As the countdown to the gripping second season of "Physical:100" commences, the stage is set for a captivating fusion of competition, reflection, and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit.
Sayart.net
Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com
