Physical: Asia Producer Says Manny Pacquiao Inspired the Entire Franchise

(SPOT.ph) Manny Pacquiao has been called many things—champion, senator, legend—but here’s a new one to add to the list: the starting point for the Physical franchise. Yup, the idea for expanding the hit Korean competition series into a multi-country format traces back to the Filipino boxing icon.

This came straight from Physical: Asia producer Jang Ho-gi, the same mind behind the first two seasons of Physical: 100. In an interview with Deadline, he explained he’d always envisioned a series that brought athletes together across nations—and Pacquiao represented the kind of global athletic presence the show wanted to spotlight.

Jang recalled travelling to see Pacquiao whenever the boxer was in Korea, eventually rerouting his flights just to visit the latter’s home in General Santos. Jang would watch him train, join the household for a meal, and play games with his sons, but there was one particular visit when he recalled seeing Physical: 100 playing on Pacquiao’s TV.

“He told me that he enjoyed watching both seasons of Physical: 100 and I said that we would love to invite him for the next season. He was very willing to take it,” Jang said. “We were very worried, because he’s already been there, done that, and it would be a big challenge for him to participate, because he’s not very young and he’s already done everything, but he didn’t hesitate. He was like, ‘I want a challenge, and I want to show everyone what I’ve got.’ We were very pleasantly surprised that he took it right away.”

So when it came time to expand the franchise beyond Korea, Pacquiao was the first name on Jang’s list. The boxer accepted immediately, as he promised.

“He was the inspiration behind the whole franchise,” Jang said.

On Physical: Asia, Pacquiao led Team Philippines into the arena where eight countries battled it out in tests of strength, speed, and sheer willpower. The team had early standout moments, including a closely watched showdown against Thailand, but the season took a turn in Episode 5 when (spoiler alert!) Pacquiao made an abrupt announcement that he had to return to the Philippines due to “obligations for the nation.”

 “I really wanted to win the challenge. I’m proud to represent the Philippines. Team Philippines are hard warriors. Filipinos have the ability to triumph,” Pacquiao said in his parting message.

Following his exit, CrossFit athlete Justin Hernandez filled the open slot, while Rugby player Justin Coveney stepped into the leadership role.

Physical: Asia is currently streaming on Netflix, with its final three episodes scheduled to drop on November 18, 2025.

Also read: The Search for the Perfect Body: How the Producer of Physical: 100 Came Up With the Hit Netflix Show