How far would you go to achieve the “perfect body”?

South Korea’s newest reality show, “Physical: 100,” delves

into this question with its “Squid Game”-like premise,

striving to discover the “fittest” among 100 contestants

of various body types and builds. From team games to

one-on-one matchups, the challenges are relentless and

the stakes are high, with a cash price of 300 million won

(around 230 thousand U.S. dollars) on the line. While the

games attempt to push each contestant’s willpower and

physical limitations, it also sheds light on the concept of

physical perfection and its impact on society.

Behind the glittering aesthetics and stunning visuals

of Korean content, especially in the recent global

phenomenon of K-pop, lies a relentless pursuit of

perfection. Big entertainment companies not only seek

popstar-worthy skills, such as captivating vocals and

polished dancing moves, but also prioritize appearance,

the major factor in determining if one will make it. In this

highly competitive industry, even

the slightest imperfection is not

tolerable if one cannot meet

the society’s beauty

standards, which includes features like radiant skin, double eyelids, a small

face, and a tall, thin figure. In female idols, an hourglass

body shape is the most desirable, while for males, they

are expected to have a muscular and toned physique.

However, the participants in “Physical: 100” attempt

to debunk the body standard Korea has set and promote

a more inclusive image of the human

body. For example, women show off

their toned muscles and larger frames.

Meanwhile, men who don’t fit into

the traditional mold of a muscular

physique fight proudly in the arena.

They play a role in challenging the

stereotypes of the desired Korean

physique, sending a message to

audiences that it’s important to break

away from the norms.

Unfortunately for K-pop idols,

the pressure to maintain a perfect

appearance extends further than just

the selection process. They face the expectation to maintain

a flawless appearance and youthful image, forcing them

to resort to grueling

gym workouts,

heavy dieting, and

dangerous weight

loss methods.

According to

Business Insider

in 2019, these

consistent routines

are doing more harm

than good, contrary to

what might appear

on screen.

However, Korea’s appearance-obsessed culture is

not just limited to the entertainment industry but has

expanded to the rest of the nation. Many Koreans and

other East Asians feel the pressure to conform to to

societal beauty standards, leading to a surge in cosmetic

surgery procedures. As such, South Korea has emerged

as the plastic surgery capital of the world.

This obsession with achieving the ideal

appearance extends beyond facial features

and includes striving for the ideal body type

as well, with the belief that it can build up their

status in society. The link between physical

appearance and success creates a harmful

notion as it builds onto the pervasive issue of

valuing physical attractiveness above all else,

degrading individuals to just their external

features. By placing a high standard and value

on visual appeal, it can claw people from the

inside and set up an unhealthy environment

for adults and youth.

For a show that seeks to find the “perfect body,”

physical perfection isn’t what the challenges attempt to

determine. Instead, it shows viewers the beauty of diverse

body types and celebrates their individual strengths,

challenging the notion of what physical perfection is. No

body type is superior to another, and each individual

excels in different areas of athleticism, whether that is

flexibility, stamina, or speed. In addition, the series forces

people from around the world to look beyond physical

appearance, and instead at one’s devotion, resilience, and

resourcefulness, as they navigate through the matches.

“Physical: 100” offers a refreshing and exhilarating take

on physical competition — one that prioritizes body

positivity, inclusivity, and individuality over the narrow

notions of physical perfection.