SEOUL – The third season of global hit survival series Physical: 100 may be under way, with a revamped format and the inclusion of international contestants.

“If Season 3 is confirmed for production, I would like to present the show in a completely new format and composition, such as having contestants compete based on their nationalities,” said series creator Jang Ho-gi during an interview held with reporters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on April 3.

The Physical: 100 series showcases 100 contestants engaging in various survival matches to determine the most physically fit individual. The winner receives a prize of 300 million won (S$299,000).

The series’ first season was a global success. It was the first South Korean variety show to claim the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s global top 10 chart for non-English TV shows.

Physical: 100 2 – Underground, which aired its last episode on April 2, was also an international success. It topped Netflix’s global top 10 chart for non-English TV shows in the fourth week of March. The second season accumulated 25.3 million hours of viewing during the week.

The winner of Season 2 was CrossFitter and YouTuber Amotti, whose real name is Kim Jae-hong.

Amotti, 31, said he had not expected to win.

“My aim was only to get past the one-on-one combat stage,” he said during the roundtable interview session held with the top three finalists on April 3.

When they were asked what they thought was the ideal way to attain the best physique, Amotti said Physical: 100 made him realise the importance of acquiring technical skills.

“CrossFit pursues acquiring 10 physical abilities, such as strength, power, endurance, agility and stamina. Participating in Physical: 100 made me realise that adding technical skills, such as martial arts, is also necessary,” he said.

Hong Beom-seok, 37, a former firefighter who finished second, said: “Different individuals’ exercise routines differ. I believe an ideal physique involves a combination of being able to run well and to possess some muscles.” Hong was also a contestant in Season 1, but he was eliminated in the first round.

“I think the results (with Amotti’s victory) speak for themselves,” said Andre Jin Coquillard, 33, a rugby player who came in third.

Jang hinted that Season 3 may feature more past contestants.

“Many people have shown interest in the current whereabouts of the eliminated participants from the first and second seasons, and if they can stage a comeback,” he said.

All nine episodes of Physical: 100 2 – Underground are available for streaming on Netflix. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK