Physical: 100‘s second installment, Physical: 100 Season 2 – Underground, aired episodes 1 and 2 on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, on Netflix. The series features 100 physically and mentally fit contestants as they compete against each other in various challenges. They will test their limits to survive and keep moving forward. The winner will not only win a grand 300 million KRW cash prize but also earn the title of having the ideal physique.
The first two episodes of Physical: 100 Season 2 – Underground saw former firefighter Hong Beom-Seok arrive as one of the final contestants in the mix. He participated in the first season but was eliminated early during the first one-on-one death match against Jo Jin-Hyeong. With his return, he decided to redeem himself this time around. Not only did he win the pre-quest round and secure the first position, he also beat his opponent, Golden Child rapper Jang-Jun, in the one-on-one death match.
Physical: 100 Season 2 – Underground episode 1 & 2: Hong Beom-Seok proves his worth
Hong Beom-Seok’s participation in the competition for a second time shocked the Physical: 100 Season 2 – Underground contestants. He pledged to redeem himself in the second season as part of a do-or-die situation. Hong Beom-Seok recalled his disappointment in getting eliminated early in the first season. He confessed to pulling himself together before making his return.
The rest of the contestants were in awe as many proceeded to greet the competition alumnus. Before starting the main quest, the participants had to participate in the pre-quest mission. They had to run on a manual treadmill instead of the ones electronically run in gyms. They would be measured by the distance they cover throughout three rounds.
All 100 contestants will run on the treadmill in the first round for ten minutes. 50 contestants will lose, preventing them from further participating in the pre-quest. However, they won’t leave the competition. The second round would feature the remaining 50 contestants running for seven minutes, out of which 40 would be eliminated. Ten would remain to battle in the final round for five minutes.
Moreover, the contestants would rank from 1 to 100 based on their performance in the pre-quest. These ranks would help them in the main first quest. All of the participants gave their very best. However, it was a gruesome battle between ten contestants. The participants included Kim Dong-Hyun, Haa Moo-Kyoung, Park Woo-Jin, Chong Te-Se, Andre Jin, Kang Ki-Jun, Amotti, Ku Sung-Hoe, Kim Jae-Hyuk, and Hong Beom-Seok.
The ten finalists showcased their physical capabilities as they ran fast on the treadmill for the final round. Hong Beom-Seok was persistent in his pace, considering he already made his calculations. By the end of the pre-quest mission, he covered the most distance and earned his first win. He gained an advantage in choosing his opponent in the first quest: a one-on-one death match.
Hong Beom-Seok recalled how he had previously lost in season 1 during the same quest. He decided to avoid making the same mistakes. He chose K-pop idol Jang Jun, a rapper from the popular group Golden Child. Hong Beom-Seok also chose the same arena where he competed the previous time.
In the one-on-one death match, the contestants would try to get possession of the ball while battling their opponents for three minutes. Whoever has the ball by the end of the challenge will win. The other would have to break their cement bust to indicate their elimination. After a gripping battle, Hong Beom-Seok redeemed himself by winning the challenge and moving to the next quest.
To watch the rest of his journey unfold, watch Physical: 100 Season 2 – Underground on Netflix.
