Physical:100 Season 1, a physical survival show in South Korea, was aired by Netflix in 2023 featuring 100 contestants (77 men and 33 women) who have sports or professional backgrounds relying on physical strength. South Korean society is characterized by patriarchal tendencies and strict beauty standards, emphasizing thin and small body shapes, facial features, and even manner of speech. Consequently, the female contestants in Physical:100 garnered special attention both domestically and globally. This study aims to explore the representation of muscular females in the Physical:100 survival show, aired by Netflix in 2023. The analysis employs Barthes' Semiotic Theory (1977), Oakley's Gender and Sex Theory (1972), Hall's Representation Theory (1997), and Halberstam's Female Masculinity Theory (1998). Findings reveal that muscular woman in Physical:100 provide valuable insights into the complex interplay of gender, power, and representation in contemporary society. By challenging stereotypes and celebrating diverse expressions of strength and athleticism, this study contributes to a more inclusive and equitable understanding of gender dynamics in media and beyond.
