Opinion | From BTS to Physical: 100 and Squid Game, translation is central to huge shifts in global cultural consumption
- Without translation, Korean dramas, films and shows that have gained huge popularity around the world would never have reached a global audience
- The rise of Korean culture has witnessed a rapid growth of a dedicated global fandom and fan-led translation
The Korean reality survival show Physical: 100 has become a global hit, topping Netflix’s non-English line-up in just a week following its premier on January 24, 2023.
The name of the show says it all: 100 contestants with superb physiques participate in a variety of challenges to win 300 million Korean won (US$229.9 million), equivalent to A$335,000.
There are several reasons behind the success of the show. First, the idea of finding the fittest body through a series of gruelling real-life challenges is unprecedented.
Second, the show is reminiscent of another Korean entertainment success, Squid Game. From the studio settings to the ways the challenges operate, Physical: 100 has obviously been inspired by its fictional blockbuster predecessor. Third, the sheer scale of the challenges – such as moving a 1.5-tonne ship – is just mind-boggling.
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There is one element that is rarely talked about, despite its pivotal contribution to the success of the show: translation.