| Sumario: | This study examines the cultural meanings of Physical: 100 , a popular Korean sports reality show, within the context of neoliberal Korean society. Motivated by the growing global popularity of Korean reality shows, the research explores how these programs reflect and shape social values in contemporary Korea. Focusing on the rise of sports reality shows as a prominent subgenre, this paper analyzes Physical: 100 as a cultural apparatus that disciplines and governs individuals through neoliberal logics of competition, meritocracy, and self-optimization. Through close reading of the show's narrative, visual aesthetics, and representations of the body, the study highlights how the program promotes ideals of self-discipline, physical perfection, and personal responsibility, while simultaneously reinforcing broader societal expectations shaped by neoliberal reforms. The findings suggest that Physical: 100 not only entertains but also serves as a lens for understanding how media mediates cultural norms and produces idealized neoliberal subjects in contemporary Korea.
|
|---|