When Netflix’s Physical: Asia premiered on October 28, Team Korea arrived with serious star power. Leading the charge? Amotti, the 31-year-old CrossFit athlete whose inspiring comeback story transformed him from a devastating injury into Physical: 100 Season 2 champion. His journey proves that sometimes the greatest victories come after the most brutal defeats.
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Physical: Amotti Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kim Jae-hong |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Profession | CrossFit Athlete, YouTuber |
| YouTube Subscribers | 307,000+ |
| Physical: 100 S2 | Winner (300 million KRW prize) |
| CrossFit Ranking | 6th in Korea (2020), 24th Asia (2018) |
| Personal Status | Married (August 14, 2024) |
| Brand Partnership | Lululemon Ambassador |
The Accident That Changed Everything
Amotti’s story took a tragic turn when a car crushed his ankle while he was riding a scooter to his gym. What followed was a 10-hour surgery and doctors warning he might never walk again, let alone compete in elite athletics.
The psychological devastation matched the physical trauma. As he told TV Guide’s Kat Moon, thoughts of permanently losing the ability to do what he loved consumed him. But watching his mother care for him in Seoul for a month sparked something profound: “I cannot collapse here.”
That determination didn’t just get him walking—it propelled him to CrossFit excellence. He previously ranked 6th at the competitive 2020 CrossFit championships in South Korea’s Men’s Division, and placed 24th in the Asian men’s division in 2018. Globally, he ranked 727th in 2020, impressive numbers considering his injury history.
From Retirement to Reality TV Dominance
The ankle injury eventually forced Amotti to retire from competitive CrossFit after participating in the 2023 bodybuilding competition Show Me Your Body. Unable to use his ankle like before, he pivoted to YouTube, building a fitness and wellness channel that now boasts over 307,000 subscribers.
But retirement didn’t mean disappearing. Physical: 100 Season 2 in 2024 offered redemption, and Amotti seized it. His victory over former firefighter Hong Beom-seok earned him 300 million KRW and catapulted him to Korean reality competition stardom.
His win wasn’t just about physical prowess—viewers praised his determination and mental fortitude, qualities showcased through both the competition and his YouTube content. The victory earned him ambassadorship with Lululemon, validating his status as a fitness icon beyond competition circuits.
Why Physical: Asia Matters
Netflix’s Physical: Asia expands beyond the original series’ South Korean focus, gathering eight international teams from Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Turkey, Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This global stage means Amotti represents not just Team Korea, but the power of resilience itself.
Fans who followed his Physical: 100 journey naturally gravitated toward his Physical: Asia appearances. His familiar face among Team Korea’s lineup provides continuity while introducing his inspirational story to international audiences unfamiliar with his background.
The Message Behind the Muscle
Amotti’s post-accident reflection reveals his deepest motivation: “I’m very proud of what I’ve done to overcome that time. And to myself back then, I’d like to say thank you for allowing me to be the person I am today.”
That gratitude transforms his athletic achievements from personal victories into universal inspiration. He started CrossFit immediately after mandatory military service discharge, driven to succeed. When injury threatened that dream, he adapted rather than quit.
His August 2024 marriage adds another chapter to his evolving story, though details about his wife remain private. For fans and netizens, Amotti represents proof that setbacks don’t define futures—responses to them do.
Watch Physical: Asia on Netflix to follow Amotti’s continued journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Amotti still perform at elite CrossFit levels after his ankle injury?
A: While Amotti retired from competitive CrossFit due to the ankle injury, he clearly maintains exceptional fitness as evidenced by his Physical: 100 Season 2 victory and Physical: Asia participation. He acknowledges he can’t use his ankle like before, but adapted his training to remain competitive at elite reality competition levels, proving functional fitness despite limitations.
Q: How much prize money did Amotti win from Physical: 100 Season 2?
A: Amotti won 300 million Korean Won (approximately $225,000 USD) after defeating former firefighter Hong Beom-seok in the Physical: 100 Season 2 finale. This victory, combined with his Lululemon ambassadorship and 307,000+ YouTube subscribers, has established him as one of Korea’s most recognizable fitness personalities beyond traditional competitive athletics.
