How South Korean boot camp reality show Fake Men inspired men – and then got cancelled
- The popular YouTube series featured celebrity contestants going through a week-long training regimen designed for elite military forces
- But despite giving South Korean men confidence, producer Physical Gallery canned it after sex scandals involving drill sergeants and complaints it was too harsh
On a dark and empty beach, 14 men in cadet uniforms have their arms locked with the man lying next to them on the cold, damp sand. One wave after another crashes over them, causing them to shiver from head to toe. Some even throw up. As the exercise goes on for over an hour, drill sergeants shout directions, demanding calm and complete commitment.
In the first season, YouTube channel Physical Gallery partnered with military consulting agency Musat to create a boot camp-style programme for celebrity contestants to go through a week-long training regimen usually designed for the South Korean navy’s elite forces. The drill sergeants, all former soldiers, give them tough challenges to push their limits.
Catchphrases like “Do you have an attitude problem” and “Even my grandmother can run faster than that” have trended and began to appear all over Korean media.
