Mnet reveals real lineup for dance battle show after teaser controversy

A promotional image for "Street World Fighter: Directors' War" / Courtesy of Mnet

Mnet has officially unveiled the 10 star choreographers joining its upcoming dance survival series “Street World Fighter: Directors’ War,” following online buzz and controversy surrounding the program’s earlier teaser videos.

The new show is the latest expansion of the massively popular “Street Woman Fighter” franchise, which helped ignite a nationwide dance craze and turned choreographers into celebrities.

Unlike previous seasons centered on dance crews battling onstage, the new series shifts the spotlight to performance directors — the creators behind K-pop choreography, stage formations and large-scale concert productions.

Among the newly confirmed participants are choreographer Nain, who recently drew attention for helping direct choreography for “Golden,” the soundtrack for Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters.”

Also joining the show is renowned global performance director Renan, known for working with aespa, as well as Bada, the leader of the winning crew from “Street Woman Fighter 2” and the choreographer behind the viral “Smoke Challenge” dance trend.

Veteran SM Entertainment choreographer Back Kooyoung, often credited as one of the architects of the company’s signature performance style, is also part of the lineup. Other participants include Babyzoo, Simeez, Ingyoo, Jeong Minjun, Kasper and Hash.

Several contestants are already familiar names among global K-pop fans. Kasper previously directed Taemin’s Coachella stage, while Ingyoo has worked on performances for NCT 127, Stray Kids and Jennie.

A promotional image for "Street World Fighter: Directors' War" / Courtesy of Mnet

The lineup teaser released Tuesday through Mnet’s dance-focused YouTube channel “The CHOOM” quickly gained traction online, with fans revisiting the choreographers’ careers and high-profile K-pop projects.

The show had already sparked controversy earlier this month after a teaser featured references to major stages including the “MAMA Awards,” Coachella and the Super Bowl halftime show. Choreographer Kira Harper publicly said she had never agreed to appear on the program, prompting confusion online.

Mnet later said parts of an interview had been presented without proper context and made the teaser private.

Despite the backlash, anticipation for the series remains high, particularly among younger K-pop fans fascinated by the behind-the-scenes creators shaping idol performances.

“Street World Fighter: Directors’ War” is scheduled to premiere in August.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.