MEAWW.COM / ENTERTAINMENT / K-POP NEWS

Does Mnet's 'Street Man Fighter' promote toxic masculinity? Producer says show pushes loyalty, not jealousy

Fans are claiming that the dance survival show promoted toxic masculinity and homophobia after the producer's sexist comments surfaced

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: The wave of survival shows is finally returning this year, starting off with Mnet's 'Street Man Fighter'. The dance survival show is a sequel to its famous 2021 female version, 'Street Woman Fighter'. The first season of the Mnet show was well received by fans all over the world so much so that the dancers on the show received international fame. However, the second season is already laden with controversies, with fans accusing 'Street Man Fighter' of promoting toxic masculinity. 

It started with host and K-pop idol Kang Daniel who was embroiled in a controversy where he claimed that working with the male dancers on 'Street Man Fighter' was far more comfortable for him in comparison to the female dancers of 'Street Woman Fighter'. Fans were quick to brand him a sexist for speaking badly about the female dancers on the 2021 show. Now, the producer of the series seems to have made the same mistake as he said 'Street Man Fighter' (SMF) will highlight loyalty and pride unlike SWF's jealousy and greed. 

READ MORE

Mnet 'Street Man Fighter': Air date, teams, and how to watch the dance survival show

'Street Man Fighter': Melodys trend #MNETApologizeToBTOB after Mnet gives fans an excuse

'Street Man Fighter' producer under fire for sexist comments

The first episode of 'Street Man Fighter' aired on August 23 and recorded an average rating of 1.9% in comparison to 'Street Woman Fighter's 0.8% first episode rating. While the show is seemingly popular amongst fans, the makers are now under fire for their repeated sexist comments in comparison to the female counterpart of the show. An online report stated that the producers and makers of 'Street Man Fighter' gathered for a press conference in Seoul hours before the premiere of the first episode.

At the conference, the show's producer CP Kwon highlighted the difference between the two Mnet shows. CP Kwon was reportedly heard saying, "The survival show with female dancers and male dancers is different. If there was jealousy and greed in SWF with female dancers, SMF with male dancers often showed loyalty and pride." He added, "It seems that male and female dancers also show differences in dance." Besides, fans of the show are pointing out that aside from the producer's comments, the first episode of 'Street Man Fighter' revealed homophobia among its male dancers. 

'SMF is about Toxic Masculinity'

Fans are extremely displeased by the distinction between SWF and SMF as they express their disapproval with the makers. One fan said, "Dude, just say you hate powerful women and go." Another pointed out, "It's so obvious that they'll do anything to create buzz online so ppl will know more abt the show, including talk sh*t abt swf, especially when the girls now free from mnet and have more success on their own." Someone chimed in, "Loyalty and pride and then all teams proceeds to joke about "dancing too feminine" and they "can't stand it."

"More like toxic masculinity and homophobia," a fan alleged. Another added, "Don't forget homophobic loyalty, pride and homophobia." One fan fumed, "Not watching that sh*t then, woman superior." Another screamed, "No SMF is all about TOXIC MASCULINITY and SEXIST MEN PRETENDING TO BE COOL." Someone else noted, "They say this then pull that weird homophobic shit right in the beginning like… no matter how badly they try and portray women the men always end up up looking worse on their own lol."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.