Bada tears up as Mnet’s Street World Fighter lines up 10 directors

Mnet's new dance survival series, 'Street World Fighter: Director's War' (hereafter 'SDP'), will premiere on August 18 at 10 PM. This program distinguishes itself from the existing 'Street Woman Fighter' (SWF) series. Moving away from the format of individual dancers competing on skill alone, it puts the capabilities of 'performance directors'—those who design and direct the entire stage—at the forefront.

The broadcast will air simultaneously on Mnet and tvN, and can also be viewed through TVING and Mnet Plus. The final winner will be granted the authority to have their name directly listed in the director credits.

10-Member Director Lineup Including Bada, Baek Koo-young, and Casper

The lineup of 10 directors who will command the stage has been revealed. First, the 'Genius-type' lineup includes Baby J, a former waacking competition winner, and Nine, the former leader of TURNS. Casper, formerly of SM Entertainment who directed stages for SHINee and Taemin, has also joined.

Representing the trend-setting 'Trend Maker' type are Renan, who designed aespa's performances; Bada, the former leader of the 'SWF2' winning crew; and Hong In-kyu, who garnered attention for directing JENNIE's 'like JENNIE' performance.

A Battle of Strategists: Baek Koo-young, Shimizu, and More

'Strategist-type' directors who will elevate the stage quality have also joined the fray. Baek Koo-young, a former SM performance director, stated, "SDP is a stage where I can best showcase my creative world."

Shimizu, who directs IVE's performances, along with Min Jun-Jung and Hash, who are active on the global stage, are also entering the competition.

'SDP' adopts a format that goes beyond simple dance battles to compete in stage planning and directing capabilities. The main trailer released on the 21st drew attention by including a scene of Bada, the leader of the 'SWF2' winning team, shedding tears.