Mnet's 'Stage Fighter' Concludes with Success Amidst Controversies, Paving Way for Season 2

Mnet's classical dance survival show 'Stage Fighter' (abbreviated as 'Stepa') has concluded with the selection of 12 dancers for the STF dance troupe and the appointment of Choi Ho-jong as the principal dancer. Despite facing criticism throughout its run for issues such as injuries, excessive schedules, and biased judging, the show achieved its goal of popularizing classical dance, sparking anticipation for a second season.

This year, Mnet launched 'Stepa' instead of the anticipated 'Street Man Fighter' Season 2. Just as the 'Street Fighter' series popularized street dance and became a new icon of K-culture, 'Stepa' aimed to introduce classical dance to a broader audience.

'Stepa' featured male dancers from Korean dance, contemporary dance, and ballet genres competing in a survival format to rediscover classical dance. At the production presentation, CP Kwon Young-chan and PD Choi Jung-nam expressed their desire to expand the popularity of classical dance and build a fanbase for K-dancers, showcasing their performances to the world.

However, the journey was not without challenges. The competitive nature of the survival format was deemed harsh, and injuries were a significant concern as dancers balanced performances and educational activities. Scenes of dancers complaining about injuries due to the demanding schedule were frequent, leading to criticism of the production team's lack of condition management and calls for prioritizing dancer safety. Allegations of unfairness also undermined the program's credibility, with lenient evaluations for certain dancers' mistakes and missions unfavorable to ballet being pointed out. The replacement of a main lead in episode 6 further fueled dissatisfaction.

A major shock came when popular dancer Kimugan voluntarily withdrew before the finale. Kimugan had demonstrated exceptional skill, defeating Choi Ho-jong in episode 3 to become the lead in a Korean dance film. However, citing an inability to handle the pressure, Kimugan decided to return to his original position, leaving many disappointed.

Despite the controversies, the dancers' passion shone throughout the broadcast. They delivered dedicated performances in each mission, and even at the moment of elimination, they shared heartfelt reflections on 'Stepa,' adding to the emotional impact. Their commitment to showcasing the allure of dance, despite physical injuries and psychological burdens, resonated deeply with viewers, garnering widespread empathy.

These efforts translated into tangible success. Following the finale aired on the 26th, tickets for the 'Stage Fighter THE ORIGINALS' nationwide tour gala show in Incheon sold out in just three minutes, with the Seoul performance selling out in five minutes, proving the potential for classical dance's mainstream appeal.

While the program's first season revealed several shortcomings, the achievements of 'Stepa' were undeniable. Mnet's new venture introduced the classical dance genre to a wide audience, driven by dancers' genuine passion and dedication. This fuels the growing anticipation for 'Stepa' Season 2.