Controversy Surrounds 'Street Woman Fighter 3' Stars Over Past Photos with Rising Sun Imagery

The past photos of Riehata and Kyoka, contestants on Mnet's 'Street Woman Fighter 3' (SWF3), have sparked controversy due to imagery reminiscent of the Rising Sun flag. It is reported that Riehata's post was deleted before the first broadcast of 'SWF3'.

Recently, a 2016 post by Riehata on social media has come under scrutiny for containing an image reminiscent of the Rising Sun flag. In Kyoka's case, a photo of her wearing a T-shirt with the Rising Sun design has disappointed fans.

'SWF3', which premiered on the 27th of last month, quickly gained popularity, ranking first in the non-drama TV-OTT category for the fifth week of May according to Good Data Corporation's FUNdex. Kyoka was at the center of this buzz. As a 23-year veteran hip-hop dancer, she is a key member of the Osaka Ojo Gang Crew alongside Ibuki, earning significant popularity among Korean fans with her unique style and impressive dance skills.

However, the photo circulating on social media showing Kyoka in a shirt with the Rising Sun design, even if from her younger days, has been enough to disappoint fans due to the exposure of the controversial symbol.

In the third episode of 'SWF3', aired on the 10th, Riehata and Honey J competed fiercely in a choreography creation mission and the main dancer finals. Riehata was chosen in both missions, while Honey J was unfortunately eliminated. Some viewers expressed dissatisfaction with the editing of the dance video, which seemed to downplay Honey J's presence.

The Rising Sun flag was used as a symbol of Japanese militarism during World War II and is criticized for being a justification of past war crimes by Japan. Many Asian countries, including Korea, consider the Rising Sun flag a symbol of war crimes, making any related imagery or clothing a highly sensitive issue.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr