Mnet is set to launch a new dance survival show, 'Stage Fighter'

Mnet is set to launch a new dance survival show, 'Stage Fighter'.

Premiering on September 24 at 10 PM, Mnet's 'Stage Fighter' (hereafter referred to as 'Stage Fighter') will showcase an elegant yet brutal class war among male dancers. This new dimension of dance survival features male dancers from Korean traditional dance, contemporary dance, and ballet, who will compete for class status through their physical prowess and technique.

Today (30th), the main teaser video was released on the YouTube channel 'the CHOOM', highlighting the 'physical' aspect, which is considered a fundamental virtue for all dancers. The intense opening showcases dancers flaunting their physiques, emphasizing the importance of physicality in dance with statements like, "Physicality is absolute in dance," "If you don't have the physicality, you can't be given the lead role," and "It's an extremely unfair art."

The teaser also unveiled the three dance genres involved in the class war: the elegance of Korean traditional dance, the beast-like movements of contemporary dance, and the princely grace of ballet. Each genre's unique charm raises curiosity, while the dancers' awe-inspiring physicality and technique promise to deliver a dopamine rush.

Physicality is directly linked to class, but this is just the beginning of the dance war. The narrative of the three dance genres, the step-by-step auditions, and the class competition to secure the 'First Class' are key viewing points. Depending on the audition results, roles on stage (lead, supporting, ensemble) will vary, leading to a fierce class war among those striving to rise higher and those trying not to fall. The anticipation for the first broadcast is high as viewers wonder who among the 64 dancers will prove their superior physicality and technique to rise to the top.

The MC poster released alongside the main teaser also hints at Kang Daniel's new role. The poster features Kang Daniel with his eyes gently closed, along with different versions of him representing Korean traditional dance, contemporary dance, and ballet. Having majored in contemporary dance during high school and possessing deep knowledge of K-dance, Kang Daniel's performance following his role in Mnet's street dance series is highly anticipated.

'Stage Fighter' is the latest dance IP from the production team that contributed to the popularization of street dance in Korea with shows like 'Street Woman Fighter' and 'Street Man Fighter', creating new K-culture icons. Mnet, which brought dancers from the periphery to the center stage, is now turning its attention to K-dancers, promising to deliver genre-specific entertainment and discover new talents.

To this end, 64 of Korea's top active male dancers will showcase the true essence of K-dance. Male dancers from Korean traditional dance, contemporary dance, and ballet will present dynamic techniques and delicate expressions, offering a fresh and exhilarating stage that goes beyond mere survival to resemble a sport.

'Stage Fighter', which heralds a new syndrome with the competition of K-dancers never seen before, will premiere on September 24 at 10 PM.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr