Stage Fighter: A Dance Survival Show Captivating Audiences with Intense Competition and Unique Personalities

'Stage Fighter' (hereafter referred to as 'Stage Fighter') is a survival show where male dancers express messages through their bodies, competing for ranks. Dancers from three genres—Korean dance, contemporary dance, and ballet—are captivating viewers with their relentless pursuit of higher ranks, as evidenced by their sweat and dedication. The show has not only secured the top spot in viewership ratings among female teenagers and those in their twenties, including terrestrial channels, but also attracted an unprecedented 10,000 applicants for the 'Stage Choice by PUBLIC' audience participation, showcasing its extraordinary popularity.

K-content mission videos are also gaining high viewership, continuing the show's popularity streak. Choi Ho-jong's solo cam video quickly climbed to the top ranks on YouTube, proving its influence, while social media is flooded with affectionate interest in the dancers.

At the heart of 'Stage Fighter' are the charismatic dancers who draw fans in with their charm. These dancers not only possess exceptional skills but also captivating visuals, earning them various nicknames. Choi Ho-jong, known as a 'monster' in the Korean dance scene, has been humorously nicknamed 'Hojongping' after denying rumors of cosplaying as Hachuping. Kim Hye-hyun, with his cute appearance and solid skills, has earned the nickname 'Gukbap Kungya.' Yang Seong-yoon, who bears a slight resemblance to Karina, is called 'Karina Jwa,' while Park Jin-ho, who loves bold makeup, is affectionately known as 'Jinho Princess.' Kim Jong-chul, with his charming eye smile, is dubbed the 'Bae Woo-seok of the dance world,' all beloved by fans for their friendly nicknames hidden behind their immense talent.

Ballet ace Kim Yoo-chan, who speaks his mind calmly, visual top Kang Kyung-ho, who transforms on stage, 'Godtical' Jeong Seong-wook with his impressive physique, Yoon Hyuk-jung with a deer-like face and Gundam-like physique, 'Hyun Tiger' Kim Hyun-ho with his tiger-like presence, and the talented entertainer Go Dong-hoon, along with the uniquely named Kimugan, are all receiving explosive attention. Matthew Ritchie, a former senior rehearsal director of the UK's Lambert Dance Company, is also at the center of attention. Matthew captivates viewers with his unique style, including long hair, distinctive nail art, and a voice close to a falsetto.

Each dancer's story adds to the diverse chemistry, piquing viewers' curiosity. The 64 dancers participate in mega stage missions, incorporating works like 'Oldboy,' 'Parasite,' 'SKY Castle,' and 'Squid Game' into dance, revealing intriguing relationships among the dancers. Choi Ho-jong, the main lead of 'Parasite' Team A, drew attention by choosing modern dancer Ha Won-jun, with his gem-like charm, as his team's main supporting role. Despite being from a different genre, Ha Won-jun humorously thanked Choi Ho-jong, a legendary Korean dancer, for putting him in his 'jewel box,' causing laughter on set.

Behind-the-scenes content released through YouTube's The CHOOM Original and Mnet Plus showcases hidden relationships among the dancers, creating synergy with the main broadcast. The special episode aired on the 5th (Tuesday) featured behind-the-scenes footage of the K-content poster shooting mission, capturing the dancers' lively chemistry and providing additional entertainment. Choi Ho-jong and Kim Kyu-nyeon, who faced off in the same 'Parasite' work, displayed a close relationship off-screen, drawing attention. The 'SKY Castle' team, with ballet dancers Kim Tae-seok and Jeon Tae-hoo, also garnered attention for their age-transcending Tom and Jerry chemistry.

True to its reputation as a program loved by the MZ generation, 'Stage Fighter' is leading trends as a 'meme house' and 'quote house,' adding to its fun. Choi Ho-jong, who took on the role of choreographer in the Korean dance rank determination match, confidently remarked, 'If you can't do it, you have to go home,' when everyone found his choreography challenging, making it one of 'Stage Fighter's' most memorable quotes, still widely discussed. Meanwhile, Matthew's judging scenes, where he says 'Music start' and 'First position' in his falsetto voice, offer a strangely addictive charm.

The upcoming 7th episode of 'Stage Fighter,' airing on the 12th (Tuesday) at 10 PM, will reveal the results of the K-content mission and the second rank movement ceremony. With the first elimination expected, viewers' attention is focused.

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