K-pop Kingmaker J.Y. Park Joins “World of Street Woman Fighter” as Judge, Fans Buzz Over Star-Packed Lineup
Excitement is building for World Street Woman Fighter, Mnet’s highly anticipated global dance competition, which is set to premiere on May 27 at 10 PM KST.
Experienced Dancers & Judges Set High Expectations
The show promises to showcase truly world-class dancers, with participants like Rie Hata, Royal Family, and Ibuki names that have already captured global attention for their extraordinary skills. The tagline “All eyes on them” couldn’t be more fitting, as these legendary performers prepare to battle for pride and dominance on a global stage.
Judges Aliya Janell and Mike Song, both prominent figures in the dance world, bring their extensive expertise to the competition. Mike Song, a familiar face from previous seasons of the show, and Aliya Janell, who has choreographed for Hyolyn (SISTAR) and danced as a lead performer on Beyoncé’s tours, are expected to raise the bar. Their impressive backgrounds have set high expectations.
Controversy Surrounding JYP as Fight Judge
In addition to the two accomplished judges, the appointment of J.Y. Park (Park Jin-young) as the official Fight Judge has generated mixed reactions online. While many fans have raised doubts about whether the JYP Entertainment CEO, renowned for his influence in the K-pop industry, is qualified to sit alongside professional dancers, his involvement adds an intriguing element. His extensive experience in developing some of the most successful idol groups, including TWICE, GOT7, and Stray Kids, brings a unique perspective to the competition.
To train idols of such caliber, JYP naturally possesses top-tier vision and creative thinking, yet most of the training is handled by professional vocal, dance, and rap instructors. JYP, like many CEOs in the entertainment industry, oversees and implements the training projects. As a result, his personal dance skills haven’t been publicly tested to the same extent.
In recent years, JYP has proven his energy and passion through songs like Like Magic, Groove Back, Switch To Me, and When We Disco, demonstrating that he can still rival the enthusiasm of younger idols. He’s even jumped on the dance challenge trend to help increase the exposure of his music. However, this alone hasn’t been enough to prove that JYP possesses the dance skills of a professional dancer.
Looking back at the late ’90s and early 2000s, JYP was an active solo artist during K-pop’s golden age, when upbeat, groovy tunes dominated the charts. His dance moves were vibrant, broad, and heavily influenced by hip-hop. Reflecting on his younger years, it’s clear that JYP was quite skilled in dance, with fluid movements adaptable to a wide variety of musical genres. His choreography was always sharp, precise, and well-defined, whether his style was soft or powerful.
Now, as JYP approaches 55 years old, his physical condition is no longer as strong as it once was, and his dance abilities have naturally declined. Despite this, his passion for music and artistry remains unwavering. He continues to challenge himself alongside younger idols, learning from the next generation of stars. While JYP may not be at the level of a “dance machine” anymore, his leadership in guiding idol groups at the forefront of the Hallyu wave has cemented his legacy as a “living legend” in K-pop.
Netizens Reaction to JYP Participation
Comments on theqoo:
- Park Jin-young isn’t called an entertainer for nothing. Even at his age, he can still dance like that!! I feel like his judging will be really sharp.
- He’s got a good eye, so it should be fine.
- JYP is honestly on the level where you can say he dances as well as professional dancers.
- Park Jin-young dances really well, so I think it’s fine.
- Why is it that idols can be judges, but when it comes to Park Jin-young, people question it? For someone like Park Jin-young, I think it’s totally fine.
The show, titled World Street Woman Fighter, promises an intense showdown among elite female dancers from around the world, all vying for pride and glory. Viewers worldwide will also be able to stream the show via various OTT platforms, making it a truly global event.
Regardless of mixed opinions about the judging panel, fans are eager to see whether the program can live up to the hype created by the stellar lineup.
