[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] This time, it’s a battle of performance direction. We’re talking about Mnet’s new installment in the “Street Dance” series, “Street World Fighter: Director’s War” (SWF).

“SDPF” is a program depicting a “battle of the works” among “performance directors” who oversee not only choreography but also movement patterns, staging, and stage utilization. A key feature is that it is the first in the series to delve into the world of performance directors. Unlike previous series that focused on individual dancers’ skills or crew-versus-crew battles, this season is structured as an individual competition to see who can plan and execute the best performance.
Producer Choi Jeong-nam, who is directing the show, stated at a production press conference held at 10:30 a.m. on the 18th at the Eliena Hotel Convention Hall in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, “We wanted to show the process and story behind the creation of a single performance,” adding, “We aim to present the dancers’ stories in a much richer way than in previous series.”
He went on to emphasize, “We’re now halfway through filming, and nearly 1,000 dancers have already participated in the missions so far,” adding, “We’re preparing every mission as a mega performance, so you can look forward to it.”

The lineup of participants includes 10 dancers: Nine, Renan, Bada, Baek Gu-young, Baby Joo, Shimizu, In-kyu, Jeong Min-jun, Casper, and Hash (in alphabetical order).
Producer Choi said, “We cast people who can create works based on their own ideas,” adding, “The veteran directors presented stable, high-quality works, while the young directors showcased works that break the mold.”
Baek Gu-young, a former exclusive director at SM Entertainment, stated, “Since this is a competition where we’re competing under our own names rather than as a crew, I’m approaching each mission with a heavy sense of responsibility for the quality of the final product.”
Bada, leader of Bebe—the winning crew from *Street Woman Fighter 2*—said, “I’m trying to turn the pressure of being from a winning crew into a sense of responsibility,” adding, “While the previous series was a physical dance battle, *Street Woman Fighter* is a battle of wits. Please look forward to the performances of our ‘all-rounder’ dancers.”
Additionally, Nine, a former member of ‘Street Dance Girls Fighter’ (SDGF) winning crew Turns, expressed her determination, saying, “Through this program, I want to show how much I’ve grown since my time on ‘SDGF.’”
“SDGF” premieres today at 10 p.m. It can be viewed not only on Mnet but also on tvN. Seong Han-bin, a member of Zero Base One—the debut group from Mnet’s “Boys Planet”—will serve as the host. Special judges include Sean Lu, Anthony Lee, Sienna Larau, Lia Kim, Monica, Shim Jae-won, and Honey J.
Producer Choi Jeong-nam explained, “We also plan to unveil TVING-exclusive content featuring contestants facing elimination as they tackle the ‘Last Stage’ mission.” He added, “The winner will receive the opportunity to direct the opening performance at a global awards ceremony, along with a cash prize.”
It remains to be seen whether “SDIPA” will serve as a catalyst to further boost global interest in K-pop performances and dancers.
In-gyu said, “This will be the best ‘dopamine program’ of the year,” adding, “I hope this program will introduce the world of choreography direction to a wider audience and raise broader awareness of the need for choreography copyright protection.”