Controversy Erupts Over J.Y. Park's Performance at 'Street Woman Fighter' Finale

The finale of Mnet's popular dance competition show, "World of Street Woman Fighter," aired on July 22, 2025, but rather than a celebratory conclusion, it has sparked significant backlash against judge J.Y. Park, the founder of JYP Entertainment. Viewers expressed their disappointment and frustration after Park's performance overshadowed the dancers, leading many to accuse him of "stealing the show."

According to a report by Jenny Kang from Koreaboo, the criticism intensified following the release of a performance video titled "World Finale with JYP" on The CHOOM YouTube channel. In the video, Park is prominently featured, leading the performance and relegating the participating dancers to the background. This has drawn ire from fans who felt that his actions diminished the contributions of the talented dancers who had worked hard throughout the season.

Dr. Lisa Kim, a cultural studies professor at Seoul National University, commented on the incident, stating, "It is vital for figures like J.Y. Park to understand their role as judges should be to uplift and support the contestants, not overshadow them. His performance was indeed a misstep in judgment."

Critics have pointed out that this behavior contrasts sharply with that of other celebrity judges from previous seasons, who have made concerted efforts to maintain a supportive presence. For instance, Sunmi, a judge in the first season, often performed off-stage to let the dancers shine.

The backlash has also included disapproval of thematic choices in Park's performance, particularly the Gatsby-inspired concept, which some viewers found inappropriate given recent scandals in the K-Pop industry. The performance was perceived as a regression to outdated notions of masculinity, particularly in a show designed to celebrate female dancers.

An anonymous source from Mnet, who wished to remain unnamed, indicated that the producers intended to create a memorable finale but acknowledged that they had not anticipated the negative reception.

Social media platforms have been rife with outrage, with comments such as, "This is straight-up power-tripping violence against the dancers," and, "Park Jin Young is not a fighter; he should have stepped aside for the real stars of the show." These sentiments reflect a larger conversation about respect and representation within the K-Pop industry, especially regarding how male figures interact with female artists.

Dr. Min Soo Park, a sociologist at Yonsei University, noted, "The negative reaction to J.Y. Park's performance highlights ongoing issues of gender dynamics in the entertainment industry. Viewers are increasingly vocal about their expectations for equitable treatment of artists, regardless of gender."

As the criticism continues to mount, Park has yet to release a formal response. Meanwhile, STUDIO CHOOM has teased a special studio version of the controversial performance, which is likely to reignite discussions about the event.

The implications of this incident extend beyond individual performances; they touch upon broader themes of artistic ownership, respect for competition formats, and the evolving landscape of K-Pop fandom. The future of shows like "World of Street Woman Fighter" may depend on how producers balance star power with the integrity of their contestants’ contributions.

In conclusion, while J.Y. Park's intentions may not have been malicious, the fallout from the finale serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with fame and the importance of recognizing the contributions of all performers in collaborative environments.