Why are these talented SM idols still criticized for not being “qualified judges” on Mnet’s new survival dance show?

2 famous artists under SM, BoA and Taeyong (NCT) are receiving both positive feedback and being involved in negative controversies over them being judges on Mnet’s survival dance show. 

Mnet’s new survival show Street Woman Fighter broadcast its first episode on August 24. The show not only gained the attention of netizens thanks to the participation of former IZ*ONE member Chaeyeon, but also due to the presence of host Kang Daniel and 2 judges BoA and Taeyong (NCT).

Although the show has been receiving huge attention and positive responses from the public, controversies also arise after the first episode was broadcast. One of them is the controversy surrounding whether the show’s judges are qualified to give feedback and evaluate professional dance crews, consisting of the top dancers in Korea.

Specifically, two of the three judges of the show are from the idol world. In addition to the undisputed expert judge, performance director Hwang Sang Hoon, Street Woman Fighter featured two famous judges from SM, female singer BoA ​​and rising boy group member NCT’s Taeyong. Many netizens cast doubt on the professional qualifications of both judges coming from SM.

According to Korean netizens, professional dancers looked down on their idol contestants, such as Chaeyeon, but still openly received evaluations from BoA and Taeyong. When the judges were introduced, some even shouted, “I’m a NCT’s fan” when Taeyong appeared. Other dancers also said that BoA was their role model and they practiced BoA‘s dance videos.

Some viewers criticized that the judges did not focus on professionally evaluating the dancing, but only appreciated the dancers’ personalities through the performances and only “showed” their reactions that anyone could do.

In particular, netizens criticized that Taeyong never once gave an evaluation of the performances and did not give any helpful input before making the final decision.

Not only Taeyong, but netizens also expressed their disappointment at the veteran idol singer BoA’s appearance on the show. Knetz particularly felt suspicious when BoA made a general comment, “When it comes to dancing and singing, personal preferences are different. There is no such thing as accurate answers in art.”

Many netizens agreed with BoA‘s comment but were disappointed that her judgement did not have any professional input for viewers to refer to when casting their votes.

However, these controversies only stem from personal opinions. The fact that BoA and Taeyong were chosen as judges for the show must have been considered in advance.  BoA is one of the most successful first generation female idols. She is not only good at singing but her dancing is also highly appreciated. Many of her hit songs such as Only One, No 1… are still loved and dance covered by junior idols today.

She was also chosen to be the host of the hit survival show Produce 101 season 2. In the show, alongside the mentors, BoA also gave valuable evaluations for the trainees and received much love from them.

As for Taeyong, he has also shown his strong charisma as NCT’s center. Taeyong always devotes himself to every performance and especially showcases his dancing skills. Many NCT ​​songs are also choreographed by Taeyong with high difficulty, typically “Kick It”.

In addition, with his strong ability in choreography and a special role as center, Taeyong is often given “difficult” parts in the choreographies of NCT’s songs such as Fire Truck, Cherry Bomb, Black On Black..  With his talent and hard-working, professional attitude, Taeyong always delivers excellent performances. His dancing talent is said to be no less than a “real” dancer.

Therefore, to give an accurate comment on whether the two SM idols are qualified enough to be the judges on Street Woman Fighter, netizens should wait for the next episodes to have a more complete view of the show’s judges and contestants.