Criticism from Netizens for Using Adzan Remix Audio in 'Street Woman Fighter', Mnet Apologizes

Kapanlagi.com - Mnet, a South Korean TV channel that holds the competition show Street Woman Fighter, is being urged by viewers to apologize for the alleged use of the adhan (Islamic call to prayer) in the soundtrack of their show. Viewers and netizens who embrace Islam realize that the accompanying music in the opening of the show is a remix version of the adhan.

Many express their disappointment with the use of religious practices for "aesthetic purposes". They also criticize Mnet for changing the soundtrack and demand an apology for what they consider to be cultural appropriation or the adoption of another culture without considering its original cultural context.

This is not the first time Mnet or other K-Pop companies have been criticized for cultural appropriation. Disapproval of the editors for remixing the adhan is also being voiced with the hashtag #MnetApologize on social media.

1. Netizens Discover the Original Song

Mnet

Not long after the controversy surrounding the remix version of the call to prayer, netizens discovered that the song used in the opening of the show was not created by Mnet. It turns out that the audio is from a song titled 'Azan' popularized by the British band LOSERS.

The song 'Azan' itself was released by the band LOSERS in 2010 on their album titled 'Beautiful Losers'. Expressions of disappointment regarding cultural appropriation also flooded the comment section of the music video for the song on YouTube.

However, regardless of its origin, netizens still demanded that Mnet make a statement regarding their actions. The netizens' frustration finally received a response from Mnet.

2. Mnet's Apology

Amidst the criticism from netizens on social media, Mnet released an online apology regarding this issue. The official apology from Mnet was uploaded on their official Instagram account @mnet_dance today, Thursday (9/9).

In their official apology, Mnet also expressed their perspective regarding the use of the song. They will also re-upload the controversial clip that was criticized by netizens after changing the background music.

"Dear viewers, on behalf of the production team of Mnet Street Woman Fighter, we sincerely apologize for the soundtrack used in the opening of the first episode of Street Woman Fighter. The song is an officially registered electronic soundtrack on official streaming sites. The production team believes that the electronic sound of the song is suitable as the background music for the program. We certainly have no other intention. We sincerely apologize for the discomfort caused by the similarity to a certain poem. Respecting your criticism, the video will be re-uploaded after changing the background music. Mnet will continue to listen to the opinions of viewers worldwide. We appreciate your interest in Mnet Street Woman Fighter," wrote Mnet.

For KLovers who have not been following the show, Street Woman Fighter airs every Tuesday at 22:20 local time.

(kor/rsp)