Mnet Under Fire For “Disrespecting Islam” In “Street Woman Fighter” Introduction

Mnet, the South Korean music television channel that hosts the competition show Street Woman Fighter, is being urged by viewers to apologize for their alleged use of an Islamic practice in the show’s soundtrack.

I need yall on raising awareness on a very controversial topic about mnet's editing.
In Street Woman fighter Mnet decided to use Adhan as an intro [from 00:57 – 1:40]@MnetKR pic.twitter.com/8UR0knE3Yz

— 717 (@luotianguo) September 4, 2021

Muslim viewers noticed that in an introduction sequence on the show, a remixed version of an adhan (also written as azan and adzan) was used. An adhan is an Islamic call to prayer recited at prescribed times of day.

Let me introduce Adhan, the beautiful Islamic call to prayer, recited by a muadhin at prescribed times of the day. Incase you don't know@MnetKR #Mnetapologize pic.twitter.com/cyNFtYRAva

— (@ppjhoonie) September 7, 2021

Numerous Muslim netizens expressed their frustration at their religious practice being used for “aesthetic purposes” and are calling for Mnet to change the soundtrack and apologize for their actions. Many are upset at Mnet for cultural appropriation: the act of taking from another culture with little to no regard for cultural context.

Non Muslim will think that we're overeacted or dramatic but I want to clarify that our adzan is NOT for a clout purpose. It's NOT something that you can put as a remix & make a song out of it. As a muslim I'm really disappointed and offended by @MnetKR's behavior.#Mnetapologize

— Syaaa (@Syasyeesyuu) September 7, 2021

I'm a muslim before kpop stan. Help me spread this #Mnetapologize

— opet| #FreeGFRIENDTrademark (@itszuhdi25) September 7, 2021

Yes Islam is beautiful but it's doesn't mean you can use it for an aesthetic and being disrespectful towards our religion. Stop using our religion in any of your contents or shows mnet. Stop being dumb and please RESPECT OUR RELIGION!! #Mnetapologize

— • mai • (@mydearwon) September 7, 2021

Fans expressed disapproval towards the editors for “remixing” and “glitching” adhan. One video by TikTok user @yourbestieotd compares the Street Woman Fighter music to an example of adhan.

@yourbestieotd

Reply to @kaisya_izz_lili dengar elok² dekat part sangkut² tu

♬ original sound – jhopeyeaa – jhopeyeaa

Netizens quickly found that the song used in the introduction sequence was not originally created by Mnet; it is a song titled “Azan” by the English band LOSERS. “Azan” was released in 2010 in their album Beautiful Losers. New comments have been left underneath videos of the song on YouTube with people expressing their frustration towards the band.

| Простая музыка/YouTube

Regardless of the song’s origin, Muslim audiences are demanding Mnet make a statement on their actions. This is not the first time Mnet or other K-Pop companies have been called out for their appropriation. And though celebrities have personally apologized for their disrespectful behavior in the past, the fact that it continues to happen further leads to public frustration.

This is so messed up. Entertainment should not be mixed with religion, in this case it's adzan which is so damn disrespectful. There's TONS of other music out there that can be used, my religion and it's related practices SHOULD NOT be used for aesthetic purposes. #Mnetapologize https://t.co/TQfKYE8zxX

— zaf (@KARINASVIRTUE) September 7, 2021