Ahead of the premiere of "Street Man Fighter" and following the reveal of dance crews, BTOB fans Melody have mixed reactions on one of the dance crews for this reason.
Keep on reading to know more.
'Street Man Fighter' Dance Crew BIIB Accused of Using BTOB's Name
Recently on July 6, Mnet finally revealed the dance crews who are set to compete on "Street Man Fighter," the male version of the highly popular "Street Woman Fighter." Ahead of its nearing premiere, Mnet announced the dance crews with a promotional suit video profile.
However, after announcing the eight dance crews, one crew is receiving mixed reactions from netizens, particular BTOB fans Melody.
Dance crew BANK2BROTHERS (BIIB)
BTOB fans have noticed that the dance crew called BANK2BROTHERS is often referred and stylized as BIIB or B2B, which is read as "b to b." In addition, they also found that BIIB's logo looks similar to BTOB's logo during their earlier promotions.
BIIB's logo (left) and BTOB's logo (right)
One fan on the online community forum TheQoo also pointed out that the dance crew's name is written the same way as BTOB in Korean (비투비).
In particular, their dance crew name uploaded on Mnet's Youtube channel is written the same way as BTOB, while the other "Street Man Fighter" dance crews' names are written fully in Korean.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Noze Admits Deleting Smaller Brand Sponsored Posts on Instagram & Not Upholding Contract
'Street Man Fighter' dance crews with their names spelled completely except BIIB
Aside from the similar name and logo, numerous fans are also speculating that Mnet is purposely using the catchphrase for the dance crew, "Born to be Hip," which is similar to the meaning behind BTOB's name and own catchphrase, "Born to Beat."
BTOB Fans Have Mixed Reactions on Dance Crew BIIB
The fan also shared that BTOB's agency Cube Entertainment had already registered to trademark the keyword "BIIB" back in 2015, along with other keywords associated with the idol group. This means that the dance crew and Mnet are potentially infringing on BTOB and Cube Entertainment's trademarks.
Cube Entertainment trademarked BTOB and associated keywords
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: BTOB Sungjae Rumored to be Dating Peniel's Acquaintance
The fan also criticized Mnet for using BTOB's name for the dance crew, instead of just using B2B.
Other netizens who saw this also expressed their disappointment with how the dance crew's name is being shortened, and many pointed out that Mnet obviously did this with a purpose.
Some comments from netizens read:
"On other shows, the dance crews have always used their full names. But why are they referred to as BTOB only on this show?"
"It is so obvious that they did that on purpose."
"I thought that the idol group BTOB was on the show."
"They even copied 'Born to Beat.'"
"I think it is awkward that BANK2BROTHER's shortened name is BTOB. It would be better to say BANK2 or something."
"They even used the same logo? That is too much."
"I am part of a different fandom, and I would be mad too."
"Wow, it is really similar."
Meanwhile, "Street Man Fighter" is slated to premiere this August.
What are your thoughts on the issue?
For more K-pop news, follow and subscribe to KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Robyn Joan
