Is ‘Queen Bee Game’ Fueling Gender Wars? Inside the Controversy and What Creators Have to Say

Wavve’s Queen Bee Game has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding gender issues.

The production presentation for Queen Bee Game took place yesterday at the Grand Ballroom of the Stanford Hotel in Sangam, Seoul. Notable figures attended the event, including Monica, Jang Eun Sil, Jung Hye In, Seo Hyun Sook, Shin Ji Eun, Goo Seul, Yoon Bi, Lee Dong Kyu, Producer Jung Jong Chan, and writer Kang Suk Kyung.

Queen Bee Game is a team-based survival reality show where six female leaders compete against teams of three men for a cash prize. Set in a remote location away from civilization, the show features intense battles for victory. Produced by the team behind Single’s Inferno and the writer of Physical: 100, it aims to bring a fresh perspective to the survival entertainment genre.

The show has been controversial since its teaser was released, with accusations of promoting gender conflict. Producer Jung Jong Chan remarked, “It was a concern for us. We chose to produce the show because female leaders in animal ecosystems are impressive.”

Upon discovering that the term “queen bee” is sometimes used negatively online, Jung expressed disappointment, stating, “It was unfortunate. There are many impressive female leaders around us, and I wondered why the term is used in a negative context. I hope this program can help shift the term’s connotation to something more positive.”

Writer Kang Suk Kyung also clarified, “We did not create a hierarchical relationship between men and women in the show. It focuses on the dynamics between leaders and team members.” She continued, “The program depicts a process of mutual understanding. Leaders must bear leadership challenges, while team members face the uncertainty of eliminating and choosing the right leader. The show captures their journey of understanding each other, and I believe there is nothing to worry about in the actual broadcast.”

Queen Bee Game will have an exclusive pre-release on Wavve every Friday, starting September 13. The show will also air on ENA every Friday night in Korea.