However, because the staff was on strike, an executive member directed the episode. There was a lot of changes from the usual broadcast, including the lineup performing by debut year instead of by popularity as usual.

After watching the September 8th broadcast, viewers commented, "I heard an executive staff directed this episode because of the strike, and you really can't ignore his experience..", "The angles were generally well done. I guess it's because an executive staff directed it", "The camera was so calm today, what happened? Did the camera director change?", "The video was so much better today than usual", "This is why people keep asking for experience", "I hope the strike continues so he can keep directing", and much more.

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However, because the strike is an attempt by both KBS and MBC staff to bring down corrupted executive staff who affects not just shows but most importantly news, many netizens are alarmed at such reactions. One highly retweeted tweet reads, "I've lost words at the people who are saying that they liked the Music Bank camera and said they hoped KBS kept doing a strike so the executive staff will direct. They're so lost in being fans that they don't know what's right from wrong. Do you know why the strike is going on, crazy people?"