‘Made a Mistake but Got 1st Place’ — J.Y. Park Sparks Judging Controversy as LIP J and Hyojin Choi Are Eliminated

In a surprising turn of events on 'World of Street Woman Fighter,' AG SQUAD clinched victory despite making a mistake during their performance, leading to the elimination of Lip J and Hyojin Choi from the main dancer position. This outcome has sparked controversy among viewers regarding judge Park Jin-young's decision.

The episode aired on the 3rd of Mnet's 'World of Street Woman Fighter' (WSWF) featured a national team battle and a class mission. Host Sung Han-bin explained, "While the first half was an individual competition, the second half is a team battle. The double score system applies, allowing teams to overturn rankings." Winning the team battle meant earning double points.

Hyojin Choi of Team BUMSUP, who ranked 6th in the first half, was determined, saying, "This is the opportunity. We must seize it to advance." Similarly, Lee Jung expressed her resolve to win in the second half. BUMSUP chose AG SQUAD as their battle opponent, but AG SQUAD exuded confidence.

However, BUMSUP achieved a 3-0 victory. Team members embraced each other in joy, with Honey J expressing, "I was so happy I could cry. I'm so proud and grateful to my crew." Despite this, the overall results were shocking. BUMSUP remained in 6th place with a total of 6 wins and 9 losses. Hyojin Choi admitted, "I felt terrible. It was a disappointing result," while Aiki reflected on their shortcomings.

The subsequent class mission required members divided into leader, middle, and rookie categories to complete a dance video. Honey J led BUMSUP, with Lee Jung, Aiki, Noze, and Hyojin Choi in the middle, and Lip J and Hyojin Choi in the rookie category.

Before the rookie choreography selection, Lip J expressed her anxiety, "I blurred my choreography, worried someone might see it," and added, "Though I'm in the rookie category, my skills aren't rookie level." Ultimately, BUMSUP's choreography was chosen as the rookie choreography.

BUMSUP and AG SQUAD's choreographies were selected as the top two in the rookie category, leading to an intense showdown. Despite Vanessa from AG SQUAD making a mistake, she quickly recovered, drawing attention. Lip J had previously noted, "Once you miss it, it's hard to catch up," but Vanessa overcame the challenge.

The mistake led to a deduction, and a rematch ensued. Judges Aliya Janell and Mike Song had differing opinions, but ultimately, Park Jin-young sided with AG SQUAD. This decision disappointed domestic viewers, with some questioning, "Is it right for a team that made a choreography mistake to become main dancer candidates?"

Accepting the results, Lip J remarked, "It was a competition with learning," and expressed gratitude to AG SQUAD for their earnest participation. Lee Jung shared her disappointment but resolved, "I feel upset, but there's no time to dwell on it. We must win next time."

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr