Mnet's 'World of Street Woman Fighter': MOTIV Advances to Finals, BUMSUP Receives Heartfelt Support Despite Elimination

Despite not making it to the finals, BUMSUP received encouragement and support from both the audience present and many viewers.

On the 8th episode of Mnet's 'World of Street Woman Fighter' aired on the 15th, a fierce elimination battle unfolded between BUMSUP and MOTIV ahead of the finals.

The first round was a group battle, with special judge Lia Kim noting, "Both teams delivered powerful performances as it was a battle with everything on the line. While the structure was similar, the choice came down to creativity and cleanliness." JYP also commented, "MOTIV prepared for the battle in a truly competitive manner, while BUMSUP showcased creativity that broke away from stereotypes." MOTIV won this round unanimously from the five judges.

The second round was a 2-on-2 duet battle, with Honey J and Rihey representing BUMSUP, and Bella and Mally for MOTIV. BUMSUP regained momentum with a unanimous victory, setting the stage for the third round, a 1-on-1 battle.

In the third round, BUMSUP's Lip J faced off against MOTIV's Logistics. Special judge Popping C noted, "Their styles are completely opposite," critiquing Logistics for not fully responding to the music and Lip J for playing it too safe. Lip J secured the win with a majority of three votes, bringing BUMSUP one victory away from the finals.

The fourth round returned to a 2-on-2 duet battle, with BUMSUP's fresh pairing of Aiki and Lip J. MOTIV's Bella expressed surprise at the duo but remained confident, stating, "Their intensity was somewhat lacking, so it wasn't overly threatening."

After witnessing MOTIV's Nisha and Bella's performance, Aiki praised their energy, while fight judge Mike Song admitted, "The comparison was tough. The judges were at a loss on how to score." MOTIV won this round unanimously, pushing the contest to the decisive fifth round, a 1-on-1 battle.

In the final round, BUMSUP's Rihey faced MOTIV's Mally. Mike Song praised Rihey's intense energy, but Popping C critiqued, "Once you start a move, you must see it through. Completeness and clarity are crucial in battles." The judges' votes saw Lia Kim supporting BUMSUP, Popping C choosing MOTIV, and the remaining three judges siding with MOTIV, securing their 4-1 victory and advancement to the finals.

Despite the loss, BUMSUP's leader Honey J encouraged her team, saying, "We've done well so far," while Rihey expressed regret for not securing the final win. Lee Jung shed tears, and Honey J, with a choked voice, reflected, "I didn't expect to cry, but thanks to 'Street Woman Fighter' Season 1 four years ago, we received much love, and that connection brought us here again. Meeting such amazing members on this journey has been a joy. We will continue dancing without settling, so please support us and watch over us kindly."

Mike Song, addressing the emotional BUMSUP, added humor by saying, "Thanks to 'Street Woman Fighter' Season 1, the Korean dance scene expanded globally, leading to the creation of 'World of Street Woman Fighter.' If Season 1 had failed, none of this would exist."

Reporter Sojung Lee, TenAsia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr