Controversy Arises as All-Male Judges Critique 'World of Street Woman Fighter' Semi-Finals

The recent episode of Mnet's 'World of Street Woman Fighter' sparked discussions as the judging panel for the 'WOMAN' themed mission consisted entirely of male judges, leaving some viewers disappointed.

On the October 15th broadcast of 'World of Street Woman Fighter' (referred to as 'World of SWF'), the semi-final's second mission was unveiled. The episode showcased dance films reflecting each crew's unique style and strategy, heightening the tension as crews vied for a spot in the finals.

Hip-hop crew Motive attempted a new style shift, but the judges critiqued, "It lacked hip-hop elements and seemed like a style seen anywhere." They also noted it resembled traditional setups like 'Royal Family' or 'Age Squad'. Ultimately, Motive's failure to fully express their unique color was seen as a shortcoming.

Bumjeop caught attention with their bang hairstyle on stage. Leader Honey J expressed concerns about not meeting expectations after their previous mega crew mission was well-received, but assured, "We prepared with our best efforts as always." The moment when Rihei threw a towel labeled 'doubt' symbolized their intent to forge a new path independently.

Judges had mixed reactions to Bumjeop's performance. Some felt it lacked a strong focal point, while others praised the intro but noted the main part lacked a clear center. Conversely, Motive appreciated Bumjeop's synergy as a crew, stating the stage appeared unified.

Age Squad captivated with a performance using chairs and hats. Bumjeop noted it felt different from their usual style, acknowledging the effort in composition but felt the choreography lacked a captivating element. Motive expressed disappointment over the limited use of props.

Age Squad's stage, reminiscent of the movie 'The Matrix', featured a hidden segment with B-girl Logistics' head slide, offering a sensory twist.

Mike Song praised Bumjeop's star quality, noting each member's distinct presence regardless of who was center stage. In contrast, Brian Yoo criticized the excessive narrative in the latter part, which he felt disrupted focus, while Kim Hyung-seok added that the storyline's lack of fluidity hindered stage harmony.

Motive emerged as the standout in the hidden segment. Marly celebrated, "We finally did it," while Kim Hyung-seok commended Motive for producing a high-quality result with minimal takes, highlighting their choreography's alignment with the flash effects. Motive received unanimous votes from the four judges, solidifying their impact.

The best crew for the dance film mission was awarded to Age Squad. Judges praised them for delivering the clearest message on the mission's theme, 'WOMAN'. Park Jin-young remarked, "Age Squad was undoubtedly a step above," expressing satisfaction with the mission's outcome.

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