'World of Street Woman Fighter' brings global dance crews to Mnet’s stage

Members of BUMSUP, the Korean dance crew competing on Mnet's latest survival reality show "World of Street Woman Fighter," pose during a press conference at a cafe in Seoul's Gangnam District, Tuesday. Yonhap

Mnet's hit survival reality show "Street Woman Fighter" (SWF) is back for its third season — and this time, it’s going global.

Titled "World of Street Woman Fighter" (WSWF), the new season expands the show’s original format into a full-fledged international contest.

Six dance crews from Korea, the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand are set to face off as national representatives, with communication transcending language as dancers rely on movement to connect, compete and captivate.

At a press conference Tuesday in southern Seoul, the show's chief producer Choi Jeong-nam said the decision to turn the show into a global showdown came after seeing the impact of overseas participation in Season 2.

"When international crews joined in the second season of 'SWF,' we realized how much more we could introduce global dancers to our fans," Choi said. "That's why we brought in crews from around the world for this season."

From left, producer Choi Jeong-nam, dancer Mike Song, Sung Han-bin of K-pop boy band ZEROBASEONE and JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young pose during a press event at a cafe in Seoul's Gangnam District, Tuesday. Yonhap

Choi said the shift did bring its share of challenges, especially in communication and cultural differences.

"We had translators for English and Japanese. There are now three times more interpreters than the actual production team," Choi said. "We also gave a lot of thought to how to fairly present the dancers' abilities within the Korean broadcast system."

Despite a few inevitable rough edges, Choi urged viewers to focus on what transcends language.

"Although this season is framed as a country-versus-country competition, it brought us back to the essence of 'SWF.' Rather than rooting for a specific nation, we saw this as a chance to introduce international dancers to our audience and help grow their fan bases," she said.

"Even if there are some imperfections, we hope viewers will look forward to how these dancers communicate through movement."

Sung Han-bin from K-pop boy band ZEROBASEONE poses for the press during a media event at a cafe in Seoul's Gangnam District, Tuesday. Sung hosts Mnet's new dance survival show "World of Street Woman Fighter." Yonhap

This season also introduces a new host: Sung Han-bin of popular K-pop boy band ZEROBASEONE.

"It's an honor to host a program I've always enjoyed watching," Sung said. "Now that it's gone global, I've had the chance to see, learn and feel so much. I want to show everything I've got, and hopefully earn the title of an all-around emcee."

Judges Park Jin-young, singer and founder of JYP Entertainment, and Mike Song, leader and co-founder of the LA-based dance crew The Kinjaz, both shared they felt naturally drawn to the project.

"No matter what I've done in my career, dance has always come to me instinctively. I actually started out as a dancer for singer Kim Gun-mo. Being part of this show and responding to pure dance — that made me incredibly happy," said Park, who is now better known as the producer behind Stray Kids and TWICE.

"In my other roles, judging singers connected to agencies, things can get complicated. But here, I just say what I feel. Some of these dancers have even choreographed for me before. I'm already thinking about bringing them onto my next project."

Song described this season in a single word — legendary — and promised iconic battles and collaborations.

"This show is the only way that you would bring this level of dancers to compete. These are people who are deeply dedicated to their careers. No other show gathers these talents in one place. For dance culture, this is a truly rare celebration," Song said.

Members of BUMSUP pose during a press conference at a cafe in Seoul's Gangnam District, Tuesday. Yonhap

Members of BUMSUP, the Korean crew competing this season, also attended Tuesday's event. The team is composed of nine leaders from crews that appeared in Season 1 — Honey J, Monika, LIP J, AIKI, Ri.hey, Hyojin Choi, Gabee, No:ze and Leejung.

Crew leader Honey J said the honor of representing Korea comes with a sense of pressure and responsibility.

"We gave our all in Season 1, but now it feels two or three times more intense," she said. "Our chemistry is a perfect 10 out of 10. We each have different styles, but we're learning about each other's dances and working together as one."

LIP J added, "While 'WSWF' is a show about dance, I think it also reveals human stories. I hope people will focus on the journey."

Gabee pointed to the emotional stakes. "We were dancing with our country's pride on the line. I think 'WSWF' will give viewers a real dopamine hit this season," she said.

"WSWF" premieres Tuesday at 10 p.m. on Mnet.