'Street Woman Fighter 2' dancers reflect on show's bittersweet end

Music & Performance

Published: 17 Nov. 2023, 17:13 Updated: 17 Nov. 2023, 18:34

'Street Woman Fighter 2' dancers reflect on show's bittersweet end

Leaders of "Street Woman Fighter 2" dance crews pose for photos during the press conference in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Friday. From left are, Mina Myoung of Deep N DAP; Nob of Ladybounce; Lia Kim of 1Million; Bada of Bebe; Kirsten Dodgen of Jam Republic; Funky-Y of Mannequeen; and Halo of Wolf'Lo. [NEWS1]

Cast members of the survival dance show "Street Woman Fighter 2" are done battling and ready to dance out their bittersweet feelings about the show's end.

The leaders of the show's seven dance crews Bebe, 1Million, Deep N DAP, Mannequeen, Ladybounce, Wolf'Lo and Jam Republic were sentimental at the show's recent press conference, which took place on Friday in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. Tsubakill's Akanen was not in attendance due to matters of personal scheduling.

“I wish the show didn’t have to end!” said Bada of Bebe. Bebe was named the show's final winner on Oct. 31 after its live finale.

“I want there to be more editions to this show, like ‘Street Woman Fighter’ season 20 or 30!” said Lia Kim of 1Million.

Bada of Bebe poses during the press conference of the recently concluded survival dance show "Street Woman Fighter 2" in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Friday. [NEWS1]

"Street Woman Fighter 2" which premiered in August had viewership ratings that peaked at 4.9 percent, 0.6 percentage points higher than its predecessor that aired in 2021, according to Nielson Ratings Korea. Global dance crews - Jam Republic with members from New Zealand, Australia and the United States, and Tsubakill from Japan - were newly added this season.

A lot has changed for these dancers since the series began.

"We’ve been able to garner more fans across all ages and genders. Even grandmas recognize us!” said Funky-Y of Mannequeen.

“I love and appreciate how enthusiastically people have been expressing their love for us,” said Nob of Ladybounce.

“I think more people have been able to fall in love with dancing,” said Bada. “There are more people coming to learn from us, and it really feels like we’ve lowered the barrier for people wanting to become dancers. I anticipate that the dance scene will grow in the future.”

“It has been very inspiring for me to see how people were moved by how we acted and were presented on the show,” said Kirsten Dodgen of Jam Republic. “I was also touched to see how we were able to inspire others to become dancers or bring the inner dancers out of them."

Kirsten Dodgen of Jam Republic talks to the press during the "Street Woman Fighter 2" press conference in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Friday. [NEWS1]

The show's producer, Kim Ji-eun, said that she wanted to tell the dancers' "real story".

"Each of these people had great stories to tell," she said. “I was inspired, as well, by how passionate these dancers were about dancing,” said Kim. “One of the memorable comments about the show was that they gained courage from seeing how the dancers got through their missions and achieved success despite difficulties."

One of the most emotional stories was the defrosting of a feud between Lia Kim and Mina Myoung of Deep N DAP.

"Nothing was scripted," said Kim. "It was such a genuine moment, and I am grateful to the two dancers for opening up like that."

“I am grateful and glad to have been able to reconnect with those past memories with Lia Kim,” said Mina Myoung, who teared up before commenting on the relationship.

Mina Myoung of Deep N DAP talks to the press during the "Street Woman Fighter 2" press conference in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Friday. [NEWS1]

Dodgen also came under the spotlight among viewers — not only for her dancing but also for her leadership abilities.

“I believe a good leader is someone who has to walk so that the team can follow," said Dodgen. "I also wanted to create a safe space for Jam Republic members, so that they could freely express their thoughts and ideas. But honestly, all I was doing was trying to get through the show, so I’m just very thankful for the people who saw that in me."

Lia Kim of 1Million poses during the press conference of the recently concluded survival dance show "Street Woman Fighter 2" in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Friday. [NEWS1]

All eight crews will be embarking on a national tour titled “On the Stage,” starting Dec. 1 at the SK Olympic Handball Stadium in Songpa District, southern Seoul. They are slated to make stops in Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Suwon and Gwangju throughout December.

“I'm excited for our fans to experience our energy live, firsthand," said Bada. "I think they will be impressed."

“We took part in every aspect of the show, including lights and costumes, and I believe we will be able to give even more emotional and energetic performances,” said Halo.

Dodgen also pointed out that this may be fans' last opportunity to see all eight crews performing on one stage, and also the final time that Jam Republic will perform together.

“Even though it is over, the show still continues to spread around the world," said Dodgen.

“This moment feels like the start more than anything,” said Lia Kim.

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]