After a two-year hiatus, the dance survival phenomenon returns with international flair, aiming to redefine perceptions of dancers and bring global talent to the stage

CJ ENM

In a triumphant comeback that underscores the enduring popularity of reality competition shows, Mnet is poised to launch the second season of "Street Woman Fighter," a dance survival program that left an indelible mark on South Korea's entertainment landscape two years ago. The forthcoming season promises an elevated experience with a diverse, global lineup that aims to push boundaries and break stereotypes in the realm of dance.

Following the massive success of the inaugural series, which triggered a cascade of similar dance-focused shows including the spinoffs "Street Man Fighter" and "Street Dance Girls Fighter," the anticipation is palpable as the new season gears up for its premiere. Set to debut on Tuesday, the show will showcase the artistry and passion of eight elite female dance crews from around the world. These esteemed teams — 1Million, Bebe, Deep N Dap, Jam Republic, Lady Bounce, Mannequeen, Tsubakill, and Wolf'lo — will vie against each other in a series of challenging missions and captivating battles.

The curtain was raised on the impending season during a press conference held in the heart of Seoul's Sangam-dong, where the show's producers, judges, and contestants converged to provide insights into the upcoming spectacle. Kim Ji-eun, the mastermind behind the program, emphasized her vision for the new season, stating, "Our primary focus is on expanding our global reach. We've sought counsel from participants of the first season, a process that led us to engage with dancers internationally. This season, we're excited to collaborate with Tsubakill from Japan and Jam Republic, a multinational collective led by Kirsten, a distinguished dancer from New Zealand's Royal Family crew."

Tsubakill, an acclaimed Japanese dance ensemble with collaborations featuring luminaries like Janet Jackson and Namie Amuro, is set to contribute their unparalleled flair to the competition. Meanwhile, Jam Republic, an international assembly of creative talents, is led by Kirsten, who brings her renowned expertise to the Korean stage. Reflecting on her involvement, Kirsten noted, "What sets us apart is our international essence. The concept of 'woman' in the show resonated deeply with me, and I view it as a remarkable platform to showcase women's power and potential."

A pivotal alteration has been introduced in the show's judging system, with a panel of special judges complementing the regular "fight judges." Renowned dancer Monika and Monsta X's Shownu will serve as the principal judges, accompanied by a rotating roster of special judges for different missions. Monika, a participant in the first season, shared her enthusiasm for returning, albeit in a different role, saying, "Having once been in their shoes, I vividly remember my journey. The growth I experienced is now channeled into my role as a judge. I feel immense pride and gratitude for this opportunity."

Shownu, the main dancer of Monsta X and a former dancer himself, expressed a unique perspective, saying, "Rather than assessing the contestants as an expert, my aim is to represent the viewers' sentiments. Though I felt the weight of the responsibility initially, I am a fervent fan of the show and am embracing the experience from that standpoint."

The press conference also saw the presence of special judges Aiki and Rie Hata, both esteemed figures in the dance world. Aiki, a standout from the show's first season, and Rie Hata, an accomplished K-pop choreographer with credits including BTS, NCT, and Red Velvet, shared their appreciation for the dedication of Korean dancers and their hope that the program would spotlight their remarkable passion.

As the anticipation builds for the new season's launch, the dance community and viewers alike are eager to witness the fusion of global talent, creativity, and the celebration of women's empowerment that "Street Woman Fighter 2" promises. The show is scheduled to air every Tuesday at 10 p.m. starting next week, signifying a fresh chapter in the captivating journey of dance exploration and excellence.

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