Mnet’s World of Street Woman Fighter, the third season of the hit dance competition series, has named J.Y. Park, Aliya Janell, and Mike Song as judges, igniting both enthusiasm and controversy among fans. Premiering on May 27, 2025, at 10 p.m. KST, the show will feature dance crews from five countries competing in an international showdown.
Show Overview and Global Expansion
World of Street Woman Fighter, also called WSWF, builds on the success of Street Woman Fighter Seasons 1 and 2. Unlike its predecessors, which focused on South Korean dance crews, this season introduces a global format. Six crews from South Korea, New Zealand, United States, Japan, and Australia will compete. The crews are AG SQUAD, BUMSUP, MOTIV, OSAKA Ojo Gang, RHTokyo, and ROYAL FAMILY. Each crew brings unique dance styles, including hip-hop, waacking, and breaking, promising fierce battles.
The show’s main poster, released on April 28, 2025, features crew leaders Kaea (AG SQUAD), Honey J (BUMSUP), Molle (MOTIV), Ibuki (OSAKA Ojo Gang), Riehata (RHTokyo), and Tisha (ROYAL FAMILY). Their intense expressions have heightened anticipation for the premiere. The production team emphasized their thorough preparations for this international competition, aiming to deliver a high-energy spectacle.
J.Y. Park’s Role as Judge
J.Y. Park, founder of JYP Entertainment, is a renowned singer, producer, and choreographer who debuted in 1994 with his album Blue City. Known for producing hits for artists like TWICE, GOT7, and Stray Kids, he has earned the title of a “living legend” in K-pop. His passion for dance, strict self-discipline, and fluent English make him a standout addition to the judging panel.
Park’s experience spans over 30 years, including choreographing for his own performances and other artists. His role on WSWF is expected to focus on evaluating performances from a producer’s perspective, assessing stage presence and audience appeal. The production team highlighted his dedication to dance, noting his ability to lead the judging panel.
“Park Jin Young, who is deeply passionate about dance, will bring a unique perspective to ‘World of Street Woman Fighter.’” – WSWF Production Team
Aliya Janell and Mike Song Join the Panel
Aliya Janell, a world-renowned choreographer, is celebrated for her work in hip-hop and contemporary dance. Her global influence and dynamic teaching style have made her a respected figure in the dance community. Fans on social media expressed excitement over her inclusion, with one user calling it “insane” and eagerly awaiting her critiques.
Mike Song, leader of the acclaimed dance crew Kinjaz, brings extensive judging experience from Street Man Fighter and Street Woman Fighter 2. Known for his technical expertise and innovative choreography, he is expected to offer precise feedback on the dancers’ skills.
“With top producer J.Y. Park, global choreographer Aliya Janell, and dancers’ dancer Mike Song, we hope viewers will look forward to their powerful synergy.” – WSWF Production Team
Mixed Reactions to J.Y. Park’s Selection
The announcement of J.Y. Park as a judge on April 28, 2025, sparked varied reactions. Some fans praised his qualifications, citing his decades-long career and choreography experience. Others questioned his suitability for a show focused on professional street dancers.
“I’m surprised for JYP, but I’ll look forward to his participation. There’s a reason his groups are considered the best in dancing. I just hope he won’t be biased to Team Korea.” – X user
“Why JYP is here? He can only dance 90s hip-hop. They should have called worldwide winner dancers. This might be biased toward the Korean team.” – X user
“Why are people shocked? They have missions tied to the K-pop industry. Who better than someone who was an artist and creator in that field?” – X user
“JYP is a vocalist mentor, not a good choice for this. Did they even ask anyone really?” – X user
Critics argued that the show should have chosen judges with deeper street dance credentials, like Rie Hata or Kyoka, who are competing as dancers. Supporters countered that Park’s industry expertise and understanding of performance dynamics make him a valuable judge. An online post on April 28, 2025, questioning his selection garnered nearly 50,000 views, reflecting the intensity of the debate.
Context of Judging Controversies in Street Woman Fighter
The Street Woman Fighter series has faced scrutiny over its judges before. In Season 1, BoA and NCT’s Taeyong were criticized for lacking professional dance credentials, with some netizens arguing they focused on popularity over expertise. Season 2 featured MONSTA X’s Shownu, Monika, and Honey J, who were better received, though some felt idol judges were less effective.
“SWF2 judges were the best so far, but they still need a more common and popular judge. Idol judges like Jay Park or 2PM’s Wooyoung were closer matches.” – Reddit user
WSWF aims to address these concerns with a balanced panel. Mike Song and Aliya Janell bring technical dance expertise, while J.Y. Park offers a broader industry perspective. The production team defended their choice, emphasizing Park’s contributions to K-pop choreography and his global influence.
Participating Crews and Their Leaders
Each crew represents a unique dance legacy:
- AG SQUAD (New Zealand): Led by Kaea, known for vibrant hip-hop routines.
- BUMSUP (South Korea): Led by Honey J, a veteran from Season 1, specializing in urban dance.
- MOTIV (United States): Led by Molle, recognized for powerful choreography.
- OSAKA Ojo Gang (Japan): Led by Ibuki, blending traditional and modern styles.
- RHTokyo (Japan): Led by Riehata, a global dance icon with dynamic performances.
- ROYAL FAMILY (Australia): Led by Tisha, famous for precision and energy.
These crews will compete in a nation-versus-nation format, with missions likely tied to K-pop and global dance trends, based on previous seasons.
Broadcast and Accessibility
World of Street Woman Fighter will air every Tuesday at 10 p.m. KST on Mnet. Viewers worldwide can stream the show via various OTT platforms, ensuring global accessibility. The premiere on May 27, 2025, will mark the start of a 10-episode season, following the format of Season 2, which ended on October 31, 2023.
Current Status
As of April 29, 2025, anticipation for WSWF continues to grow. The production team is finalizing preparations, and the judges are reportedly in training to ensure fair evaluations. J.Y. Park has not publicly commented on the backlash, but his team at JYP Entertainment is said to be confident in his ability to contribute meaningfully. The show’s global format and star-studded judging panel have positioned it as one of 2025’s most awaited dance competitions.
