Today : Jul 02, 2025
Arts & Culture
02 July 2025

Bamzip Wins Mega Crew Mission With Near Perfect Score

Bamzip’s culturally rich performance earns acclaim and top scores as elimination battles loom for other crews

On July 1, 2025, the highly anticipated Episode 6 of Mnet's popular dance competition show, World of Street Woman Fighter (commonly known as SWF3), aired, delivering a dramatic and thrilling conclusion to the Mega Crew Mission. This episode not only crowned the winner of the mission but also revealed which crews would face elimination battles, stirring emotions and excitement among fans worldwide.

The Mega Crew Mission challenged participating dance crews to create large-scale performances that embodied their unique cultural identities, incorporating intricate choreography and theatrical elements. One standout was the Korean crew Bamzip, whose performance drew heavily on Korean cultural motifs, including representations of gods and shamans. Their artistic expression and technical prowess earned them near-perfect scores, cementing their victory in this demanding round.

Bamzip achieved an impressive 1195 points out of a possible 1200 from the judges, a score that left audiences and participants alike in awe. Park Jin-young, a judge renowned for his discerning eye and expertise, was effusive in his praise, stating, "I apologize to the other crews, but the level is different." He awarded Bamzip a perfect "100 points" for their performance, emphasizing the crew's exceptional skill and artistry. Fellow judge Mike Song echoed this sentiment, lauding the crew's musicality and the complexity of their choreography, noting the "high level of skill" and "many details" that elevated their routine.

Reflecting the emotional impact of the judges' recognition, Bamzip's leader Honey J was visibly moved. She expressed profound gratitude and relief, saying, "I also bit my lip because I wanted to fulfill the team's performance that I had been working hard on." Another crew member, Hyojin Choi, was brought to tears, sharing, "Finally, I feel recognized. They acknowledged the hard work we've put in, and it feels like a comfort." Honey J further conveyed her joy and appreciation, thanking the Korean dancers who supported the crew and vowing to cherish the moment forever.

The episode also featured an esteemed panel of judges, including special guest Lia Kim, a celebrated choreographer and leader of the globally renowned dance studio One Million. Lia Kim, who had previously led her crew to victory in the Mega Crew Mission during SWF's second season, brought a wealth of experience and gravitas to the judging panel alongside Park Jin-young and Mike Song. Lia Kim remarked on the poignant moment of judging a competitor she once saw perform, saying, "When I did the Mega Crew Mission, Rie Hata was sitting here. It's amazing to be judging her now." She also recalled the challenges of the mission, reflecting, "How hard it must have been," connecting deeply with the contestants' struggles.

The Mega Crew Mission videos collectively amassed over 36 million views by June 30, 2025, underscoring the show's immense popularity and the global audience's enthusiasm. Bamzip's video alone surpassed 14 million views, highlighting their widespread appeal and the resonance of their culturally rich performance.

While Bamzip celebrated their triumph, the episode also brought sobering news for other crews. The Australian-based Hwasa Squad, known for artistically representing Indigenous culture and natural environments, faced the harsh reality of elimination. Despite their previous success in the "World of K-Pop" mission, where they secured first place, Hwasa Squad ranked lowest in the judges' evaluation for the Mega Crew Mission and finished fifth overall after the global public evaluation scores were tallied. This outcome sent them directly to the elimination battle, a tense showdown that determines which crews will exit the competition.

Hwasa Squad's leader, Kaeya, was shown grappling with the immense pressure of her dual roles as a mother and crew leader. In a heartfelt moment, she shed tears and pleaded, "I still don't want to go," revealing the emotional toll of the competition.

The elimination battle will see Hwasa Squad face off against either Osaka O'Jap Gang or Aileichtokyo, who ranked third and fourth respectively in the Mega Crew Mission. This high-stakes battle will be judged by the core panel of Mike Song and Park Jin-young, joined by special judges Oshima, Yoonji, and Phil Wizad, adding further weight to the decision.

Adding to the drama, the episode unveiled the creative processes behind each crew's video production. Motif, the American crew, presented a "melting pot" theme celebrating multicultural fusion, while Osaka O'Jap Gang infused their performance with Otaku culture elements. The diversity and originality of these performances showcased the rich tapestry of global street dance culture.

Confidence was high among some competitors before the scores were announced. Lijung expressed certainty that their team would secure first place, while Aiki predicted that the Mega Mission's high-angle challenge segment would be decisive, expecting overwhelming scores for the crew that mastered it.

Since its premiere, World of Street Woman Fighter has captivated audiences with its fierce competition and empowering portrayal of female street dancers from around the globe. The show has dominated ratings and social media buzz, holding the top spot in Good Data Corporation's FunDex TV-OTT non-drama category for five consecutive weeks as of late June 2025.

Broadcast every Tuesday at 10 PM, the program continues to break records and inspire viewers, blending artistry, culture, and competition in a way few shows have achieved. With the Mega Crew Mission concluded and elimination battles looming, fans eagerly await the next episode to see who will survive and who will bow out of the intense contest.