The grand finale of Mnet’s World of Street Woman Fighter (WSWF) aired on July 22, crowning Japanese dance crew Osaka Ojo Gang as the season winner. However, the celebration was quickly overshadowed by a growing controversy over a resurfaced image of one member wearing clothing featuring the Rising Sun flag, a symbol deeply offensive to many in South Korea due to its association with Japanese imperialism and wartime aggression.
Osaka Ojo Gang beat out tough competition from AG SQUAD (Australia) and MOTIV (USA) in the final battle, which consisted of two main missions and a finale performance. The team earned a total of 1,000 points, with 300 from pre-voting and 700 from live voting, securing the top spot. AG SQUAD and MOTIV placed second and third, respectively.
Formed in 2023 specifically for WSWF, Osaka Ojo Gang is a hip-hop-based dance crew from Osaka, Japan, comprising members Ibuki (leader), Kyoka, Ruu, Hana, Junna, Minami, and Uwa. Member Kyoka has gained widespread attention for her standout performances, bold fashion choices, and unique charisma throughout the show.
Just as the team was celebrating its win, a 2013 photo of Kyoka began circulating on social media, showing her wearing a T-shirt bearing the Rising Sun flag design. The symbol is highly controversial in Korea, as it is associated with Japan’s militarist past and colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula.
This is not the first time the show has faced similar backlash. Earlier in the competition, RHTokyo leader Riehata, another Japanese dancer, was accused of sharing imagery reminiscent of the Rising Sun flag in a 2016 social media post. That post has since been deleted, and no official statement has been released from either dancer regarding the controversies.
Following the finale, Osaka Ojo Gang expressed gratitude to their fans, saying, “We did it. This victory is thanks to Midoriz (our fandom). Thank you for your support and love.”
However, many Korean viewers took to social media to criticize both the crew and the show’s producers for ignoring the wartime symbolism and allowing the team to compete—and win—without addressing the issue.
Some of the harsh reactions from netizens included:
- I can’t believe they won despite the war crime controversy.
- They probably don’t even realize it’s wrong.
- Performing in Korea with no remorse? Unbelievable.
- Voting for Osaka Ojo Gang is an act of betrayal.
- There’s no fandom above the nation.
- I’m done watching Street Woman Fighter.
The Rising Sun flag scandal surrounding Kyoka has cast a shadow over what should have been a triumphant moment for Osaka Ojo Gang. As the controversy continues to grow, many are demanding clearer responses—not only from the dancers involved but also from Mnet and the production team—regarding their awareness and handling of sensitive historical symbols.
Daum
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