The World of Street Woman Fighter Seoul concert, held on September 6–7 at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium, showcased the intense passion and dedication of the participating crews.
However, the event took a somber turn during the final performance on September 7, as Kyoka of Osaka Ojo Gang broke down in tears, leaving fans concerned and curious about the underlying reasons.
Kyoka’s Emotional Apology
During the final performance, Kyoka bowed her head and said, “I sincerely apologize for making many fans anxious with the news that Ojo Gang might not be able to appear at the concert first.”
She continued, “But I’m really relieved and happy that, although not the entire crew, we as Ojo Gang can stand in front of our fans. Many things happened, but these members always believe in themselves and, above all, we are here with gratitude toward our fans.”
“And we would be truly grateful if you continue to support us,” she added.
Kyoka bowed 90 degrees to greet the fans and eventually shed tears. At that moment, Rie Hata of RH Tokyo was seen comforting Kyoka.
On September 8, Kyoka posted several behind-the-scenes photos from the Seoul concert. The images featured Ojo Gang members Uwa, Ru, Junna, Hana, and Minami posing together in the waiting room—but noticeably excluded Ibuki. Kyoka also uploaded snapshots of fan gifts and group visits to a Seoul subway station, again without Ibuki present.
Kyoka and Ibuki have been close friends for over 15 years. Reports suggested that Kyoka decided to join SWF3 despite a hectic schedule mainly to support Ibuki. However, the recent turmoil surrounding the concert tour appears to have strained their bond, leaving Kyoka visibly unsettled.
Unveiling the Behind-the-Scenes Drama
The emotional display raised questions among fans, leading to speculations about internal issues within the crew.
On September 8, crew leader Ibuki released a statement in Korean, Japanese, and English, shedding light on the situation. She revealed that she had requested a separate contract with the concert organizers, which was not shared with the other members. This lack of transparency led to tensions within the crew and a subsequent legal consultation with a Korean lawyer regarding future performances.
The Concert Organizers’ Perspective
Earlier, the concert organizers had announced, “Ibuki from Osaka Ojo Gang will not participate in the Busan concert at Sajik Indoor Gymnasium on the 13th due to health reasons. The remaining members will perform as scheduled.”
Some speculated that Ibuki secretly requested a separate contract with conditions, causing conflict with the organizers and later with other members when discovered. The concert production company later confirmed these claims, strengthening the speculation.
The concert production company, Route59, confirmed that Ibuki’s manager had demanded undisclosed conditions, including a request to omit performance fees from the contracts, creating potential disparities among the crew members.
Despite these challenges, the organizers worked directly with the crew to reach a provisional agreement, ensuring all members could participate in the concert. However, Ibuki ultimately chose not to join the performance, citing personal reasons.
The absence of Ibuki and the emotional turmoil experienced by Kyoka and the other members cast a shadow over Osaka Ojo Gang’s victory at SWF3. Fans expressed their support for the crew, hoping for resolution and unity moving forward.
Sources: Daum
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