Choreographer Back Kooyoung has won Mnet’s dance competition Street World Fighter: Directors’ War, breaking down in tears as he expressed hope for his ailing father’s recovery.
Fellow finalist BADA, considered a strong contender for the title, finished fourth.
The October 20th finale, broadcast live on Mnet and tvN, saw Back, BADA, BABYZOO and Kasper compete in a final Cheer Performance Mission, with each director creating a stage inspired by a different sport.
Back chose marathon running, BADA took on swimming, BABYZOO presented fencing, and Kasper drew inspiration from the esports game “League of Legends.”
The winner was determined through a combination of online pre-voting (30%) and live voting (70%). Back led the preliminary vote and ultimately secured the championship.
Overcome with emotion when his name was announced, he collapsed to the floor in tears before thanking the dancers who worked with him and his nine fellow directors.
“My dad is pretty sick, and I hope he gets better soon,” he said, adding, “I’ll keep doing my best to put on even better performances.”
Street World Fighter: Directors’ War pits choreographers against one another as they develop and direct their own dance performances.
As the winner, Back Kooyoung will direct the opening performance of the 2026 MAMA Awards, taking place November 20th and 21st.
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