On June 21, Hyojin Choi uploaded a video titled “The Loudest SWF Review in the World, World of SWF Episode 1 Reaction” to her personal YouTube channel, Today’s Hyojin Choi. The video featured BUMSUP members Honey J, Aiki, Hyojin Choi, Lip J, Rihey and Leejung reacting to the show.
During the video, Honey J, after watching AG SQUAD member Danica’s dance, made a derogatory comment, saying, “Is that dancing? It’s just s*x.” Aiki, reacting to a moment where she received a “No Respect” (a performance gesture to belittle an opponent’s dance), used strong profanity, saying, “This fcking btch, this fcking…”
The video sparked controversy within a day of its release. On June 22, Honey J and Aiki issued apologies on their respective Instagram accounts, stating, “While casually watching with the members, we got overly immersed in the moment and showed intense reactions toward the opposing dancer,” and adding, “We sincerely apologize for using emotionally charged expressions.”
Initially, netizens criticized Honey J and Aiki, but soon the focus turned to Hyojin Choi, who uploaded the video. Netizens remarked, “The fact that she didn’t even realize the video could be problematic is the issue,” and accused her of “team sabotage.” They further criticized, “This is a program competing with dancers from other countries, and this video has exposed the poor character of Korean dancers,” calling it an “international embarrassment.” Some pointed out that Hyojin Choi’s video dampened BUMSUP’s rising popularity. On June 18, BUMSUP’s Mega Crew Mission video, uploaded to YouTube, garnered over 10 million views in three days, earning praise as a “legendary performance” and acclaim for director Honey J and the team.
Hyojin Choi has since made the controversial video private but has not issued an apology or commented on her actions. As criticism mounts against Hyojin Choi for igniting the controversy, attention is focused on whether she will acknowledge the public’s criticism and offer an apology.
