K-Pop Survival Show 'Hip Hop Princess' Ignites Global Buzz with Legendary Stages and Unique Competition Format

The K-Pop survival show 'Hip Hop Princess' is setting the stage ablaze, delivering legendary performances that are captivating audiences worldwide.

Mnet's 'Unpretty Rapstar: Hip Hop Princess' (hereafter referred to as 'Hip Hop Princess') is heating up with increasingly fierce track competitions and unprecedented stages featuring contestants from both Korea and Japan.

With four episodes aired and the halfway mark approaching, let's delve into three key points that are drawing attention to 'Hip Hop Princess'.

▲ A 'Korea-Japan Collaboration' Triumph Over Language Barriers

As the show aims to create a joint K-Pop and J-Pop hip-hop group, the competition format itself adds to the excitement. While the first track competition featured intense one-on-one battles between Korean and Japanese contestants, the second track competition evolved into a dynamic mix of collaboration and rivalry, significantly boosting viewer engagement.

Notably, the fourth episode showcased a main producer's new song mission alongside the emergence of the 'Korea-Japan Avengers' team. This supergroup, comprised of talented artists from both nations, delivered a performance that garnered explosive reactions. Their stage for 'DAISY (Prod. Gaeko)', transcending linguistic and cultural barriers, was hailed as a legendary moment, earning rave reviews for the contestants. This fusion of creativity across borders and the participants' growth as they unite through music are becoming the driving force behind 'Hip Hop Princess's' captivating narrative.

▲ Pushing Boundaries with 'Self-Producing': Even Audition Veterans Like Soyeon Show Respect

A significant aspect of 'Hip Hop Princess' is that contestants are tasked with creating their own choreography and rap verses, crafting entire stages themselves. This process goes beyond mere performance, showcasing their journey toward becoming true global artists through self-directed planning and creation.

This differentiates it from typical audition programs, inheriting the DNA of the legendary 'Unpretty Rapstar' while maximizing each contestant's creativity and self-producing capabilities. Faced with the extreme pressure of completing stages in a short timeframe, the contestants inevitably encounter challenges. Soyeon, an experienced K-Pop artist herself and serving as both MC and main producer, empathized deeply with these difficulties.

"I've been through audition programs myself, and what these contestants are achieving in such a short time, creating everything on their own, is incredible," she remarked, expressing her respect for the participants and adding a layer of authenticity to the show.

▲ Four Unique Producers Bring Authenticity and Depth

The unwavering support from the main producers, who are genuinely invested in 'Hip Hop Princess,' further enhances viewer empathy and immersion. Producers Soyeon, Gaeko, RIEHATA, and Iwata Takanori from both Korea and Japan are providing invaluable advice and support to the contestants.

Soyeon, a role model to the contestants, balances impressive empathy with sharp judgment. Gaeko acts as a reliable, father-like figure, guiding the contestants with professional charisma and advice. RIEHATA draws on her own experiences to become a life mentor, while Iwata Takanori utilizes his multi-faceted artistry for delicate coaching, elevating the overall quality of the performances.

These four producers, each with their distinct expertise and personality, inject a profound sense of authenticity into 'Hip Hop Princess'.

Voting for the third round of 'Hip Hop Princess' began on July 7th at 12:00 AM (KST) and is currently underway until July 27th at 12:00 PM (KST). Global fans can participate via Mnet Plus, while viewers in Japan can cast their votes through U-NEXT.

'Hip Hop Princess' airs every Thursday at 9:50 PM (KST) on Mnet, with simultaneous streaming available on U-NEXT in Japan, continuing to deliver legendary stages and building anticipation with each episode.

Netizens are praising the show, with comments like 'Performances that truly charm international fans,' 'Everyone is so good, I can't predict who will win,' and 'As producer Soyeon said, they are truly amazing.' These reactions highlight the admiration for the contestants' skills and the sincerity of the producers.