Nearly a decade after transforming the landscape of women in Korean hip-hop, Mnet's groundbreaking "Unpretty Rapstar" franchise is making a comeback with an ambitious international twist. The network responsible for Korea's most influential audition programs is relaunching the survival series as "Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess," featuring a Korean-Japanese collaboration designed to create a girl group that combines hip-hop's raw edge with contemporary pop elements.
The original "Unpretty Rapstar" series, which aired from 2015 to 2016, became a cultural phenomenon by propelling fearless female rappers including Jessi, Heize, Cheetah, and (G)I-DLE's Soyeon into mainstream success. This new iteration expands the concept globally, bringing together 40 contestants – 20 from Korea and 20 from Japan – who will compete not only for debut positions but also for the opportunity to create cross-cultural connections through music.
During a press conference held at a hotel in Seoul's Gangnam District, Mnet revealed the project's creative vision and introduced its mentor lineup, positioning the reboot as "a cultural dialogue through music." Main producer Jeong Min-seok explained that the show's objective is to "birth a girl group that fuses the freedom of hip-hop with the melodic strength of pop, just like the title 'HIP POP Princess' suggests." He emphasized continuity with the franchise's origins, stating, "A decade ago, 'Unpretty Rapstar' showed fearless women competing purely on skill. We wanted to bring that same confidence and raw honesty into a new era."
The contestant pool represents remarkable diversity, ranging from university students to teenage singer-songwriters who have already written multiple original tracks. Notably, Mnet has kept the final group composition flexible, announcing that the number of debut members "has yet to be decided," allowing the show's progression to determine the optimal group size.
One of the most significant returning figures is (G)I-DLE's Soyeon, who transitions from her original role as a contestant to serving as the show's sole host and emcee. Reflecting on her journey, Soyeon shared, "It feels surreal. When I first joined 'Unpretty Rapstar,' I was a high-schooler with no idea what would come next. Now I get to guide others through the same journey. The new format may be an audition show, but its heart remains the same – unapologetic, expressive and all about self-definition."
The mentor lineup showcases both established Korean talent and prominent Japanese entertainment figures. Dynamic Duo's Gaeko, widely recognized as one of Korea's most skilled rappers, brings both credibility and mentorship experience to the program. Commenting on the contestants' abilities, Gaeko remarked, "The contestants' level was so high that I barely had to intervene. Their potential is enormous. Seeing their hunger reminded me why I fell in love with this culture in the first place."
Representing Japan, the mentor team includes internationally acclaimed choreographer Rie Hata, who gained recent recognition through her participation in Mnet's "World of Street Woman Fighter," and Takanori Iwata from J-pop group Sandaime J Soul Brothers, who also maintains successful careers as an actor and solo artist. Hata emphasized her supportive approach, stating, "Through 'World of Street Woman Fighter,' I learned that competition is as much about battling yourself as it is about winning. I want to be a supportive big sister or even a motherly presence for these contestants. They've gathered here out of pure love for rap and dance, so I really hope they enjoy the journey."
The production represents a milestone in Asian entertainment collaboration, marking the inaugural project for Chapter-I, a joint venture between Korean entertainment giant CJ ENM and Japanese global advertising agency Hakuhodo. This partnership signals a significant advancement in cross-Asian cooperation within the pop music production industry, potentially setting a precedent for future multinational entertainment projects.
"Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess" will premiere on Thursday at 9:50 p.m. on Mnet, with simultaneous streaming available in Japan through U-NEXT, ensuring audiences in both countries can follow the competition as it unfolds.
