A Bold New Spin on K-pop Survival Shows
Mnet’s latest survival audition program, ‘HIP POP Princess’, isn’t pulling any punches. In a bold upgrade to the legacy of Unpretty Rapstar, this new series launched with a pre-release of episode one—and fans are already hooked.
The show officially premieres on October 16 at 9:50 PM KST, airing on Mnet and streaming simultaneously via U-NEXT in Japan. It’s not just another idol competition—it’s a cross-cultural project aiming to debut a new global K-hip-hop girl group, crafted through every step from styling and choreography to songwriting and video production.
First Episode: Cyphers, Confidence, and Clashes
In the early-access cut of episode one, cameras captured the first meeting between Korean and Japanese contestants—and things heated up fast. The highlight? A brutal self-introduction cypher mission where the girls grabbed the mic one after another to flex their lyrical swagger.
The format felt familiar but fierce, echoing Jessi’s legendary line from the original Unpretty Rapstar: “We’re not a team. This is competition.” The ‘Hip Pop Princess’ crew delivered that same energy, with one contestant declaring, “Let me teach you something, unnie,” before ripping the mic.
Korean Contestants Deliver Swagger
Kwon Dohee, ranked 9th among Korean trainees, kicked things off. With slick rhymes and bold gestures—like walking right up to host Soyeon of (G)I-DLE fame—she immediately made an impression. Meanwhile, 7th-ranked Kim Doi shattered expectations with a fierce transformation, going from sweet visuals to spitfire rap in seconds.
Japan Brings the Fire Too
If you thought the Japanese contestants would be shy—think again. Their nerves quickly gave way to powerhouse performances. Kokoro, ranked 7th, shrugged off her initial hesitation with a deep-tone rap that commanded the room. Rino, ranked 6th, impressed with rapid bars and clean delivery, even surrounded by confident Korean peers.
Mic Battles Hit a Fever Pitch
As the video closed out, mid-ranked contestants (from 5th to 2nd) faced off in even more intense mic grabs, raising the stakes. Soyeon, a veteran of Unpretty Rapstar herself, noted how “Korean contestants brought sleek precision, while the Japanese contestants radiated wild charisma.” The synergy is real—and expectations are rising fast.
Fan Reaction: Instant Obsession
Viewers are already all-in. Calls for ‘#1Pick’ favorites are flooding fan forums and social media. Comments like “That rap battle gave me dopamine overload” are proof that the teaser has done its job—!the hype is real and growing. With explosive charisma and shades of rivalry, HIP POP Princess might just be the most adrenaline-packed K-hip-hop competition yet.
Mark Your Calendars
‘HIP POP Princess’ premieres on October 16 at 9:50PM KST on Mnet, with simultaneous streaming on U-NEXT in Japan. Expect fierce rhymes, culture clash chemistry, and maybe your next bias or rap queen in the making.
With tempers flaring and beats dropping from episode one, are you ready to stan your favorite princess?
