(G)I-dle's Soyeon will serve as the sole host and main producer of Mnet's new program *Unpretty Rapstar: Hip-Pop Princess*, expressing a determined resolve.
On the 25th, Mnet released stills from the 'Hip-Pop Princess' recording site along with Soyeon's Q&A. Soyeon left a strong impression as a contestant on 'Unpretty Rapstar' nine years ago. About joining this time he said, "I am honored and proud that I, who was once a contestant, am now joining as an MC and producer," adding, "That experience led to my debut with self-composed songs and to working as a producing idol. I will participate with the mindset of cheering for and supporting more idols up close so they can showcase their musical abilities."
Soyeon will lead the flow and atmosphere as the sole MC while also serving as main producer to uncover the participants' potential. She emphasized, "The judging criterion is unconditionally skill," and added, "As I too wanted to compete and be evaluated on skill when I was a contestant, I will again prioritize skill above all."
This project also includes top Korean and Japanese producers such as Gaeko, Riehata, and Iwata Takanori. Soyeon said, "Riehata and I will focus on stage composition and performance, while Gaeko and Iwata will focus on rap and detailed aspects of skill," adding, "You can expect balanced evaluations and a special chemistry from the Korean and Japanese producer teams."
'Hip-Pop Princess' is a global project to create a hip-hop girl group in which Korean and Japanese participants directly take part in music, choreography, styling, and video production to develop their own colors. Soyeon said, "It's amazing that these young participants are creating things themselves," and asked, "Please watch as the participants find their own individuality."
The Mnet and U-NEXT Korea-Japan joint project *Hip-Pop Princess* will premiere on Oct. 16 (Thu) at 9:50 p.m.
▲ The following are the Q&A with Soyeon
Q. I'm curious how you feel about returning as an MC nine years after participating in 'Unpretty Rapstar.'
I am honored and proud to join as an MC and producer after having been a contestant on 'Unpretty Rapstar.' I believe 'Unpretty Rapstar' gave me the opportunity to debut with self-composed songs and become a producing idol, so I decided to participate with the mindset of supporting and cheering up close so more idols can display their musical abilities.
Q. As MC and main producer you are taking on more than a hundred roles. Is there anything difficult? How do you balance the two roles?
I have different focal points as MC and producer. As an MC, I have the senior's heart of watching over the overall atmosphere of the program and comforting everyone. As a producer, I approach it with the maker's heart to draw out each participant's potential through more objective evaluation and sincere advice.
Q. You finished the first recording. How was the atmosphere at the recording site?
It's not easy for young participants to create something, so I'm amazed that everyone is accomplishing that! You can look forward to charming participants.
Q. The combination and chemistry of producers representing each field in Korea and Japan are also anticipated. As an MC and producer, what aspects of the producers should viewers pay attention to?
Riehata and I will look at the overall aspects such as stage composition and performance, while Gaeko and Iwata Takanori will focus on rap and the detailed parts of skill. Since the role division between the Korean and Japanese producer teams is well organized, you can expect balanced evaluations and an exceptional chemistry.
Q. From honest judging to sincere advice, watching Soyeon's evaluations will likely be a highlight of 'Hip-Pop Princess.' What are Soyeon's judging points?
My judging criterion is unconditionally skill this time as well. Since I too wanted to compete and be evaluated solely on skill when I participated in 'Unpretty Rapstar,' I plan to judge mainly based on skill in 'Hip-Pop Princess' as well.
Q. You have experience as a judge and mentor on other audition programs. What differentiates 'Hip-Pop Princess' from other auditions in your view?
The biggest expectation is that participants will be those who create themselves, not those who are made. Please watch the process as participants find and create their own individuality!
[Photo] Broadcast capture, Mnet
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