Group i-dle's (아이들) Soyeon expressed her determination after joining as the sole MC and main producer of "Hip Pop Princess."
On the 25th, Mnet's Unpretty Rapstar: Hip Pop Princess (hereafter "Hip Pop Princess") released stills from the recording site along with a Q&A with MC Soyeon. Soyeon, who left a strong impression as a participant on Unpretty Rapstar nine years ago, said of returning as the sole MC and main producer of the Korea-Japan joint project "Hip Pop Princess," "I'm honored and proud that I, who was a participant, am now joining as an MC and producer," and added, "I believe Unpretty Rapstar gave me the opportunity to debut with self-composed songs and to become an idol who produces, so I participated with the 마음 to support and encourage more idols up close so they can showcase their musical abilities."
As the sole MC on "Hip Pop Princess," Soyeon will lead the overall flow and atmosphere, and as main producer she will also play a role in drawing out the participants' potential. Regarding judging criteria, Soyeon emphasized, "This time, too, it's skill above all," and said, "When I participated in Unpretty Rapstar, I also wanted to compete and be judged solely on skill, so on Hip Pop Princess I will prioritize skill in evaluation."
She added about the top-tier Korean and Japanese producer team that includes Gaeko, Riehata, and Iwata Takanori, "Riehata and I will oversee the overall aspects such as stage composition and performance, and Gaeko and Iwata Takanori will likely look at the detailed aspects of skill, including rap," and said, "Since the role division among the Korea-Japan producer team is well arranged, you can expect balanced evaluations and exceptional chemistry."
"Hip Pop Princess" is Mnet's new Korea-Japan joint project to create a hip-hop girl group. Aiming to birth a new global hip-hop girl group, participants take part directly in every process—music, choreography, styling, and video production—showing their own colors. Through hip-hop as a medium, different cultures of Korea and Japan will clash and fuse, and participants are expected to create new cultures and grow into artists with distinct identities.
What was the atmosphere like in the recording studio where Korean and Japanese participants gathered? Soyeon said, "It's not easy for young people to create something, and I'm amazed that everyone is pulling it off," and added, "The biggest point of anticipation is that participants will be creators themselves rather than being created. Please watch as each participant finds and builds their own individuality," raising expectations for the broadcast.
The Korea-Japan joint project "Hip Pop Princess" will premiere on Mnet on Thu., Oct. 16 at 9:50 p.m., and will be simulcast in Japan via U-NEXT.
▲ The following is a Q&A with Soyeon
Q. We're 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 participant on Unpretty Rapstar. I believe Unpretty Rapstar gave me the opportunity to debut with self-composed songs and to become an idol who produces, so I participated with the 마음 to support and encourage more idols up close so they can showcase their musical abilities.
Q. You are acting as both MC and main producer, carrying out more than a one-person's worth of work. Is there anything difficult? How do you balance the two roles?
MC and producer have different focal points. As an MC, I watch over the program's overall atmosphere and act with the heart of a senior who soothes everyone. As a producer, I approach the role with the maker's heart, giving colder assessments and sincere advice to draw out each participant's potential.
Q. You've finished the first recording; how was the atmosphere at the recording?
It's not easy for young people to create something, and I'm amazed that everyone is pulling it off! You can look forward to the attractive participants.
Q. The lineup and chemistry of producers representing various fields from Korea and Japan are also anticipated. As an MC and producer, what parts of the producers should viewers pay attention to?
Riehata and I will oversee the overall aspects such as stage composition and performance, and Gaeko and Iwata Takanori will likely look at the detailed aspects of skill, including rap. Since the role division among the Korea-Japan producer team is well arranged, you can expect balanced evaluations and exceptional chemistry.
Q. From honest judging to sincere advice, watching Soyeon's evaluations seems like it will be a viewing point of "Hip Pop Princess." What are Soyeon's judging points?
My judging standard is skill above all this time as well. When I participated in Unpretty Rapstar, I also wanted to compete and be judged solely on skill, so on Hip Pop Princess I plan to judge primarily based on skill.
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 point of anticipation is that participants will be creators themselves rather than being created. Please watch the process as each participant finds and builds their own individuality!
[Photo] Mnet
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