The "hip-pop princess" held a successful press conference ahead of its premiere.
The Mnet 'Unpretty Rapstar: Hip-Pop Princess' (hereafter "Hip-Pop Princess") press conference was held on the 15th at the Grand Ballroom of the Eliena Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul. The event, hosted by rapper Hanhae, was attended by PD Jeong Min-seok, Hwang Geum-san of CJ ENM who is in charge of the joint venture "Chapter-I" (Chapter-I), Soyeon of (G)I-DLE, who is MC and main producer, and main producers Gaeko, Riehata, and Iwata Takanori, who shared various stories about the program.
'Hip-Pop Princess' is a new Korea-Japan joint hip-hop group creation project presented by Mnet. Aiming to create a new global hip-hop group, participants take part directly in all processes, including music, choreography, styling, and video production, showcasing their own colors. Using hip-hop as a medium, Korea and Japan's different cultures will clash and fuse, and participants are expected to create new culture and grow into artists with distinct identities.
At the press conference, various discussions took place about the production background and direction of "Hip-Pop Princess" and expectations for the participants. PD Jeong Min-seok explained the reason for naming the program 'Unpretty Rapstar: Hip-Pop Princess,' saying, "The ultimate goal is to create a girl group that launches a new genre," and added, "I hope the skill-focused competition and the confident, candid image shown in South Korea's first female hip-hop program 'Unpretty Rapstar' aired on Mnet will be reflected in this program."
Soyeon, who left a strong impression nine years ago as the youngest contestant on 'Unpretty Rapstar,' added meaning by returning as the sole MC and main producer of "Hip-Pop Princess." Soyeon said, "I was a high school student then, so it's an honor to be able to do this again as an adult nine years later," and emphasized the contestants' "skills" again, saying, "Unlike existing auditions, this program comes out with the title 'Unpretty Rapstar' in front, so it will definitely focus on skill. Looks are nice, but in 'Hip-Pop Princess' I think skill should come first."
Gaeko said, "The idea of forming a group with a hip-hop character appealed to me. I am someone who does hip-hop, and because I loved groups with hip-hop and R&B characteristics when I was young, I thought creating such a group would make me happy, so I participated," and added, "I was in charge of producing the title track this time and directed 40 contestants. I was worried, but because the contestants' skills were good, it finished smoothly," sharing his producing impressions.
Japanese producers Riehata and Iwata Takanori also expressed high expectations for "Hip-Pop Princess." Riehata, who recently appeared on Mnet 'World of Street Woman Fighter' and returned from participant to producer on 'Hip-Pop Princess,' said, "Because I also participated in WSWF, I understand how the 'Hip-Pop Princess' participants feel," and added, "This time I am a producer and hope to play a role as an elder sister, and perhaps someone of a mother's age who can help participants grow and find motivation."
Japanese multi-artist Iwata Takanori said, "I am honored to be offered the role of producer while working in Japan as an actor, solo artist, and in groups. I also passed an audition and debuted, so I think I can share something with the participants based on that experience," and added, "There were many high-level contestants. Working with 40 talented contestants, I think people will be moved by the moments of drama beyond wins and losses."
"Hip-Pop Princess" also draws attention as the first collaborative project launched when global IP powerhouse CJ ENM and Hakuhodo, Japan's globally influential advertising agency, established the joint venture (JV) 'Chapter-I' (Chapter-I). Hwang Geum-san of CJ ENM, who is in charge of the Chapter-I business, urged expectations, saying, "We will spare no support through all of CJ ENM's capabilities and Japan's advertising agency Hakuhodo," and added, "Because this program is about creating growth and enabling group activities through a new way of expression, we will provide activities and marketing in forms different from the past."
Meanwhile, the 40 participants also appeared publicly for the first time. They left a strong first impression by surprising the audience with the first track and title song stage 'Do my thang challenge.' Hwang Geum-san raised expectations, saying, "I don't think there is a group that can handle 100% live vocals while holding hand microphones. We plan to create a group that can use their own voices, produce directly, and create their own choreography."
Lastly, they encouraged viewers to watch the first broadcast of "Hip-Pop Princess," citing viewing points: "Unlike emotional and soft existing audition programs, the ability to create colors, fashion, and rapping methods close to 'Unpretty Rapstar' on their own is the differentiator," (Soyeon), "They compete in different languages, but in the end you can't leave out the word 'growth,'" (Gaeko), "Seeing the contestants' passionate appearances reminded me of my own childhood and warmed my heart. I hope everyone enjoys it with us," (Riehata), "The contestants' level is high. It will be fun to see their ability to produce not only choreography but also rap lyrics," (Iwata Takanori), "There are fierce competition stories, but processes of Korea and Japan's young generations blending and becoming one with different cultures and values are also woven in," (PD Jeong Min-seok).
Having wrapped up the press conference and heightened expectations, "Hip-Pop Princess" premieres tonight (16th) at 9:50 p.m. (KST) on Mnet, and will be available in Japan through U-NEXT.
[Photo] Provided by Mnet
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