'Hip-pop Princess' is on the verge of creating a global hip-hop group, and interest in the contestants is heating up.
Through seven episodes so far, Mnet's Unpretty Rapstar: Hip-pop Princess (hereafter, "Hip-pop Princess") has been winning fans with the performances of Korean and Japanese contestants who deliver a powerful presence in each mission. Contestants rich in charm have appeared en masse with creative ideas, self-producing skills and distinctive characters, prompting viewers to become fans. As the journey toward forming a global hip-hop group has entered its latter stages, we look at a compilation of contestants' charm-inducing moments.
▶ not just cute! 4.09 million views and the "unexpected charm"
The contestants' extremes, ranging between cold and warm, are Hip-pop Princess' biggest charm point. In particular, Coco and Choi Yu-min exceeded 4.09 million views on TikTok with their 1 vs. 1 ace rap battle (Japan) in the third-track competition, the "True Battle," generating significant online buzz. Even when facing off in Japanese, Choi Yu-min confidently traded witty raps, and Coco responded with a heavy presence and skill without missing a beat, delivering an engrossing duel. Viewers reacted strongly to the two, who exploded with unexpected charm on stage, with comments such as "the unexpected charm of girl crush."
▶ chemistry perfect score: the "all-rounder duo"
The chemistry among the hexagonal all-rounders also draws attention. Especially Nico and Yoon Seo-young, who were noted from their debut as the "No. 1 Korea-Japan duo," have warmed hearts by respecting each other despite being competitors. The synergy of the two, who became a team after competing as rivals, shone even brighter. Their dis battle stage, in which both participated, also attracted attention, and the bold idea of swapping outfits exactly as they were drew such strong responses that even Soyeon was fooled. After the broadcast, reactions such as "Nico and Yoon Seo-young's pairing is really good" have continued to circulate.
▶ active as 'hidden helpers'
Although it is a survival show, heartwarming moments that are not entirely harsh also stand out. In the first-track competition, the "Hip-pop challenge," contestants showed warm sides by helping each other and compensating for one another's shortcomings amid fierce Korea-Japan rivalry. In particular, Mirika prepared the difficult song "Bad News," which includes powerful high notes, and offered numerous helpful tips to teammates who struggled with high notes, bringing smiles to viewers. The hidden helpers' efforts and growth narratives—helping one another for better stages and growing together—add a special charm unique to Hip-pop Princess.
▶ language talents shining beyond borders
Because it is a Korea-Japan joint production, contestants' outstanding language communication skills are another point of attraction. So-called "language talent" contestants act as bridges within teams and raise the quality of performances. In particular, Nam Yoo-ju, a Korea-Japan mixed-heritage contestant fluent in both languages, left a strong impact with fluent Japanese rapping in the "1 vs. 1 ace rap battle (Japan)" in the "True Battle." In addition, Lee Joo-eun, a Korean Canadian fluent in English, has stood out as a border-crossing "language talent."
With the surprising performances of uniquely characterized contestants adding to expectations for the formation of a global hip-hop group, Hip-pop Princess airs every Thursday at 9:50 p.m. KST on Mnet and is available in Japan via U-NEXT.
[Photo] Mnet
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