Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess - The Ultimate 2025 Hip-Hop Survival Show
Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess is the highly anticipated 2025 South Korean-Japanese hip-hop and pop survival show, marking the fourth season of Mnet’s iconic Unpretty Rapstar series. Premiering on October 16, 2025, and streaming on TVING and U-NEXT, this show promises a unique blend of K-pop, J-pop, and hip-hop, showcasing 40 talented female contestants from South Korea and Japan.
Concept of HIP POP Princess
The show aims to form a groundbreaking hip-hop girl group inspired by the vibrant cultures of South Korea and Japan. Combining elements from Mnet’s hit survival shows like Produce 101, Girls Planet 999, and I-LAND 2, HIP POP Princess emphasizes a cultural exchange through music, fashion, and lifestyle. Contestants will showcase their skills in lyrics, composition, and choreography, competing and collaborating to create a unique growth story.
Background and Development
Announced in April 2025, nine years after the third season of Unpretty Rapstar, this season opened applications for female contestants born before January 1, 2012. Shin Hyung Kwan, head of CJ ENM’s music content division, described the show as a project to create a “rap version of IZ*ONE,” highlighting its ambition to merge South Korean and Japanese talent into a global sensation.
Judges and MC
The show is led by Soyeon, the charismatic leader of (G)I-DLE, who serves as both the MC and a judge (referred to as a “producer”). She is joined by South Korean rapper Gaeko, Japanese dancer Riehata (from World of Street Woman Fighter), and dancer-actor Iwata Takanori. This diverse panel brings expertise in music, dance, and performance, ensuring a dynamic evaluation process.
Contestants
Featuring 40 contestants—20 from South Korea and 20 from Japan—the show includes a mix of trainees, former survival show participants, and rising stars. Notable contestants include:
- Choi Ga Yoon (Korean, 16) – A fresh talent ready to shine.
- Karin (Japanese, 14) – Trainee under High Up Entertainment.
- Nam Yu Ju (Korean-Japanese, 18) – Former contestant on CAP-TEEN, Stars Awakening, and I-LAND 2.
- Koko (Japanese, 21) – The eldest contestant, previously on Who Is Princess?.
- Mayu (Japanese, 14) – The youngest contestant, bringing youthful energy.
With ages ranging from 14 to 21, the contestants bring diverse experiences, from P NATION trainees to former YG Entertainment members, ensuring a competitive and exciting show.
Why You Should Watch
Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess is more than a survival show—it’s a cultural celebration of hip-hop, K-pop, and J-pop. With a star-studded judging panel, talented contestants, and a focus on creativity and collaboration, this show is set to redefine the global music scene in 2025. Don’t miss the premiere on October 16!