Soyeon of i-dle has expressed her excitement and determination as she joins as the solo MC and main producer for 'Hip Pop Princess'.
On the 25th, Mnet's 'Unpretty Rapstar: Hip Pop Princess' released stills from the recording set along with a Q&A session with MC Soyeon. Nine years after leaving a strong impression as a contestant on 'Unpretty Rapstar', Soyeon returns as the solo MC and main producer for the Korea-Japan collaborative project 'Hip Pop Princess'.
Soyeon shared, "It's an honor and a source of pride for me to be part of this as an MC and producer, having once been a contestant. 'Unpretty Rapstar' was a turning point for me, allowing me to debut with my own songs and become a producing idol. I hope to support and encourage more idols to showcase their musical talents."
As the solo MC, Soyeon will guide the overall flow and atmosphere of 'Hip Pop Princess', while also drawing out the potential of the contestants as the main producer. Regarding the judging criteria, Soyeon emphasized, "It's all about skill. Just as I competed and was evaluated based solely on my abilities on 'Unpretty Rapstar', I will prioritize skill in judging 'Hip Pop Princess'."
The show features top-tier producers from Korea and Japan, including Gaeko, Riehata, and Iwata Takanori. Soyeon commented, "Riehata and I will focus on stage composition and performance, while Gaeko and Iwata Takanori will look at the detailed aspects of rap and skills. The balanced roles of the Korean and Japanese producers will ensure a well-rounded evaluation and unique chemistry."
'Hip Pop Princess' is a new project by Mnet aiming to create a global hip-hop girl group. Contestants will participate in all aspects, including music, choreography, styling, and video production, to express their individuality. The show will blend and clash the different cultures of Korea and Japan, allowing contestants to create new cultures and grow as unique artists.
Soyeon described the atmosphere on set with Korean and Japanese contestants as "fascinating," noting, "It's amazing to see young participants creating something themselves. The biggest highlight is that these are not just participants being molded, but individuals crafting their own paths. Watch as they discover and develop their unique styles."
The Korea-Japan collaborative project 'Hip Pop Princess' will premiere on October 16 at 9:50 PM on Mnet, and will be simultaneously broadcast in Japan via U-NEXT.
▲ Below is the Q&A with Soyeon
Q. How does it feel to return as an MC after being a contestant on 'Unpretty Rapstar' 9 years ago?
It's an honor and a source of pride to join as an MC and producer, having once been a contestant. 'Unpretty Rapstar' was a turning point for me, allowing me to debut with my own songs and become a producing idol. I hope to support and encourage more idols to showcase their musical talents.
Q. You're active as both an MC and the main producer. Are there any challenges? How do you balance the two roles?
As an MC, I focus on the overall atmosphere and support everyone with a senior's heart. As a producer, I aim to draw out the potential of each contestant with honest evaluations and sincere advice.
Q. How was the atmosphere during the first recording?
It's fascinating to see young participants creating something themselves. You can look forward to the charming contestants.
Q. The combination and chemistry of top producers from Korea and Japan are also anticipated. As an MC and producer, what should we focus on regarding the producers?
Riehata and I will focus on stage composition and performance, while Gaeko and Iwata Takanori will look at the detailed aspects of rap and skills. The balanced roles of the Korean and Japanese producers will ensure a well-rounded evaluation and unique chemistry.
Q. Your judging, from honest evaluations to sincere advice, seems to be a highlight of 'Hip Pop Princess'. What is your judging point?
My judging criteria are all about skill. Just as I competed and was evaluated based solely on my abilities on 'Unpretty Rapstar', I will prioritize skill in judging 'Hip Pop Princess'.
Q. You've been a judge and mentor on other audition programs. What sets 'Hip Pop Princess' apart?
The biggest highlight is that these are not just participants being molded, but individuals crafting their own paths. Watch as they discover and develop their unique styles!
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr