"If we had continued with Season 11, some seasons might have been successful while others faced criticism. Given the long-running nature of the content, I believe the hiatus was beneficial."

Last month, a roundtable interview was held at the CJ ENM Center in Sangam, Mapo-gu, Seoul, with Choi Hyo-jin, the chief producer of Mnet's 'Show Me The Money 12' (SMTM 12). 'Show Me The Money' is a survival program where Korea's top rappers and new talents team up to compete, first airing in June 2012. The recently aired 'SMTM 12' marked its return after a four-year break since the end of Season 11 in December 2022, concluding in April 2026 with Kim Ha-on's victory. The winner reportedly received a prize of 100 million won.

Reflecting on the past, Choi CP said, "Season 11 coincided with a period of social issues. It was a challenging time for us as producers due to various incidents. While only ratings and reactions remain over time, the difficulties of the production process are what linger in our memories." In late 2022, the Itaewon tragedy occurred, leading to a national mourning period and the suspension of events and broadcasts.

He added, "During the airing of Season 11, the hip-hop genre itself was undergoing various changes. It wasn't entirely positive. These factors seemed to intertwine in many ways. During the break, I did a lot of thinking. Although we produced a program called 'Rap: Public,' it wasn't simply because 'Show Me' was on hiatus. Many new contents emerged over the years, and the flow of popular culture changed significantly."

"In creating 'Show Me' again after four years, we pondered extensively on how much of the familiar format to change and how much to retain. Being such an old program, it's easy for anyone to question, 'Why did they do it that way?' and for each episode to feel like a familiar format."

Choi CP expressed, "There are still artists in the hip-hop scene with diverse genres and colors, and I believe there has been significant musical growth. Therefore, I felt there was still much to showcase."

"The current hip-hop artists have evolved in the music they create, and the musicians gaining popularity have changed significantly over the years. If we can effectively showcase these changes within 'Show Me The Money' and allow these artists to naturally participate, it would be very meaningful."

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr
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