‘Show Me the Money 11’ Mnet, ‘Their own party’ proven by viewership ratings

Mnet's 'Show Me the Money Season 11' ended poorly. Unlike the previous season, it is evaluated that the topicality was minimal. The low viewership ratings speak volumes about the status of ‘Show Me the Money.’

The winner was rapper Lee Young-ji. The first female winner in the history of ‘Show Me the Money’. It was just a nice-looking sign, but it was met with more suspicion than congratulatory applause. The reasons include Mnet's program management method and suspicion of biased decisions. Viewership rating: 0.8% (based on Nielsen Korea). It was their own party, and the blueprint for next season cannot be guaranteed.

The Show Me the Money series started in 2012. It was significant in that it brought the hip-hop genre, which was non-mainstream at the time, to the forefront. It's been about 10 years since the program aired. 10 years is a time when even rivers and mountains change. Mnet's unchanged plan made 'Show Me the Money' boring.

In the case of contest programs, a 'new character' that attracts attention must appear to be successful. It is the broadcaster's job to add new characters to the narrative. It was Lee Young-ji that Mnet featured on ‘Show Me the Money 11’. Mnet is largely responsible for not being able to make it a hit despite good material, such as winning as a female, high school rapper, and winning the first two hip-hop competition programs.

From another perspective, the limitations of the ‘hip-hop genre’ are cited. Ten years have already passed, and hip-hop is no longer fresh. The obvious storytelling of ‘Show Me the Money’ where only the winning prize or the characters changed. Even on the street, you can't hear the song 'Show Me the Money 11'. This is proof that ‘Show Me the Money’ no longer brings in money or buzz.

Mnet's problem is its attitude toward challenges. As hip hop became popular, we worried about it for 10 years. Recently, as 'dance' has attracted attention, 'dance parties' with the same dancers have been held for several years.

Of course, this is not just Mnet’s problem. Many broadcasters are insisting on this method. As trot becomes more popular, trot singers are competing. Entertainment programs are also being released every day on various channels.

Even if the broadcast is of the same type, it's okay if it does well. However, the ‘Show Me the Money’ series received a shabby report card. Right now, there will be no certainty about the twelfth season this year.

Rappers appear on ‘Show Me the Money’ to build awareness. Nowadays, you don't become famous even if you make it to the finals. In the past, AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk appeared on the 'Show Me the Money' stage and the lyrics that hip-hop is no longer cool are becoming a reality.

Reporter Junho Yoon, Ten Asia delo410@tenasia.co.kr