MUSIC
Finalists of 'HipPop Princess' Share Their Determination Ahead of the Grand Finale
Mnet's Korea-Japan joint project 'Unpretty Rapstar: HipPop Princess' (hereafter 'HipPop Princess') has been on a journey to create a global hip-hop group, starting with the first track competition 'HipPop Challenge' mission, followed by the main producer's new song mission, true battle, and special producer's new song mission. On the 11th, the final 16 contestants were confirmed through the finalist selection round, and now, with only the final stage left, the contestants have shared their resolve.
With the birth of a global hip-hop group in sight, each contestant expressed their determination. Choi Ga-yoon (in alphabetical order) stated, "I am always full of energy, so no obstacle can stop me. I am ready to push forward towards my goal and show everyone my conviction here." Choi You-min said, "I will work hard until the end to become an artist who does not disappoint those who have supported me and show a great stage."
Han Hee-yeon vowed, "I have always strived to surpass my limits. I will challenge myself endlessly and without regret to achieve my dreams." Hina expressed, "I have run hard for this dream with a more desperate heart than anyone else. I believe the day has come that can change my life, and I will do my best until the end." Kim Do-yi shared, "I have experienced so much coming this far, and it feels unbelievable that it's already the last stage. It was a meaningful and short time, and I will announce my beginning on this final stage."
They also did not forget to express gratitude to their fans. Kim Su-jin said, "I believe the reason I could come to the finals is all thanks to your support. I will work harder to repay the fans' support." Koko mentioned, "Rather than pursuing perfection on stage, I will not deceive myself and show a stage where I genuinely enjoy music, trusting in the days I have longed for and run towards." Lee Joo-eun conveyed, "The reason I could come this far is thanks to everyone who believed in and supported me. As debuting is my dream, I will definitely achieve it and repay you."
Min Ji-ho expressed, "I have learned and grown a lot in 'HipPop Princess' and have run tirelessly. I will decorate the final stage with a performance without regrets." Mirika also stated, "A year ago, I couldn't even imagine appearing on an audition program, but I met a new me and grew a lot. I will not forget my gratitude and do my best to debut here." Nam Yu-ju shared, "This moment exists because of those who have warmly watched over and supported me. As the opportunity to achieve the long-awaited dream of debuting has come, I will do my best until the end."
The determination to enjoy the final stage without regrets continued. Niko expressed, "I want to show the final stage with a strong heart so that I can show everything I have built up so far. I will not forget the gratitude for those who sent support and encouragement and do my best until I can think I have done it." Rino said, "It's amazing to have come to the finals in the first audition program I challenged. Since I have come this far, I will leave a good result and make it a final stage without regrets." Sasa showed determination, "I will trust myself who has come this far and definitely seize the debut in front of me. As my dream is to become an artist who makes people happy, I will do my best in the finals to achieve the dream of debuting."
Yoon Chae-eun said, "The reason I could come to the finals is thanks to many people who helped me and the fans. Now, with a heart of gratitude, I will do my best to achieve the dream of debuting." Yoon Seo-young shared, "I have experienced many failures and falls, but I have endured with the certainty that I will be loved on stage someday. I was really happy to come to the finals, and I will become an artist who repays the love and support you send with more."
The final live broadcast stage, which will determine the debut of the Korea-Japan simultaneous debut in the first half of 2026, will be aired on the 18th at 9:50 PM (KST), where the protagonist of the much-anticipated global hip-hop group will be revealed.
Reporter: Kim Ji-won, TENASIA bella@tenasia.co.kr
