'Show Me the Money 12' Crowns Kim Ha-on as Winner Amid Record-Breaking Viewership

The winner of 'Show Me the Money 12' is none other than Kim Ha-on.

Mnet's 'Show Me the Money 12' concluded its grand finale, drawing the curtain on a season that saw a record-breaking 36,000 applicants. Returning after nearly four years since its last season in 2022, the show captured immense attention, culminating in a live broadcast finale on the 2nd, where Kim Ha-on emerged victorious.

The finale broadcast on TVING achieved a staggering 92.1% real-time viewership share among all live channels, demonstrating the intense interest in the final showdown. Additionally, it ranked first in viewership among male teenagers across all channels, including terrestrial TV, with a peak rating of 2.5% in this demographic.

Kim Ha-on expressed his overwhelming emotions, stating, “Since deciding to participate in 'Show Me the Money 12', this moment was the only scenario I envisioned. Despite many challenges, I owe my success to Zico and Crush, to whom I dedicate all my glory.”

This season introduced the notable 'World of Yacha', marking the first collaboration with OTT to expand its universe. The hidden league structure, allowing for the revival of eliminated contestants, added a unique twist, leading to the rediscovery of rappers like Untell.

The strategic expansion of its IP through bold attempts left a significant mark. 'Show Me the Money 12' and 'World of Yacha' topped the weekly subscription contributions in the entertainment category on TVING for 10 consecutive weeks. As of March 26, the paid subscription contribution of these contents was over 2.4 times higher than the finale of 'Show Me the Money 11'. Moreover, the viewership overlap between 'Show Me the Money 12' and 'World of Yacha' increased by approximately 2.6 times compared to the first episode, as of April 1.

Led by winner Kim Ha-on, the season also spotlighted new faces in the hip-hop scene with diverse talents and styles. Contestants from various regions, including Seoul, Gwangju, Busan, and Jeju, as well as international participants, competed fiercely. The top five included Kim Ha-on, Nauimyoung, Mason Home, Millie, and Tray B, alongside emerging talents like Raf Sandu, Royal 44, Marv, and Jung Jun-hyuk. The season showcased a vibrant mix of new, global, and skilled hip-hop artists.

The show's popularity was evident in its consistent top rankings in the Good Data Corporation's FUNdex for TV and OTT drama and non-drama categories. Since its premiere, 'Show Me the Money 12' maintained its top position in non-drama TV buzz. The program's related videos amassed over 1.1 billion cumulative views across official social media platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) as of March 31.

The show also made waves on music charts. Zico and Crush's team mission song 'TICK TOCK' quickly climbed to the top ranks of Melon's TOP100. Gray and Loco's 'Ssak' reached number one on Thailand's iTunes, gaining international recognition, further boosted by challenges from stars like BTS's Jungkook. The main track 'KISS KISS KISS' topped Apple Music's 'Today's Top 100: South Korea' chart. The final performance tracks released on the 4th are expected to continue the show's momentum.

The production team of 'Show Me the Money 12' stated, “Returning after about four years amid changing hip-hop trends, we carefully balanced familiarity and freshness. Thanks to the dedication of the eight producers and the heartfelt efforts of the rappers, we successfully concluded this season. We also extend our gratitude to the viewers for their passionate support.”

Meanwhile, the 'Show Me the Money 12 Concert' is scheduled for May 31 at 2 PM and 7 PM at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.

Reporter Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr