Jeon So-yeon Returns as MC and Producer for 'Hip Pop Princess': 'My Only Standard Is Pure Talent'

Group (G)I-DLE's Jeon So-yeon has shared her excitement about joining 'Hip Pop Princess' as the show's sole MC and main producer.

On the 25th, Mnet's 'Unpretty Rapstar: Hip Pop Princess' (hereafter 'Hip Pop Princess') released behind-the-scenes stills from the recording, along with a Q&A interview with MC Jeon So-yeon.

Nine years ago, Jeon So-yeon made a powerful impression as a contestant on 'Unpretty Rapstar.' Now, she returns to the franchise as the solo MC and main producer for 'Hip Pop Princess,' a Korea-Japan joint project. She shared, “For me, ‘Unpretty Rapstar’ was the turning point that led me to debut with my own songs and become an idol who produces music. That’s why I wanted to join this project—to support and encourage more idols to showcase their musical talents up close.”

As the MC of 'Hip Pop Princess,' Jeon So-yeon will guide the overall flow and atmosphere of the show, while also taking on the key role of drawing out the contestants’ full potential as main producer. Regarding her judging criteria, she emphasized, “Once again, my only standard is pure talent. When I competed on ‘Unpretty Rapstar,’ I wanted to be judged solely on my skills, and I plan to do the same here—talent comes first, always.”

She also spoke about the all-star lineup of Korean and Japanese producers, including Gaeko, RIEHATA, and Iwata Takanori. “RIEHATA and I will focus on stage direction and performance, while Gaeko and Iwata Takanori will look closely at rap and the finer details of each contestant’s abilities. With such a well-balanced team from both countries, you can look forward to fair evaluations and some truly unique chemistry.”

'Hip Pop Princess' is Mnet’s latest Korea-Japan joint project, aiming to create a new global hip-hop girl group. Contestants will participate directly in every aspect of the process—from music and choreography to styling and video production—showcasing their individuality at every step. As hip-hop brings together and fuses Korean and Japanese cultures, the contestants will not only create a new culture but also grow into artists with their own unique identities.

'Hip Pop Princess' premieres on October 16 at 9:50 p.m. KST, and will air simultaneously in Japan via U-NEXT.

▲ Q&A with Jeon So-yeon

Q. How does it feel to return as an MC after competing on ‘Unpretty Rapstar’ nine years ago?

It’s such an honor and a proud moment to return as both MC and producer, having once been a contestant on ‘Unpretty Rapstar.’ That show gave me the chance to debut with my own songs and become an idol producer, so I joined this project to support more idols in showcasing their musical abilities.

Q. You’re taking on a huge role as both MC and main producer. Has it been challenging? How do you balance both roles?

Being MC and producer comes with different responsibilities. As MC, I try to keep an eye on the overall atmosphere and offer encouragement as a supportive senior. As producer, I approach things more critically, giving honest feedback and heartfelt advice to help each contestant reach their potential.

Q. What was the atmosphere like during the first recording?

It’s not easy for young people to create something from scratch, but I’m amazed at how everyone is pulling it off! You can definitely look forward to meeting some truly captivating contestants.

Q. The combination of top Korean and Japanese producers is also highly anticipated. What should viewers look out for from the producer team?

RIEHATA and I are focused on the overall stage direction and performance, while Gaeko and Iwata Takanori are paying close attention to rap and the finer points of each contestant’s skills. With the producer team’s roles so well divided between Korea and Japan, you can expect balanced evaluations and some amazing chemistry.

Q. Your honest critiques and heartfelt advice are sure to be a highlight of ‘Hip Pop Princess.’ What is your main judging focus?

My standard is, as always, pure talent. When I competed on ‘Unpretty Rapstar,’ I wanted to be judged solely on my abilities, and I plan to do the same for ‘Hip Pop Princess’—talent comes first.

Q. You’ve served as a judge and mentor on other audition programs. What sets ‘Hip Pop Princess’ apart from other shows?

The biggest difference is that these contestants aren’t just being made—they’re making themselves. Please watch as each participant discovers and develops their own unique style!

Photo Credit: Mnet

This article is a translated version of the original Korean article published by Xportsnews, originally written by Jo Hyejin. This article was translated from Korean using AI-assisted tools and human review to deliver an accurate and culturally appropriate version for international readers.