Photo Credits: CJ ENM. MNET

Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess is gearing up to be one of the most talked-about survival shows of 2025. As the fourth season in the acclaimed Unpretty Rapstar series, this latest installment brings a striking twist by combining the cultural and musical talents of South Korea and Japan. Officially premiering on October 16, 2025, through Mnet, TVING, and U-NEXT, the show is already drawing major anticipation for its ambitious scope and bold concept.

For the first time in the franchise’s history, the lineup includes a total of 40 female contestants, evenly balanced with 20 from South Korea and 20 from Japan. This significant move highlights the show’s dedication to cross-cultural collaboration, as well as competition, in the ever-evolving world of hip-hop and pop music. Contestants will battle not only with their lyrical prowess and stage charisma but also with their ability to represent their country’s unique musical identity while navigating two cultures blended into a single spotlight.

Adding to the intrigue, the show revealed on September 10 the official contestant lineup and their concept images. Split into four different themes—Celebrity (Girl Crush), Escape from School (School Uniform), Self-Styling (Elegant), and Free Youth (Teen Casualwear)—the participants will showcase these striking styles as part of their introduction to audiences. The first concept, Celebrity: Girl Crush, has already turned heads. Featuring powerful visuals that highlight confidence, charisma, and individuality, these concept images give fans a glimpse of the fierce artistry and strong presence that viewers can expect from the stage performances ahead.

As news of the lineup spread, fans across South Korea and Japan flooded online communities with excitement. Many expressed eagerness to see how the cultures would merge musically, with comments highlighting the rare opportunity to witness a mix of Korean hip-hop intensity with the polished finesse often seen in Japanese pop performances. On Twitter and community forums, standout contestants from both nations became immediate points of fan discussion, with hashtags tied to HIP POP Princess trending throughout both countries.

Even before the premiere, several contestants are emerging as early fan favorites. South Korean rapper Minseo, known in underground circles for her biting lyrics and relentless stage delivery, has already gained a reputation as the “dark horse” of the season. Her sharp expressions in the Celebrity: Girl Crush photos have only added to her tough, confident image. Meanwhile, Japanese contestant Rika, a former idol trainee shifting into hip-hop, has sparked debate with her bold concept styling. Fans are curious to see whether her polished pop training will translate into stage dominance or if she’ll struggle against more battle-hardened rappers.

Another standout is Korea’s Hana, a stylish contender praised for her self-produced tracks that went viral online even before she set foot on the HIP POP Princess stage. Many expect her to be a top contender in the “Self-Styling: Elegant” category, where individuality and artistry will stand at the forefront. From Japan’s side, Aiko, nicknamed the “lyrical assassin” for her rapid-fire freestyle skills, has already been singled out by hip-hop fans for her technical ability, making her one of the most anticipated performers in the competition.

Industry insiders are closely monitoring how these particular names may shape the show’s narrative. Past survival programs have often built defining stories around rivalries, friendships, and unexpected underdogs, and HIP POP Princess seems poised to follow a similar path. With the scale of contestants so large, analysts predict breakout stars will not only redefine the current landscape of female rap but also potentially carve international careers post-show.

Veteran hip-hop commentators have raised questions on whether the format, heavily featuring stylish previews and themed aesthetics, might overshadow lyrical authenticity. Still, others argue that contestants like Minseo and Aiko prove the show can strike a balance between raw artistry and polished appeal. At the same time, countless fans have embraced the mix of glamour and grit, reflecting the evolution of hip-hop and pop culture into hybrid forms that celebrate both performance and identity.

As the premiere date approaches, the excitement shows no sign of slowing. Fan communities are already creating prediction polls, voting for their imagined “final lineup” of queens, while fan art of the contestants is spreading widely on social media. With an unprecedented blend of personalities, talent, and style, Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic survival shows of 2025, promising fierce performances, unexpected rivalries, and the crowning of a new generation of hip-hop and pop royalty.

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