“Show Me the Money 12” kicked off to a grand start.
Mnet’s “Show Me the Money 12” aired its first episode on the 15th, featuring the first a cappella rap audition to discover new hip-hop icons. This season’s auditions expanded to include regional contests from Seoul, Gwangju, Busan, Jeju, and even global preliminaries. Attracting a record 36,000 applicants, it cemented its status as a legendary season.
The broadcast topped viewership ratings among teenagers and men in their 20s across terrestrial and cable channels (according to AGB Nielsen, Seoul metropolitan area). While women in their 40s recorded the highest single demographic rating at 3.0%, male teenagers (2.7%) and men in their 20s (2.5%) followed, underscoring strong male viewership.
The initial audition featured one-on-one a cappella rap reviews by producers. Among the three competitive sections—named, rookie, and global rappers—the spotlight fell on the impact of rookie rappers. Producers unanimously agreed, “The playing field has definitely shifted.” Royal 44 captivated with mesmerizing rap and stage presence. NowI’mYoung, YoungBlessy, YoungHarry, and Skarf also earned passes, drawing accolades for their fresh flow. Female rappers such as Twohundred, LucyGang, and CheoChicano also made a strong impression.
With 12,000 teenage applicants, the younger demographic emerged as a significant theme this season. Teen “Beast Baby” MilliMax easily passed the first round, with Crush praising him, saying, “It’s like seeing myself ten years ago.” High schooler Lee Woo-ju, commended by E-Sens, also advanced. Among idol rappers, Young Posse leader Jung Sun-hye, dubbed “Korean Hip-Hop’s Daughter,” garnered attention by receiving a pass from Zico on her third attempt.
Named rappers also showcased their prowess. Khundi Panda, a semi-finalist from “Show Me the Money 9” and known for his legendary “Root” stage, passed the preliminaries with veteran ease. FlickyBang, famous for the “Gang Gang Gang” meme, and his close friend TraeBee also advanced. Twelve, praised by Jay Park for his blend of rap and melody, along with rappers Gene the Gila, Kwon Oh-sun, Kim Ki-tae, and Rafsandu, also secured their spots. The appearance of Kim Ha-on, winner of “High School Rapper 2,” also drew attention, with Crush remarking, “Kim Ha-on did what Kim Ha-on does; he’s just a natural standout.”
Amidst the frenzy of 36,000 applicants, an array of uniquely charismatic characters returned, bringing the multifaceted charm of “Show Me the Money” to life. The debut of a hip-hop grandmother crew, proving age is no barrier to passion, and the quirky producers’ “laughter challenge” added rich variety to the first broadcast. The first-ever meeting between virtual idol group SKINZ members and Zico became a hot topic immediately after the broadcast.
Suspense surrounding Thai hip-hop star Milli’s audition outcome, which remained undisclosed until the end, piqued curiosity. Towards the end of the broadcast, the second preliminary “Inferno Round,” known as the “Flower of Show Me the Money,” was teased, alongside appearances by Hong Kong hip-hop legend JB and Japan’s rising hip-hop sensation Redeye.
Meanwhile, Tving’s original “World of Yaksha,” released exclusively at noon on the 17th on Tving, runs parallel to “Show Me the Money 12,” proceeding with different rules in a separate hip-hop survival setting. The Episode 1 preview revealed the final hidden rule, promising extreme competition. Only three survivors from “World of Yaksha” can return to “Show Me the Money 12,” heightening anticipation for this hidden league. “Show Me the Money 12: World of Yaksha” will air exclusively on Tving every Saturday, two days after the main show.
“Show Me the Money 12” airs every Thursday at 9:20 PM.
Image source: Mnet
