Rapper HAON (25), who burst onto the scene after winning Mnet’s "High School Rapper 2" in 2018, has publicly thrown his hat into the ring for the new season of Mnet’s "Show Me the Money 12."
On the 21st, HAON posted his "Show Me the Money 12" audition video on social media, signaling his return to the arena. Fans were stunned―in their eyes, he’s seasoned enough to sit in the producer’s chair rather than line up as a contestant.
Since his breakout win on "High School Rapper 2," HAON has kept the momentum going, finishing runner-up on Mnet’s "RAP:PUBLIC" (2024). At the Korean Hiphop Awards, his track “Bastard” won Hip-Hop Track of the Year; his label KC earned Hip-Hop Label of the Year; the “KC (BUST IT DOWN)” video took Music Video of the Year; and his collab “FASHO” won Collaboration of the Year―bringing his haul to four trophies.
"Show Me the Money 12" is accepting applications through Sept. 26. Prospective contestants can apply via email, the official website, or by uploading with the designated Instagram hashtag.
Virtual idol group SKINZ’s member Kwon Yi-rang also shared an audition clip, billing himself as the show’s “first virtual contestant.” In the video, he drops a rap and announces, “I’m applying for 'Show Me the Money 12.'”
Celebrating 12 years, Korea’s longest-running hip-hop competition returns after a three-year break. Over the years, the franchise has launched stars like Loco, BOBBY, BewhY, Lil Boi, and Lee Young-ji, cementing its status as a premier pipeline for breakout rappers.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)