D-1: Show Me the Money 12 Is Back — And It’s Bigger Than Ever π€π₯ After months of anticipation, Mnet’s Show Me the Money 12 is finally back. The new season premieres on Thursday, January 15 at 9:20 PM, and from everything we’ve seen so far, this season is shaping up to be one of the most intense and memorable in the franchise’s history. The opening episode takes us back to the show’s roots with the iconic first-round a cappella rap auditions, held in a gym filled with nervous energy and raw ambition. This simple yet brutal format—just a mic, a beatless verse, and the judges’ immediate reactions—has always been where legends are born and dreams are crushed. And this year, the stakes feel higher than ever. A Record-Breaking Number of Applicants https://www.instagram.com/p/DSTujcTkkWZ/ Season 12 has already made headlines even before airing, thanks to its record-breaking 36,000 applicants, the highest number in Show Me the Money history. That alone speaks volumes about the show’s continued influence on Korean hip-hop and youth culture. From the very first episode, contestants will battle for the coveted chain, a symbol of survival and potential. With such a massive pool of rappers, early eliminations are expected to be ruthless, and viewers can likely expect both unforgettable performances and shocking exits right from the start. A Truly Global Season https://v.daum.net/v/20250821213636517 One of the biggest differences this season is its expanded global scale. Auditions were held not only in major Korean cities like Seoul, Gwangju, Busan, and Jeju, but also across 32 regions worldwide. This international reach brings a new layer of diversity to the competition, both musically and culturally. Global names such as M1LLI and Red Eye have already drawn attention, but the real excitement lies in the unexpected—rappers with unique backgrounds, unconventional styles, and stories that go beyond the typical competition narrative. From underground veterans to first-time contestants, the lineup promises constant surprises. Producer Lineup That Raises the Tension https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/broadcast/2025/09/23/TJ4BBYK7JDJLGEEK2FA55YXSKE/ No season of Show Me the Money is complete without its producers, and Season 12 delivers a lineup packed with personality, experience, and clashing musical philosophies. ZICO & Crush bring sharp instincts and emotional depth GRAY & Loco represent polished sound and industry success J-Tong & Hukky Shibaseki add unpredictability and underground edge Lil Moshpit & Jay Park combine global sensibility with star power A teaser clip featuring ZICO saying, “I got chills for the first time while judging,” has already fueled fans’ curiosity. If even seasoned producers are reacting like that, expectations for episode one are understandably sky-high. Veterans, Rookies, and the Birth of a New Star https://www.instagram.com/p/DTUHVdFESoz/ Another key highlight this season is the mix of well-known rappers and fresh newcomers. Familiar faces like HAON, the winner of High School Rapper 2, and Fleeky Bang, who stood out in SMTM11, have already sparked excitement among fans. At the same time, producers have hinted that rookies are stealing the spotlight this year. Unknown contestants are reportedly delivering performances strong enough to shake the judging panel, raising anticipation for the emergence of the next breakout star in Korean hip-hop. Of course, with high expectations come harsh realities. Teasers suggest unexpected eliminations, reminding viewers that reputation alone means nothing on this stage. Why Show Me the Money 12 Matters More than just a survival show, Show Me the Money has always reflected the current state of Korean hip-hop—its struggles, evolution, and global ambitions. With its record number of applicants, worldwide auditions, and diverse producer lineup, Season 12 feels like a snapshot of where the scene stands today. Show Me the Money 12 will air simultaneously on Mnet and TVING, making it easier than ever for fans to tune in. As Korean hip-hop once again takes center stage, one question remains: Who will survive the first round—and who will define this season?πΆπ₯ #ShowMeTheMoney12 #SMTM12 #ShowMeTheMoney #Mnet #KHipHop #KoreanHipHop #HipHopSurvival #RapCompetition #ZICO #JayPark #Crush #GRAY #Loco #HAON #FleekyBang #KMusic #KPopCulture #TVING #KoreanTV #HipHopScene
