Seven-member hip hop group formed through the Japan-Korea joint project aims to wow a global audience
Tokyo, April 1, 2026 – Warner Music Group today announced that it has signed a global deal with H//PE Princess, a hip-hop group formed through the Japan-Korea joint project Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess, produced by a South Korean leading music channel Mnet. The leading global music company will support the group in achieving its ambition of building a passionate global fanbase.
Unpretty Rapstar: HIP POP Princess was a global survival audition program created to form the next generation of hip-hop groups with international appeal. The show featured a total of 40 contestants from Japan and Korea and was led by four main producers: Soyeon of i-dle, GAEKO, RIEHATA, and Takanori Iwata of Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS.
Following an intense three-month competition, seven finalists were selected through a global fan vote, leading to the formation of H//PE Princess in December 2025. The group is aiming to debut in the first half of 2026. The title track of the group’s debut album is scheduled to be produced by Gaeko of Dynamicduo, a driving force in the Korean hip-hop scene.
H//PE Princess is the first artist represented by Chapter-I Inc., a joint venture established by leading entertainment company CJ ENM and global integrated marketing and innovation company Hakuhodo Inc. Warner Music will work closely with CJ ENM and Chapter-I to develop the group’s career.
Lofai Lo, President of Warner Music APAC, said: “I’m super excited to work closely with H//PE Princess and help this newly minted group turn audiences around the world into passionate fans. By harnessing our global network and cutting-edge marketing capabilities, while opening the door to international collaborations, as we develop their long-term careers worldwide.”
CJ ENM said in a statement: “With H//PE Princess preparing for their debut in the first half of the year, a strong collaborative support system is now in place. Through partnerships with the leading music company, we hope audiences will look forward to the emergence of a new group poised to make an impact beyond Asia and on the global stage.”
Masahiko Yamada, President and CEO of Chapter-I, said: “We are delighted to have signed this global agreement with Warner Music Group, a company with a proven track record of delivering success for numerous global artists. We believe this partnership will generate remarkable synergy and accelerate H//PE Princess’s global activities.”
