With just two episodes remaining until its finale, Mnet’s hip-hop survival show 'Show Me the Money 12' (SMTM12) has proven its explosive popularity, preparing for a spectacular conclusion. Even in its 12th season, the show’s influence remains formidable.
According to the latest FUNdex survey by Good Data Corporation released on March 20, SMTM12 ranked first in overall buzz across TV, OTT dramas, and non-drama programs for the third week of March, reaffirming its status. Notably, short-form and highlight videos produced across various official online channels have cumulatively surpassed 1 billion views. This milestone indicates that fans worldwide are engaging with hip-hop culture beyond the broadcast itself, underscoring the show’s unrivaled influence in Korean hip-hop entertainment.
Dominating a 78% Viewership Share: The Moving Story of Gene the Zilla
The March 20 broadcast of the main stage was nothing short of a “battle.” With TVING’s real-time viewership share surpassing 78%, each performance became a high-stakes showdown. Teams led by Zico & Crush, Lil Moshpit & Jay Park, Gray & Loco, and J-Tong & Hukky Shibaseki delivered performances that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
The most talked-about moment was Zene the Zilla’s victory. After eight attempts since 'Show Me the Money 2', Zene finally stepped onto the main stage, backed by JUSTHIS’s support, with his explosive “MR. ROCKLEE” performance. Using a four-wheeled bike and delivering tight rap flows, he captivated the audience and earned a deeply emotional win.
Other standout performances included WOODZ’ featuring stages, and Kwon Oh Sun (OSUN) & Mason Home’s “SKY PASS” with Bobby, which achieved a record production cost of 10,740,000 KRW and dominated the vote. MILLI’s theatrical stage with Loco and Kim Haon’s stylish performance of “Sum” further cemented SMTM12’s strong music chart presence immediately after airing.
The Battle of Nine: TOP9 Semifinalists Confirmed
Following the intense main stage, the TOP9 semifinalists have been confirmed, each with unique narratives and distinct musical styles aimed at claiming victory.
Kim Haon, a former High School Rapper winner, has maintained a perfect record across missions, solidifying his position as a frontrunner. The sole female rapper, MILLI, also remains a hot topic thanks to her commanding stage presence and 8.7 million views on her “Hell Song Camp” video, marking her as a formidable dark horse.
Other semifinalists include NOWIMYOUNG and Mason Home, who made dramatic comebacks in 'SMTM 12: The World of Yacha,' Raf Sandou of Okashi Crew, idol-trainee-turned-performer Jung Jun Hyuk, unique-toned Kwon Oh Sun, and bold Traybee. Completing the “eight attempts, nine tries” narrative is Zene the Zilla, rounding out a nine-member lineup facing a ruthless survival where individual ranking, not team performance, determines the outcome.
This semifinal promises star-studded features from legends like BewhY, Coogie, E Sens, Lil Boi, Natti, Noh Yoon Ha, and The Quiett, alongside genre-defying collaborations involving orchestras, string instruments, and ballet, showcasing hip-hop’s artistic potential.
Spinoff ‘The World of Yacha’ Ends: Who Will Be the Final 5?
Equally intense is the TVING-exclusive spinoff 'The World of Yacha Part 2,' where eliminated contestants and strong rappers battle for a chance to re-enter the live stage. Voting for the final round closes at midnight on March 25.
Current frontrunners include Untell, Cambo, SUEN, and YLN Foreign, while SMTM12 alumni Blasta and Luci Gang are mounting a fierce challenge. Fans’ likes and views will determine the final TOP5, creating maximum suspense.
On March 28 at 12 PM, TVING will exclusively release 'SMTM12: Final TOP5 Special,' where the finalists share behind-the-scenes stories and heartfelt reflections. The grand finale announcing the ultimate winner of 'Show Me the Money 12' will air on April 2 at 9:20 PM KST on Mnet.
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