On the evening of April 2, 2026, the South Korean hip-hop scene reached a fever pitch as Mnet’s 'Show Me The Money 12' aired its grand finale, drawing the attention of fans and industry insiders alike. With a record-shattering 36,000 hopefuls vying for a shot at stardom this season, the stakes for the final five contestants—Kim Haon, Now Aim Young, Mason Home, Mili, and Travy—could hardly have been higher. As the clock struck 9:20 PM KST, viewers tuned in for the live broadcast that would ultimately crown the next champion and successor to season 11’s winner, Lee Youngji.
The journey to this climactic stage has been nothing short of extraordinary. According to iMBC and NEWSIS, this twelfth season not only broke records in terms of applicants but also set new benchmarks for drama, talent, and resilience. Each finalist brought a unique flavor to the competition, and their stories have become as compelling as their music.
Kim Haon, already known for his victory on 'High School Rapper 2,' entered the finals with a flawless record—undefeated in every mission. His collaboration with the Zico and Crush team on the track 'TICK TOCK' soared in the Melon TOP100 charts, cementing his status as a formidable contender. Reflecting on his journey, Kim Haon shared with iMBC, “I started with the mindset that I would go all the way, and I’m grateful for this experience. I will do my best for everyone who supported me and for the Zico team. Thank you to everyone watching until the end, and stay healthy.”
Now Aim Young’s path to the finals was nothing short of dramatic. Initially eliminated during the notorious ‘Hell Song Camp,’ she fought her way back through the Tving original 'World of Yacha.' Her resilience and trendy flow have made her a standout in the hip-hop scene. As Xportsnews reported, Now Aim Young humbly admitted, “Honestly, I didn’t expect to make it to the finals. I always tried to do my best in every situation, and I approached the stage as if I had already won, to give it my all.” Her producers, Jaytong and Hurki, were effusive in their praise, with Jaytong stating, “Now Aim Young has shown great performances throughout the season. I believe she’ll finish strong,” while Hurki added, “Her attitude towards music is really admirable. She worked so hard to prepare, so let’s win this!”
Mason Home, like Now Aim Young, owes his survival to 'World of Yacha.' As the last remaining member of the Okashi crew, his journey has been marked by steady progression and growing ambition. “I never thought I’d make it to the finals,” Mason Home confessed to iMBC. “But after each stage—through the music mission, the main rounds, and the semifinals—I became more determined. I want to prove why I deserve to be here, and though I can’t say I’m sure I’ll win, I have a reason I must. My goal from the start was to take Okashi to the world, and I hope to make that a reality on this stage.”
Mili stands out as the only global and female rapper among the finalists, a distinction that’s not lost on her or the audience. Hailing from Thailand, Mili made history as the first Thai solo artist to perform at Coachella, and her trilingual rap skills have captivated fans throughout the season. “Despite the pressure, I endured to make it to the finals,” Mili told iMBC. “My schedule was hectic, and I didn’t have much time to prepare, but I poured everything I could into it. Preparing for this stage was harder than ever, but I gave my best. I hope everyone can feel all the energy I’m bringing.”
Travy, meanwhile, has been a model of consistency and confidence. His performance in the ‘60-second Rap Mission’ earned him an encore from the producers, and he was voted the second most high-level rapper by his peers during the ‘Hell Song Camp.’ Travy’s partnership with producers Lil Moshpit and Jay Park in the semifinals led to a show-stopping ‘BAOW’ performance, securing his spot in the finals. “I’m very happy to have made it to the finals,” he remarked to iMBC. “From the start, my goal was to win, and I believed in myself. Thanks to Hyemin and Jaebeom for helping me get here. Since it’s the last stage, I’ll show everything I have without any regrets.”
The anticipation for the finale was heightened by the promise of spectacular special stages. As reported by NEWSIS and Newspim, ‘Team Rafsandou’—the group that left a lasting impression during the 4:4 ‘Hell Song Camp’ team mission—returned to perform their much-requested track ‘Public Enemy.’ Fans, who had clamored for the song’s release as a single, were eager to see what new twists the group would bring to the live stage. In addition, the five rappers from 'World of Yacha Part 2' also took the spotlight for a special performance, adding even more excitement to an already electric night.
Beyond the music, the show’s popularity has been undeniable. Newspim noted that 'Show Me The Money 12' ranked first in the integrated TV-OTT popularity index for the fourth week of March 2026, a testament to its broad appeal and cultural impact.
Each of the finalists entered the final round with a sense of purpose and gratitude. As SPOTV News highlighted, the preview video ahead of the finals captured their determination: “Our goal is to win,” they declared, “and we’re preparing as if we’re carving the flesh from our bones.” The atmosphere was thick with tension and excitement, as the five prepared to pour their hearts into one last performance.
With such a diverse and talented group of finalists, fans were left to wonder: Who would emerge as the new icon of the Korean hip-hop scene? Would it be the undefeated Kim Haon, the resilient Now Aim Young, the ambitious Mason Home, the trailblazing Mili, or the steadfast Travy?
One thing was certain—regardless of the outcome, 'Show Me The Money 12' had already made history, not only for its record-breaking participation but also for its celebration of talent, perseverance, and the unifying power of music. As the curtain fell on the final stage, the legacy of this season was assured, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the ever-evolving world of Korean hip-hop.