In an unprecedented moment for the K-pop industry, virtual idol rapper AI:NE made a surprise appearance on the January 15, 2026, episode of Mnet's popular rap competition show, 'Show Me The Money'. Th...
In an unprecedented moment for the K-pop industry, virtual idol rapper AI:NE made a surprise appearance on the January 15, 2026, episode of Mnet's popular rap competition show, 'Show Me The Money'. The inclusion of a virtual contestant has never before been seen in the show's history, drawing both awe and debate among viewers and industry insiders alike. AI:NE's Groundbreaking Debut AI:NE, developed by the South Korean tech company MetaRhythm in collaboration with entertainment giant SM Entertainment, performed a self-composed track titled 'Reboot My Heart'. The song, which blends traditional hip-hop beats with synthesized vocals, quickly garnered attention, amassing over 1.2 million views on YouTube within the first 24 hours of its release on the platform. The Impact of Virtual Idols The significance of AI:NE's participation cannot be overstated. Historically, 'Show Me The Money', now in its 11th season, has been a platform for discovering and propelling human talent such as Loco and ...