[Features reporter] S. Korean hip-hop group "Suni and the Seven Princesses" offers hope to the elderly

Kun-woo, I heard you had the chance to meet some celebrities this week.

Can you tell us more about that?

Of course!

This week, I had the incredible opportunity to meet the coolest grannies on earth who know how to share their true stories through rap lyrics.

They are famously known as "Suni and the Seven Princesses," named after their leader, "Jeom-sun."

It took over four hours by car to reach Chilgok-gun county in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province where they live.

Let me take you through my trip.

A community center in a small rural village of around 100 residents.

This is where "Suni and the Seven Princesses," a hip-hop group of women with an average age of 85, was formed two years ago.

Overhearing joyful voices, I peeked inside.

Their life stories, woven into their lyrics, have brought fresh energy, thanks to their regular Korean classes.

"When I was young, I had to walk several kilometers to school because of the war, so, I couldn't study. But, learning Korean has opened my eyes."

They used fun methods like singing traditional Korean songs to improve.

After class, they quickly transformed, donning hip-hop gear and rapping like pros -a striking contrast to their Korean lessons.

"The granny rappers show us that it’s never too late to challenge yourself and speak your truth through your honest lyrics. Inspired by them, I decided to try rapping today. Together with the grannies, we send a message to our viewers."

This group has offered hope and inspiration in South Korea which turned into a 'super-aged' society last year, with over 20 percent of the population aged 65 or older.

Their success has even led to the creation of other elderly hip-hop groups.

And they're boosting the local economy, with merchandise featuring their faces, symbolizing the region.

Their influence stretches beyond the local community, performing at venues nationwide, and even spreading globally.

A documentary about them, directed by a Polish filmmaker, is set to be released later this year.

The filmmaker shared her inspiration behind the project.

"This project is to show to the other people that we are limitless that we can change our lives no matter in which age we are currently in. We shouldn't have any excuses for anything she started the rapping band in that age so that's really impressive."

As the filmmaker hopes, Suni and the Seven Princesses will continue spreading their powerful message.

"It's incredible we've come this far. If we can do it at this age, young people can too."

Emphasizing that she's already very happy, she said her only wish is for her and the members to stay healthy.

Can you share some rapping that you learned from the grannies?

Of course.

And Kun-woo, I heard that there is a hidden supporter helping the grannies perform so well.

Yes, one popular Korean rapper "Sleepy" is behind all of that.

One thing Sleepy said was that he was even influenced by the granny rappers.

I had a chance to speak with him so take a listen.

"It was truly moving when they shared their experiences of tough times they've been through, or are going through, and their hopes all through their lyrics. I realized trying to look cool, showing off, or any kind of arrogance that might exist in the hip-hop world isn't what truly matters."

After teaching and seeing the grannies rap, he said he was deeply inspired and shared his hope that he could continue rapping even when he is older, with his children and even grandchildren.

And I heard that the grannies are looking for an additional member?

That's true.

As one of the members unfortunately passed away last October, the group is planning to hold an audition next month at the community center I visited to fill the spot.

There are some "strict" requirements for the audition.

You must be a woman, at least 75 years old, and living in Chilgok-gun.

Applicants will be tested on dictation, trot singing, free-style dancing, and self-introduction.

So if anyone watching is interested, or knows someone who might be, feel free to apply or recommend them!

Alright Kun-woo, thanks for all of that.

We'll see you next time.

Thank you Kun-woo.

My pleasure.