[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Hyesoo] The five-time consecutive winner of 'King of Mask Singer,' Nangrang 18-se, was revealed to be So Chan-whee, as many had predicted.
On the broadcast of 'King of Mask Singer' on the 1st, the stages of challengers aiming for Nangrang 18-se's sixth consecutive win continued.
The first stage of the second round was between Life Boiled Egg and The Giraffe I Drew. Life Boiled Egg chose Yoon Mirae's "Goodbye Sadness, Hello Happiness," delivering a clear yet powerful voice to finish the stage. The Giraffe I Drew performed Wheesung's "An Untellable Story." The panel was all impressed by The Giraffe I Drew's refreshing yet stable voice.
In this round, The Giraffe I Drew won, and Life Boiled Egg took off her mask. Her identity was Miyeon, the main vocalist of (G)I-DLE. Miyeon said, "This is my first time doing a broadcast schedule alone, and I was very nervous because it was a competition," adding, "But I wanted to show a new charm, so I came out."
The second stage of the second round was a battle between Windmill and Joo Yoon-bal. Windmill performed Taeyeon's "Can You Hear Me," melting the panel's hearts with a clear and beautiful voice. Joo Yoon-bal chose Sam Kim's "Who Are You," showcasing a sorrowful and skilled vocal range, winning against Windmill with a score of 78 to 21.
After losing to Joo Yoon-bal and removing her mask, Windmill was revealed to be Soyul, a member of Crayon Pop. Soyul, who was returning to the stage after four years, did not forget to mention that her husband Moon Hee-jun supported her. She also expressed her desire to challenge solo activities and musicals.
The third round was a showdown between The Giraffe I Drew and Joo Yoon-bal. The Giraffe I Drew chose Resurrection's "Secret." The clear and pure high notes and emotionally rich expression captivated the panel.
Then Joo Yoon-bal selected Kim Jin-ho's "Family Photo" to challenge The Giraffe I Drew. His passionate singing focused everyone's attention, and he ultimately secured the spot to advance to the king round.
The unfortunately defeated The Giraffe I Drew was revealed to be actor Lim Kang-sung. Lim Kang-sung, who sings the OST for "Rustic Period" and is active in musicals, was guessed by Kang Kyun-sung from the second round, who said, "I think I know who it is." He praised, "I've seen him in musicals, and he sings very well." He also revealed, "We were never in the same class, but we were elementary school classmates," drawing attention. Lim Kang-sung nodded in agreement at Kang Kyun-sung's words.
Finally, Nangrang 18-se, who was challenging for a sixth consecutive win, took the stage and sang Lim Jae-beom's "Where Are You." She once again delivered a king-like performance with her distinctive strong and husky voice. The result was 53 to 46, with Joo Yoon-bal emerging as the new king.
At last, Nangrang 18-se took off her mask and was revealed to be female rocker So Chan-whee, as many had expected. She said, "Actually, while preparing for 'King of Mask Singer,' I studied a lot of music and realized that I had become a bit lazy," adding, "This program whipped me into shape, telling me 'You have to do it!'" She also gave her final words, "I will continue to live with the heart of an 18-year-old."
Meanwhile, Joo Yoon-bal, who became the new king in the 122nd generation, is speculated among netizens to be Kang Seung-yoon of WINNER, raising expectations for the next 'King of Mask Singer.'
MBC entertainment show 'King of Mask Singer' airs every Sunday at 6:20 PM.
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