Masked singers who stopped Ju Yunbal's 3 consecutive wins performed the Round 2 stage. Photo by 'King of Mask Singer' capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Hyesoo] On the 29th, MBC's 'King of Mask Singer' featured the second-round performances of masked singers challenging the 124th reigning champion, Joo Yoonbal.
The first performance of the second round was a showdown between Jigu-bon and Rocky. Choosing Kim Hyun-chul's 'Ilsaeng-eul,' Jigu-bon captivated the judges with an emotional and mature voice, earning positive reactions. Rocky selected Park Jin-young's 'Kiss Me' and delivered the original song with a stylish voice while demonstrating boxing moves.
The judges commented on Jigu-bon, saying, "Anyone who listens to Korean pop music would definitely know this person," and about Rocky, "He seems like a professional musician. Not self-taught but someone who studied professionally." The stage ended with Rocky winning 15 to 6.
When Jigu-bon took off the mask, he was revealed to be Wax, a singer celebrating his 20th anniversary since debut. Wax said, "It feels like I've only been singing for about 10 years, but it's already been 20," adding, "I want to sing more while my voice is still fresh," sharing his aspirations for the year.
The second performance of the second round was by Bomsonyeo and Bandal Prince. Bomsonyeo sang Ilgi-yebo's 'Geudaeman Itdamyeon.' Her clear and bright voice, fitting her name, especially moved the male judges. Bandal Prince chose MC the Max's 'Sarang-eul Oechida.' His powerful vocal delivery prompted Kim Gura and Kai to signal that they might know who he was.
Yoon Sang said about Bomsonyeo, "The expressions of the judges all changed," and predicted, "She is not a soloist but a vocalist active within a group." Kim Gura commented on Bandal Prince, "Lee Seok-hoon and Kai recognized him. That person has a head shape that looks Western," implying he knew everything. Lee Seok-hoon added, "I want to work with Bandal Prince."
The second performance ended with Bandal Prince winning 11 to 10. Bomsonyeo, who brought a spring breeze to the hearts of the male judges, was revealed to be LOONA's Chuu. Kim Sung-joo introduced Chuu as the originator of the "bite heart" gesture. Chuu expressed gratitude, saying, "I am thankful to the respected seniors who have done the bite heart a lot."
The last performance of the second round, which would stop Joo Yoonbal's three consecutive wins, was a battle between Rocky and Bandal Prince. Rocky chose Yoon Jong-shin's 'Bonneungjeogeuro' and delivered a smooth stage with a relaxed mid-low tone. Bandal Prince sang Big Mama's 'Chenyeom.' The stage was especially impressive for its clean high notes that soared upward.
The battle between Rocky and Bandal Prince ended with Bandal Prince winning 17 to 4. Rocky, who revealed his identity, was Ha Hyun-gon, the drummer of Click-B, as predicted by Shin Bong-sun. In fact, Rocky had competed last week against No Min-hyuk, another member of Click-B, and Ha Hyun-gon won. Ha Hyun-gon shared, "I recognized Min-hyuk by the hair on his instep," which brought laughter. He added, "Min-hyuk, you took a nuclear punch from me. Thank you and sorry." He also said, "I came out to promote myself as a singer-songwriter Ha Hyun-gon, not just Click-B's drummer."
Joo Yoonbal, challenging the 124th king, sang Lee Juck's 'Geojitmal Geojitmal.' Yoon Sang commented on Joo Yoonbal's choice, saying, "I wondered who could have hurt Yoonbal's heart like this," sharing his impression. Lee Seok-hoon said, "He is a different style of king compared to before," adding, "He is honest with himself and moves freely. He is someone who performs well."
Regarding Bandal Prince, Yoo Young-seok praised, "His a cappella singing has reached the level of art," and Yoon Sang said, "After hearing his third challenge song, I thought, 'Ah, that's the person. Someone I must know,'" adding to the curiosity.
The battle between Joo Yoonbal and Bandal Prince ended with Joo Yoonbal winning 11 to 10, achieving his third consecutive victory. Bandal Prince, who lost by one vote, was revealed to be musical actor Michael Lee. Michael Lee said, "I am grateful for this opportunity. I practiced a lot to sing pop songs well. As a Korean-American, I was very nervous because I couldn't speak Korean perfectly, but it was a very happy opportunity."
Kai praised, "He is an unparalleled presence in the musical world, so it's impossible not to know him. He transcends nationality and genre," giving high praise. Michael Lee concluded by passionately singing 'This Is the Moment' from the musical 'Jekyll & Hyde,' moving the audience.
MBC's entertainment program 'King of Mask Singer' airs every Sunday at 6:20 PM.
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