[Asia Economy Guest Reporter Kang Hyesoo] On the afternoon of the 23rd, the KBS2 show 'King of Mask Singer' featured eight masked singers challenging Rose Lady's 6 consecutive wins in the first round stage.
The first duel of the first round was between Busan Milmyeon and Suwon Wang Galbi, performing a duet of Jo Sung-mo's 'Determination.' From the start, Busan Milmyeon delivered powerful high notes, while Suwon Wang Galbi impressed with husky vocals and soaring high notes, resulting in a close match. Suwon Wang Galbi advanced to the second round with a score of 17 to 4.
Busan Milmyeon, who revealed their identity after singing Kim Hyun-jung's 'Goodbye with Her,' was trot singer Geum Jandi. Geum Jandi tearfully shared, "Since this program started, it has been my dream to appear on 'King of Mask Singer.' I kept postponing because I was worried people wouldn't recognize me, but this year marks my 20th debut anniversary. So, this feels like a gift," expressing her feelings.
The second duet battle of the first round was between Retriever and Clubber. They chose WINNER's 'Empty.' The match between Retriever's stable tone and Clubber's sophisticated rap ended with Clubber advancing to the next round with a score of 15 to 6.
Retriever, who revealed his identity after singing Kim Hyun-sik's 'Like the Rain, Like the Music,' was broadcaster Jin Hua, husband of Ham So-won. Jin Hua shared an anecdote that his wife was offered to appear on 'King of Mask Singer,' and she told him to participate, so he did. He also said, "There are many scenes of us fighting on the show, which hurts my heart. We have more happy moments. Please don't worry," leaving a message of reassurance.
The third battle was between Five Stars and Well Done. They chose Jaja's 'On the Bus.' This match ended with Well Done delivering an energetic and powerful performance, winning 16 to 5 and advancing to the second round.
Five Stars, who revealed their identity after singing Tutu's 'One and a Half,' was Kim Song, wife of Kang Won-rae and former member of the mixed group Kolla. Kim Song said she appeared because of her son born when she was 43, adding, "My son looks exactly like my husband, but his personality resembles mine. He is timid and lacks a spirit of challenge, so I wanted to show a confident side," she added.
The final duet stage was between Ssaksseuri and Sseurigo. They competed with Bolbbalgan4's 'To My Youth.' This stage ended with Sseurigo advancing to the next round with a score of 17 to 4.
Ssaksseuri, who revealed her identity after singing IU's 'To Name,' was Rocket Punch member Juri. Juri, a Japanese member, apologized for mistakenly voting for Michael Lee when Golden Child's Kibum appeared on the judging panel. However, Kibum also revealed he voted for Sseurigo, causing laughter.
Juri said, "Rocket Punch has only debuted for a year, and we really want to win first place on music shows. We will work hard," she said.
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