Masks steal the show in US version of Korean contest
Above is the American version of “King of Mask Singer” and below is the Korean version. Captured from the FOX and MBC YouTube account.
By Dong Sun-hwa
When American broadcaster FOX announced last year that it had purchased the concept for “King of Mask Singer” from South Korean broadcaster MBC, many doubted such a show would succeed in the U.S.
But when FOX released a trailer of its version early this month, the most critical element of the show ― the masks ― wowed viewers.
Thanks to the spectacular masks and costumes, the celebrities are unrecognizable. The masks are adorned with flashy decorations, including what look like real diamonds and fur. The rabbit mask is particularly striking, with its eyes shining in red just like a real animal.
Watch the trailer:
FOX reportedly spent up to $180,000 on each mask, which can be used only once and thrown away, in case its user is eliminated in the knock-out first stage. Such lavish spending reflects the broadcaster's confidence that that show will be a success.
"It looks amazingly different and everything's so.... elaborate... but i am excited! ― waiting to see how this'll turn out," an American YouTube user wrote after watching the trailer.
Another YouTube viewer wrote: “These costumes are on another spiritual level.”
The American version of “King of Mask Singer.” Captured from YouTube account of FOX
Hollywood scale?
Why did FOX spend so much on each mask? Was it worth the investment?
Oh Noo-ri, an MBC producer involved in the deal with FOX, said there was a “huge gap” in production costs between Korea and the U.S.
“Korean style focuses on singers' voices, while American style accentuates the 'show' aspect,” the producer said.
In fact, FOX basically targets a global audience, so its budget reflects the scale.
Having fewer singers in one episode than MBC is another reason for FOX to spend more on the masks. And the last possible reason is the relatively short per-episode running time ― 40 minutes for FOX and 110 minutes for MBC.
“The budget is big and the set is used for only a small number of cast members,” the producer said.
MBC first aired its masked singing contest in 2015 and has pleased numerous people every Sunday evening.
The first episode of FOX's “The Masked Singer” will be aired in January.
The American version of “King of Mask Singer.” Captured from YouTube account of FOX