Reigning masked singer finally steps down

Ha Hyeon-woo from indie rock band Guckkasten / Courtesy of MBC

By Yun Suh-young

The reigning champion "Our Neighborhood Music General" who was vying for his 10th win in the MBC singing competition show "King of Mask Singer" stepped down from the throne Sunday, failing to clinch his 10th straight win.

The singer who performed under the name "Our Neighborhood Music General" behind the mask turned out to be Ha Hyeon-woo from indie psychedelic rock band Guckkasten, as many had expected. He made his last appearance on the 62nd episode of the show Sunday singing "A Very Long-Lasting Couple" by 015B. He handed over the top spot to the new champion who went by the nickname, "I Can Do It -- Escape from Joblessness" who beat him by singing "Nocturn" by Lee Eun-mee. The audience voted for the latter by 66 to 33.

In the program, participants wear masks to cover their identities and face off against other singers in one-to-one battles. Their faces are revealed only after they lose a round. In the first round, two contestants perform the same song on stage and the one whose performance receives more audience votes gets a chance to perform solo in the second round. In the third round, the winning contestants from each group challenge each other, and the winner among them gets a chance to compete against the reigning champion, who has been the Music General for 18 consecutive weeks since his first win on Jan. 31.

The Music General had acquired many fans through the show. His winning streak thrilled audiences, episode after episode. The identity of the masked singer had been the talk of the town during the first few episodes. After several shows, however, many predicted his identity as Guckkasten's lead singer. Yet his probable identity was no longer an issue as fans waited show after show for another one of his mesmerizing performances.

"I was so thankful and overwhelmed throughout the show. I wondered if it was possible to feel this kind of happiness again during my lifetime," said Ha, after revealing his identity Sunday.

"Every time I stood on stage, I was pressured and fearful but the audience's cheers have been a great support."

He congratulated the new champion on the win and said he "hoped the new champion will provide joy to the audience."

The show airs on MBC every Sunday at 4:50 p.m.