Singer Park Seo-jin addressed the fairness controversy regarding 'The King of Masked Singers 2'.
On the afternoon of the 12th, a press conference for MBN's 'The King of Masked Singers 2' was held at the International Conference Room of Nuri Dream Square Business Tower in Mapo District, Seoul. The press conference featured discussions with the TOP7 from 'The King of Masked Singers 2': Park Seo-jin, Jin Hae-sung, Enok, Shin Seung-tae, Choi Soo-ho, and Kang Mun-kyung. TOP5 member Kim Joon-soo was unable to attend due to a performance of a pansori opera.
'The King of Masked Singers 2' is a survival entertainment program that selects a representative active singer from South Korea to participate in the 'Korea-Japan King of Singers Competition' in 2025.
Park Seo-jin, who won the final championship, previously faced issues regarding 'fairness controversy' due to mid-air entries. He noted, "I have seen a lot about the fairness controversy and thought it was a big deal when 'The King of Masked Singers 2' victory was announced. While waiting for the announcement with Hae-sung, I thought, 'Let it not just be me, because if it is me, there will definitely be controversy.' So when my name was announced, rather than feeling happy, I thought it was a big deal, and I became more concerned about how to cope with this big responsibility. The king's belt is heavier, so I will work harder to ensure I am a singer who will not be embarrassed at the 'Korea-Japan King of Singers Competition.'"
He continued, attributing his victory to, "The reason I was chosen as the king is thanks to the votes from the public. I think the reason so many people voted for me is because I showcased Korean culture on stage, and since I will go to Japan, I thought I would promote Korean culture well, and that's why many people sent in their votes."
Regarding the positive responses he received for 'singing well' through this competition, Park Seo-jin said, "There were negative perceptions regarding mid-air entries, so while preparing for 'The King of Masked Singers 2,' I thought even if I don't make it into the TOP3, I want to leave a positive image. While preparing songs, I practiced a lot and calculated how I should sing, before going on stage."
Particularly in relation to the mid-air entries, he said, "Hearing the term 'mid-air entry' made me feel like I was participating with a predetermined frame, so I tried to work harder. I originally wanted to participate from the beginning, but after participating in 'Mr. Trot Season 2,' I had a painful experience and decided not to even consider auditions. As I heard more about 'The King of Masked Singers 2,' I regretted not participating. I was hoping to sing in Japan, so I was quite disappointed, but I was contacted. They asked if I would consider appearing as a mysterious active participant."
He added, "I thought it wouldn't work out, but the producers told me, 'There is a penalty. It's not guaranteed that you will advance, it could go well, but there is also the risk of greater notoriety. Will you participate?' and that made me decide. I think I was lucky at that moment." He explained, "Despite the penalty, I faced off against Soo-ho. I battled against Soo-ho, and really, was it luck from heaven that he was very nervous? Thankfully, I was able to receive a high score and advanced."
Meanwhile, 'The King of Masked Singers 2' concluded its broadcast last month on the 25th, achieving a nationwide viewership rating of 13.9%, marking its highest record.
[Photo] OSEN's Choi Kyu-han
[OSEN]