The confidence of the 'Mask Singer' producer, who said, "Antique Mirror can achieve a 10-game winning streak," was no empty boast. The identity of Antique Mirror, the 5-game champion of 'Mask Singer', has been revealed to be singer Onion, delighting long-time fans.
Onion recently revealed his identity as the 5-game champion Antique Mirror on the MBC entertainment show 'Mask Singer'. Although he yielded the throne to the new champion, the tiger chasing evil spirits, he came down from the champion seat by just a 5-vote margin.
In the meantime, the current situation of Onion, who was the 5-game champion Antique Mirror of 'Mask Singer', is attracting attention not only from viewers but also from listeners. Previously, Antique Mirror drew admiration with choices that showcased delicate emotional lines, such as 'Twenty-Five, Twenty-One' by Jaurim and 'Like Water for a Withered Flower' by HYNN. With that achievement, he surpassed singer Jung Jun-il, who held the record for the most consecutive wins with 9 wins, increasing curiosity about his true identity. The presence of Onion, which carries the same weight, brings delight to viewers while simultaneously convincing them.
Indeed, in a one-on-one interview with OSEN last June, producer Jang Hyo-jong, who directs 'Mask Singer', left a comment about the presence of champion Antique Mirror. In the interview conducted for the 500th special episode to celebrate the 10th anniversary of 'Mask Singer', producer Jang listed the 5th to 6th consecutive wins as the toughest challenges that past champions and contenders faced. The pressure and responsibility for champions are enormous.
Producer Jang Hyo-jong noted, "It seems that the participants all feel they must show a stage worthy of the 'champion.' From what I've observed, the actual pressure seems to be greatest from the 5th to 6th wins up to the 8th. By that time, past champions looked almost exhausted after just one performance."
Consequently, the sensitivity of the staff is also heightened. Thus, the transition from the 9-game champion Jung Jun-il, who holds the record for the 3rd most consecutive wins, to the new champion Antique Mirror has become a turning point for 'Mask Singer'. Producer Jang Hyo-jong said, "The transition to champion Antique Mirror has its notable significance," and added with a smile, "I'm cautious about whether his identity will be revealed, but personally, I believe Antique Mirror is someone who could easily achieve a 10-game winning streak."
About two months later, Antique Mirror's identity has been revealed as Onion. This proves the confidence of the 'Mask Singer' producer. In fact, both the dedicated viewers of 'Mask Singer' and Onion's long-time fans are reacting with surprise, unable to believe his departure at '5 games', while simultaneously acknowledging that such a record was only possible because it was Onion.
In reality, Onion showcased unwavering vocal talent not only with R&B ballads that can be deemed her genre on 'Mask Singer', but also through a variety of genres and a broad vocal range. In the timeless ballad 'Never Ending Story', he maximized the lyricism unique to the original, and even reinterpretated the hit song 'IM' by the girl group IVE with his own color. Praise for Onion continues even after his departure as 'Antique Mirror' from 'Mask Singer' after about 3 months.
Simultaneously, attention is drawn to 'Mask Singer', which continues to showcase the presence of legendary vocalists even after 10 years on-air. In a one-on-one interview with OSEN, producer Jang Hyo-jong highlighted that among the 2,079 individuals who have participated in 'Mask Singer' up until the 500th special episode, there are still "some who we have yet to meet," expressing the desire to invite prominent vocalists like Park Jung-hyun and those known as 'Kim Na-Bak', such as Kim Bum-soo, Na-ul, and Park Hyo-shin. Many are eagerly awaiting the emergence of another champion who will captivate 'Mask Singer' after Onion.
[Photo] OSEN DB, provided by MBC.
[OSEN]