'Hidden Singer 8' Returns with Sim Soo-bong and Talented Impersonators

The popular show 'Hidden Singer 8', hosted by Jeon Hyun-moo, has made a grand return with legendary singer Sim Soo-bong and a fierce competition among talented impersonators. After a four-year hiatus, the new season has kicked off with a bang.

On the episode aired on the 31st, Sim Soo-bong took the stage as the first original singer, captivating the Hidden Panel with her unique voice and iconic songs, ultimately claiming victory. The premiere episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 4.6% and 4.0% in the metropolitan area, with peak ratings reaching 6.4% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea.

The episode drew attention as Sim Soo-bong, whom the production team had been eager to invite since season 1, finally appeared on 'Hidden Singer'. Jeon Hyun-moo revealed that there was an impersonator who had been waiting for Sim Soo-bong for 12 years, hinting at a challenging competition.

The Hidden Panel, tasked with identifying the impersonators, boasted an impressive lineup, including Song Eun-i, Kim Kwang-kyu, Lee Jong-hyuk, Son Tae-jin, Bada, K.Will, Lim Woo-il, and Billy members Tsuki and Siyoon. Also joining were Jae-seun and his mother, Shin Yang-soon, a devoted fan of Sim Soo-bong, along with Bada impersonator Choi So-hyun.

'Hidden Singer 8', featuring many hit songs, was structured into five rounds for the first time. The first round began with Sim Soo-bong's 'The Person Back Then'. The Hidden Panel was shocked to find that only six impersonators participated without the original singer, Sim Soo-bong. Even host Jeon Hyun-moo was unaware of this twist, adding to the entertainment as he humorously expressed his surprise.

In the second round, where Sim Soo-bong participated, the song 'Man is a Ship, Woman is a Harbor' was performed. Song Eun-i praised the impersonators, saying it felt like one person was singing. Meanwhile, Son Tae-jin and Kim Kwang-kyu had differing opinions on one impersonator's identity. Kim Kwang-kyu noted a slight skip at the beginning, suggesting it wasn't Sim Soo-bong, while Son Tae-jin argued it was her, drawing attention to who was correct.

Son Tae-jin was correct. Sim Soo-bong expressed her surprise, saying, "I thought no one would fail to recognize my voice. I feel betrayed." However, she confidently stated there was no chance of elimination, heightening interest in the remaining rounds.

In the third round, Sim Soo-bong and the impersonators performed 'I Only Know Love', followed by 'Binari' in the fourth round. The final round, determining the ultimate winner, featured 'A Million Roses', with Sim Soo-bong winning by a landslide. She shared her thoughts, saying, "I hope everyone here today will live a happy life, like 'A Million Roses'."

Reporter: Se-yoon Jung, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr