(Following the exclusive interview②) "Brother Kim Gu-ra is really a genius at intuition." In the 10-year history of 'King of Mask Singer', the performance of the panel of judges, which has been a fixed presence just like the past masked singers, continued. The intuition that even the producer admired has accumulated over 500 episodes and has become exceptionally seasoned.

The MBC entertainment program 'King of Mask Singer' will celebrate its 500th episode on the 22nd. It first aired on April 5, 2015, marking the 10th anniversary of its broadcast this year. Stars hiding their age, status, and profession showcase their skills only through their voices in the music variety 'King of Mask Singer', which has now become a national entertainment show that no longer needs explanation. Moreover, while season-based programs with fewer episodes are common in today's broadcasting industry, 'King of Mask Singer' has consistently maintained its long-standing viewership on Sunday nights. In this regard, OSEN met with producer Jang Hyo-jong, who is in charge of 'King of Mask Singer', at the MBC headquarters in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, the day after the special recording for its 10th anniversary and 500th episode on the 12th, to discuss the program's remarkable records.

'King of Mask Singer' has had a total of 2,079 masked singer participants, and has sold its format to 57 countries. Producer Jang Hyo-jong noted, "Recently, our format was sold to India. The local production team contacted our MBC distribution department to inquire about production manuals regarding how to handle security measures and such," expressing his astonishment. He also mentioned that they received congratulatory messages from the local production teams of countries currently airing the international format of 'King of Mask Singer', including the United States and Northern Europe, to commemorate the 10th anniversary.

In addition, the design team that creates eight masks for each recording and the production team that has meticulously collected detailed data over the past 10 years, producer Jang Hyo-jong continued to express his gratitude.

Among them, the affection for the celebrity judges who have maintained their positions consistently for the past 10 years was particularly unique. Producer Jang Hyo-jong stated, "Brother Yoo Young-seok has an extraordinary love and affection for music. He gets so excited when only the good singers come out," adding, "Surprisingly, the judges are deeply immersed in their affection for this program. After doing this for 10 years, one might become habitual, but every recording, they shine their eyes and passionately debate, 'Is number 1 better, or is number 2 better?' Their musical knowledge is deep, and I think it's remarkable that they take their time seriously and participate more passionately without being bored."

He further mentioned, "Brother Kim Gu-ra really seems to have a fantastic intuition. When I listen to his comments, even though he wears sunglasses and might not see well, I wonder how he knows everything. There are times the production team is surprised at his deduction skills, and his vast knowledge is definitely a strength, making him a pillar of the judging panel."

In particular, producer Jang Hyo-jong also praised MC Kim Sung-joo, saying, "Mr. Kim Sung-joo is such an excellent MC that during the recording, he spontaneously mentioned, 'We have gathered 400 audience members, and roughly 100 staff members, including the celebrity judges. We have 500 people together for the 10th anniversary special.' Our production team hadn't thought that far, but the fact that he was able to say such things spontaneously reaffirmed that he is an exceptional MC and someone who has maintained 'King of Mask Singer's' 10th anniversary."

The combined efforts of these participants have allowed 'King of Mask Singer' to establish itself as a lasting entertainment show that can satisfy a broad audience. Producer Jang Hyo-jong stated, "While preparing for this 10th anniversary, I realized once again that 'King of Mask Singer' is truly a well-structured program. The revisions, supplements, and accumulated data from the production teams and participants who have passed through this program have made it so that there's really nothing left to modify."

He added, "I know that the trend in entertainment nowadays is not to wait for a schedule like before. Each viewer has very clear preferences when it comes to programs, and their age and gender are distinctly categorized. Many entertainment shows are going in such a direction. However, 'King of Mask Singer' has become a program that anyone can enjoy without discomfort over the past 10 years. It should be such a program where everyone, from a 10-year-old grandchild to a 70-year-old grandparent, can watch and discuss together. Shouldn't 'King of Mask Singer' be that kind of program?"

[Photo] Provided by MBC.

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