'Hidden Singer 8' Champions Round: 'High-Note Bomber Kim Hyun-jung' Cho Ha-neul Takes the Lead

JTBC entertainment program "Hidden Singer 8" opened its champions round on June 9. The first part of the contest, in which the season's representative vocal impersonation talents gathered to compete fiercely for the title of "King of Hidden Singer," was unveiled.

Five contestants took the stage, each showing a distinct personality and appeal as they fought through a close competition. According to Nielsen Korea's paid-household standard, the broadcast recorded a 2.8 percent rating both nationwide and in the Seoul metropolitan area.

The opening was led by Kim Hyun-jung's song "Meong." Original singers Kim Jang-hoon, Younha and Kim Hyun-jung, who had appeared on the program as featured original artists, cheered on their own impersonation specialists while also keeping a wary eye on rival contestants, adding a lively sense of fun to the broadcast.

The first performance came from Choi Yeon-hwa, the winner from the Shim Soo-bong episode. Known as "Harbin Shim Soo-bong," she sang "I Know Nothing but Love." Her stage was built around advice from Shim Soo-bong, and she earned 276 points.

Lee Ji-young from the Younha episode selected "Password 486" and recreated Younha's image by preparing not only the outfit but also a piano. Younha responded with emotion, saying, "Ah, I must have looked like this. I am so moved."

Cho Jae-il, the winner from the Kim Jang-hoon episode, delivered both laughter and emotion. Watching him, Kim Jang-hoon burst into a broad laugh and said, "Has there ever been anyone in the history of 'Hidden Singer' who made people laugh like that?"

Choi Yoon-jung from the Davichi Lee Hae-ri episode showed powerful vocal ability, handling both Lee Hae-ri's and Kang Min-kyung's parts. Her unmatched high notes drew admiration from the on-site judging panel.

The highest score in Part 1 went to Cho Ha-neul from the Kim Hyun-jung episode. Living up to the nickname "High-Note Bomber Kim Hyun-jung," she won an enthusiastic response from the audience with high notes that felt impossible to approach. She earned a total of 287 points. An impromptu duet stage performed together with original singer Kim Hyun-jung also delivered a strong emotional impact.

A special showdown between Younha and the vocal impersonation talents was also held, and after intense competition Younha took first place.

As the final performer in Part 1, Bae Sung-soo from the 10CM episode appeared and recreated Kwon Jung-yeol's distinctive vocal tone with striking skill, drawing gasps from the audience.