Premiering Sunday, Jan. 11, "Veiled Cup" is the global expansion of "Veiled Musician" ― “the fairest audition in the world,” where only the voice counts. The Top 3 singers from nine countries ― South Korea, China, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mongolia and Laos ― go head-to-head for national bragging rights as the project reaches its climax.
Before the competition officially kicks off, host Lee Da-hee makes a runway-ready entrance that dominates the room ― and accidentally sparks a laugh-out-loud onstage mishap as she steps out from behind the veil. The playful moment will be revealed on air.
With world-class contestants raising the bar, a star-studded panel takes on judging duties: Tiffany Young of Girls’ Generation, 10CM, Ailee, Paul Kim, Henry, and I-DLE’s MIYEON deliver heartfelt critiques and razor-sharp analysis throughout.
It’s 10CM’s first time in a judge’s chair, and while he vows to be “the fairest of them all,” the talent keeps disarming him. He’s heard saying things like “That’s a winner right there” and “They’ve got everything I envy,” before one performance leaves him speechless ― and then declaring the singer “a straight-up genius.” Viewers will be eager to see which country produced the contestant who melted his defenses.
Several performers spark big emotions, including contestants whose final-round sets ― the stage that determines each country’s Top 3 ― move both Tiffany Young and Ailee to tears with explosive emotion and powerhouse vocals.
Attention also centers on a Mongolian contestant appearing under the nickname “Goryeoin,” who performs Lim Young-woong’s hit "Love Always Runs Away," bringing Tiffany Young to the verge of tears and sharing a personal Korea-related story that stuns the panel.
Ailee ― known for her biting honesty on "Veiled Musician" ― hesitates after one set, saying, “This might be risky to say,” before carefully picking up the mic, prompting curiosity about what comes next.
"Veiled Cup", a high-stakes battle of national pride with critiques that swing from icy to warm, premieres Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on SBS.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)