Chapter 178: The Great Reversal (2)
Chapter 178: The Great Reversal (2)
"Goyo" was a song performed by Shin Wan-seok, the vocalist of Sacrifice, one of Korea’s most iconic bands.
It wasn't just any ordinary song; it was an anime theme song.
At the time, there had been some pushback because the production chose to use an original track instead of importing the Japanese version, but those complaints quickly vanished. The song was simply that good, and the vocalist was none other than Shin Wan-seok.
As time passed, many had forgotten it, but just as many still held it dear in their memories.
And yet, to think they would hear that song on Masked Singer of all places.
For anime fans, the mere fact that a female contestant had chosen this song was a shock in itself.
The original song had a ballad-like feel, and since Max Level Rabbit’s vocal style had been similar up until now, everyone expected more of the same.
However, the arrangement was different.
It kicked off with a sharp electric guitar riff, transitioning into a soaring, belted high note.
It was more upbeat, yet it didn't lose the unique color of "Goyo."
The arrangement was so masterful it made people wonder who was behind it.
As the song progressed, the audience, who had been cheering at first, gradually changed their expressions.
Was the reaction bad?
No, quite the opposite.
There was a magnetic quality to it that made everyone stop and listen intently.
It was as if they were being submerged in a pool of raw emotion.
Max Level Rabbit’s singing had a strange way of doing that.
It was something that stimulated the emotions of others.
A power that drew out empathy.
People didn't know why.
Was she that good at singing?
They weren't sure, but they found themselves empathizing with the emotion and naturally falling into the melody.
This was the strongest weapon that had allowed Max Level Rabbit to break through the rounds and reach this point.
That voice, and the power to pull out emotions.
Perhaps because of that, the frequency of posts on communities and social media dropped significantly until her song ended.
And then.
With a final, dazzling guitar flourish, Max Level Rabbit’s performance came to a close.
Most had predicted Gray Crow’s victory for the King's Match.
Some had even commented that the opponent was far too easy.
But once Max Level Rabbit finished her song, opinions were split down the middle.
In fact, the momentum seemed to have shifted toward Max Level Rabbit.
Posts asking about Max Level Rabbit’s identity began to flood the internet.
Praise from the host and the panel followed.
"I heard this song was originally the reason your parents first met."
Then came a brief interview conducted with a distorted voice.
She claimed her reason for choosing the song was that it was the catalyst for her parents' relationship.
Regardless, the netizens didn't seem to buy Max Level Rabbit’s story.
I mean, it had to sound plausible for them to believe it.
Of course, the panels and the host just clapped enthusiastically.
"Wow, a song that brought your parents together! That’s amazing~" they said.
Meanwhile, Sua and Young-bin, who were in the audience and knew the truth, could only bury their faces in their hands and bow their heads.
They never imagined their daughter would introduce the song like that.
Anyway.
"The final King's Match, with the throne right before your eyes!! Against a formidable opponent like Max Level Rabbit, do you believe you can seize victory?"
At host Song Byung-soo’s booming question, Gray Crow stepped to the center and gripped the microphone.
"Well, my memories will win."
At that confident declaration, cheers erupted from the audience.
Then, at Gray Crow’s signal, the sound of a guitar rang out.
This side was similar.
It wasn't the kind of song commonly heard in Korea; it felt more like an OST.
The problem was that no one could even guess what it was.
Was it an original composition?
Of course, there was no rule against bringing an original song to Masked Singer.
However, people usually avoided it.
If they weren't careful, it would just turn into a new song showcase.
If someone brought a new song, they would surely be criticized for self-promotion once their identity was revealed.
So, there was no reason to take such a gamble.
'What song is that?'
'Is this an anime song too?'
That was the general reaction.
But the moment Gray Crow gripped the mic, the atmosphere shifted entirely.
It was a refreshing song.
Much like the songs Max Level Rabbit had been singing until now.
Superb technique.
Outstanding skill.
They didn't know the song, but there was a power in it that made them unconsciously nod along.
In terms of empathy, however, the reactions were quite divided.
Strangely, there were parts that didn't quite resonate.
But there were also those who felt a deep connection to it.
It was only natural.
While those reactions popped up...
-
There were also these peculiar reactions.
Even though it was a song that didn't quite fit the mainstream, it had a charm that drew people in.
"See? I told you, Unnie. You just went and sang whatever you wanted, and now look at the reaction."
At the words of her manager, Song A-ram, who was watching the broadcast with her, Yeo-hee chugged her can of beer.
Does that even matter right now?
What comes next is more important.
"Anyway, I won."
"Is it really winning if you win by singing your own song?"
"Th-that’s technically not my song. I never even registered the copyright."
"Oh, brother. Like that’s something to be proud of."
Manager Song A-ram had a headache.
She knew exactly what was coming next.
It was natural for the song to get this kind of reaction.
In the first place, when Yeo-hee sang this song, she wasn't targeting the general public.
She sang it with the feeling of throwing away any chance at the Hall of Fame.
It was a song sung for just one person.
So, how could the public possibly empathize with it?
'She’s just overflowing with lingering regrets.'
It was a miracle she hadn't crossed the line yet.
She had managed to end it by watching from afar without ever meeting him.
Well, she didn't know how long this situation would last.
'I guess Director Kang Tae-jin gave specific instructions to edit this.'
Sua and Young-bin didn't appear on the broadcast.
Presumably, showing the two of them in the audience would make it too easy to deduce Max Level Rabbit’s identity.
They had clearly been careful with the editing.
'Anyway.'
The song was good.
Truly.
If Yeo-hee had sung it for the public, she could have easily drawn out their empathy.
But this was a song for one person.
No, was it two?
The object of her regret, and the one rabbit looking up at Yeo-hee from below.
She had called it an opening.
Yeo-hee always said it like a habit.
That her life was always an opening.
It seemed this song was the foundation of those words.
'I don't know if it reached him, though.'
The MC’s brilliant skill at stalling for time before announcing the winner set the viewers' reactions ablaze.
This match, in particular, had many unpredictable elements.
Seeing that reaction, Yeo-hee actually felt glad she had done it this way.
Of course, if she had lost, her pride would have been utterly crushed.
'Anyway.'
Yeo-hee thought to herself as she listened to the broadcast stalling for time in various ways.
Both Young-bin and Seo-yeon.
Honestly, she could feel them hesitating.
She didn't quite know why Seo-yeon was like that.
But she had a rough idea about Young-bin.
To chase a dream, he now had things he had to protect. He couldn't just go on a reckless adventure to fulfill his own dream alone.
She didn't think it was a wrong way of thinking.
In fact, it was likely the right judgment.
However, Yeo-hee wanted to see a bit more of the man he used to be.
The man who would dive headfirst into things.
'If you can do it but don't, you'll regret it, Young-bin.'
Yeo-hee sighed as she thought of him.
She truly believed it would be okay.
Because there were plenty of people who believed in him and would stand by his side.
Surely.
"Unnie, Unnie! It’s out! It’s out!!"
Finally, the result of the Masked Singer King's Match was revealed.
After a grueling 20 minutes of stalling, the result was a victory for Gray Crow by a mere two votes.
In essence, a single person's vote had decided the outcome.
No one knew who that one person was.
But the content that followed was more important than the result she already knew.
At that moment, Yeo-hee and Young-bin were in the middle of a cool moment of mutual understanding, giving each other thumbs up.
At least, that’s what she thought.
The problem was Seo-yeon.
In Masked Singer, the loser must take off their mask and reveal their identity.
Amidst the internet reactions.
"Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! Max Level Rabbit! Please take off your mask!!"
At Song Byung-soo’s shout, Max Level Rabbit took off her mask.
It tore with a creaking sound because she pulled it off a bit forcefully.
She struggled, but she managed to get it off.
Then, long black hair cascaded down from within the mask.
And finally, red eyes like a rabbit’s were revealed.
As her face was revealed, the audience and the panel were thrown into an uproar.
Most had thought she was a singer or an idol.
Or someone working in music. No one expected her to be an actress.
Furthermore, everyone knew Seo-yeon hadn't been learning to sing for very long.
And yet she had this level of skill?
'I fooled them good.'
Yeo-hee narrowed her eyes as she watched the reactions.
The person who arranged the song had done a magnificent job.
They had tailored it perfectly to the singer, highlighting only Seo-yeon’s strengths.
Whoever it was, they were no amateur.
Anyway, that wasn't what was important right now.
"Max Level Rabbit was actress Ju Seo-yeon!! Wow, this is incredible. How long did you practice your singing?"
Song Byung-soo spoke with genuine surprise.
No, he was truly shocked.
He never imagined Seo-yeon could sing like this.
Amidst the intense reactions, Seo-yeon dropped several hints.
"I’ve been working on a lot of music lately. I think that’s why my skills improved so quickly."
She was talking about her music work.
"An unnie I’m currently filming a drama with helped me a lot with this arrangement."
An unnie she was currently filming a drama with.
If there was someone among them who could do music, there was only one person.
Summer Girl’s Cha Na-hee.
Just as a fight was about to break out with the Summer Girl fandom.
As if she felt she had fulfilled her duty, Seo-yeon’s shoulders bounced.
She looked strangely proud.
Seeing her look relieved despite losing the King's Match, people belatedly realized the reason.
Indeed, there was no reason for Seo-yeon to appear on Masked Singer.
Since Masked Singer had recently been used as a "rehabilitation" program for celebrities, using it for promotion was actually quite cute.
In fact, the way Seo-yeon shrugged her shoulders was a move she often showed on variety shows when she was "in a good mood."
A move well-known to Ju Seo-yeon’s fans.
"Then, do you have any final words?"
When host Song Byung-soo asked, Seo-yeon was about to shake her head and say no.
"Oh, there is one last thing I want to say."
She suddenly spoke up.
Only then did Yeo-hee, who was drinking beer, and her manager lock eyes and glue themselves to the TV.
At the time, they were both distracted by other things and hadn't properly heard what Seo-yeon said.
But looking at the reactions that followed...
'I shouldn't have acted all cool and refused to watch the video back then.'
Yeo-hee had even refused the video they offered to send after filming because of her lingering regrets.
Naturally, she had been cursed out by Song A-ram.
"The song Gray Crow sang... I actually know that song."
"Oh, really? Is that so? It was my first time hearing it."
Everyone had assumed it was an original song.
But Seo-yeon said she had heard it before.
Amidst those reactions, interest focused on what the song Yeo-hee sang actually was.
For the record, Yeo-hee and manager Song A-ram watched with wide, apprehensive eyes.
"A long time ago, my parents were in a game club. They made a game back then... and that was a song included in it."
"Yes, so, it’s an original song, right?"
"Yes. I was a bit surprised because her voice was so similar to the person who sang it."
As Seo-yeon said that, she playfully stuck her tongue out at Gray Crow, who had belatedly turned to look at her.
It was a face that seemed to be teasing her.
She hadn't realized the meaning back then, but now she knew.
It was a grudge.
She had lost, but it seemed she wanted to play a little prank.
But this was by no means a little prank.
'Wait, you little...!'
Naturally, Yeo-hee, who had belatedly confirmed the full extent of that gesture, clutched her head with both hands.
And at the same time.
Yeo-hee’s phone began to ring as if it were on fire.