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On the November 30, 2025 broadcast of MBC’s “King of Mask Singer,” the identity of the contestant ‘Singing Hambugi’ was revealed to be Lee Hyun, a member of the K-pop idol group Baby DONT Cry. Her unmasking brought to light a remarkable story connecting her career journey to superstars IU and PSY, showcasing a fateful series of events that began years ago.
A Surprising Reveal on “King of Mask Singer”
In episode 520 of the popular music competition show, several masked singers battled for the throne against the reigning champion, “Perfect Marksman.” During the first round, ‘Singing Hambugi’ faced off against ‘Tongmotja Hotdog’ in a duet battle. Despite a compelling performance, she was unfortunately defeated and had to reveal her identity.
The Unmasking of Lee Hyun
As the mask came off, the panel and audience were surprised to see Lee Hyun of the girl group Baby DONT Cry. After the reveal, host Kim SungJoo prompted her to share her story, which unveiled an incredible connection to two of the biggest names in the Korean music industry, IU and PSY. Lee Hyun’s appearance on “King of Mask Singer” became a platform to share the unique origins of her K-pop idol career.
A Fateful Connection with Superstar IU
Lee Hyun recounted a pivotal moment from her past that directly shaped her future. The story began with a childhood appearance on another popular music variety show, where she had a memorable encounter with the celebrated singer-actress IU.
A Duet on “Fantastic Duo 2”
At just 12 years old, Lee Hyun appeared on the show “Fantastic Duo 2” with the endearing nickname “Bundang Little IU.” During the program, she had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform a duet with IU herself. The performance not only showcased her budding talent but also created a lasting bond with the top star. Lee Hyun shared that IU even went a step further, helping her by singing a campaign song for her school’s vice president election, a gesture that left a deep impression on the young aspiring singer.
The Path to Becoming a K-Pop Idol
That televised duet with IU did more than just create a cherished memory; it set her on a direct path to her debut. The performance caught the eye of another industry giant, leading to her recruitment and eventual debut in a highly anticipated girl group.
Scouted by PSY
Lee Hyun explained that world-renowned artist PSY happened to be watching “Fantastic Duo 2” that day. Impressed by her talent and on-stage presence alongside IU, he decided to scout her. This led to her joining his agency, P NATION, to begin her official training as a K-pop idol. Her journey from being a young fan singing with her idol to being discovered by a global star is a testament to her talent and a bit of serendipity. Today, she is a member of the girl group Baby DONT Cry, which is produced by PSY and has also featured production work from i-dle SoYeon, further solidifying her place in the industry.
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