MONSTA X's Kihyun Shines as a Judge on 'Veiled Musician,' Balancing Empathy with Sharp Criticism

MONSTA X member Kihyun has captured attention as a judge on Netflix's 'Veiled Musician,' demonstrating a keen ability to balance genuine empathy with sharp, objective criticism.

Throughout the show, Kihyun offered heartfelt support to contestants, creating a warm atmosphere and enhancing their performances with his engaging reactions. He didn't shy away from offering constructive feedback, maintaining a professional demeanor while switching between supportive comments and incisive analysis. His multi-faceted judging style left a lasting impression.

For instance, after 'Tanhyeondong Wangttukkeong' performed JYP's 'Kiss Me,' Kihyun exclaimed, 'I think I'm in love with this person,' showering them with praise. He also admired 'Jeongdongmyeon Gangcheolseongdae's' unique vocals on Geeks' 'Crush,' remarking, 'Just like the nickname suggests, a steel voice. There's absolutely no intention to hide this vocal talent.'

Conversely, when critiquing 'Hannnamdong Ijungsaenghwal' for their rendition of BABYMONSTER's 'DRIP,' Kihyun provided detailed advice rooted in his experience: 'The beginning was great, but the rhythm kept breaking and the pitch wavered in the middle. It's a song meant to be sung by multiple people, and doing it alone seemed overwhelming, leading to a loss of voice control. I think ambition might have gotten the better of you.'

Beyond his group activities, Kihyun has showcased his vocal versatility through OSTs for webtoons and dramas, as well as various cover videos. In 2022, he further solidified his solo career by releasing his first single 'VOYAGER' and his first mini-album 'YOUTH.'

Meanwhile, MONSTA X recently released their digital single 'baby blue' in the U.S., garnering attention from international media outlets like Forbes and NME, reaffirming their global influence. They are also set to join the '2025 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour,' performing in four U.S. cities starting December 12th, continuing their journey as world-class artists.

Netizens who watched the broadcast praised his performance, commenting, "Kihyun's judging is really objective and good," "As expected from the main vocalist, he really knows music," and "Feeling proud as a MONBEBE."