I-DLE MIYEON Says Judging 'Veiled Cup' Was Nerve-Racking at First ― Then Pure Ear Candy

MIYEON of I-DLE opened up about serving as a full-fledged judge for the first time on the music survival show "Veiled Cup".

Speaking at the show’s press conference at SBS in Mok-dong on the 9th, MIYEON said, “It was an honor to get this first shot at judging alongside such incredible seniors. I won’t lie ― it felt heavy, and I was really nervous going in.”

Those nerves didn’t last long. “It quickly became less about ‘judging’ and more about listening, enjoying, and sharing feedback,” she said. “Everyone on the panel is so kind ― the vibe on set is genuinely healing. I found myself thinking, ‘I’m here for some ear candy,’ more than ‘I’m here to judge.’ I’m having a blast.”

"Veiled Cup" is the global expansion of "Veiled Musician" ― the “fairest audition in the world,” where contestants compete strictly by voice from behind a screen. While "Veiled Musician", which streamed on Netflix, chronicled how nine Asian countries ― including Korea, China, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mongolia and Laos ― selected their top vocalists, "Veiled Cup" brings each nation’s Top 3 to Korea for a high-stakes, pride-on-the-line sing-off.

Fittingly, the judging lineup is stacked: Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany Young, singer-songwriter 10CM, multihyphenate entertainer Henry, and I-DLE’s MIYEON join returning "Veiled Musician" Korea judges Ailee and Paul Kim. Actor Lee Da-hee, known for hosting hits like "Queendom" and "Road to Kingdom," steps in as the sole MC.

“This is my first time as an official judge, but getting to work with such stellar artists was a no-brainer,” MIYEON shared. “I’m learning a lot, too ― as someone who loves singing and as an eighth-year artist, I want to be genuinely helpful wherever I can.”

She continued, “Yes, we judge ― but the contestants are so good that I’m constantly inspired and falling even deeper in love with music. It’s healing, and it breaks my heart every time someone goes home. The talent is outstanding to the point where I question if I’m worthy to judge them. Viewers are in for a great time. We still have episodes left to shoot, and honestly, I wish time would slow down because it’s that special.”

"Veiled Cup" premieres Sunday, Jan. 11 at 4:30 p.m. KST. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)