Veteran singer Kim Yeon-woo was revealed as the mysterious singer behind the mask with the alias “CBR Cleopatra” on Sunday.

On the popular MBC TV show “King of Mask Singer,” during which contestants sing while wearing elaborate costumes and mask their identities, Kim was vying for the title as the eighth King of Mask Singer, which will make him the record-breaking five-time winner of the program.

Kim Yeon-woo on "King of Mask Singer" (MBC)

Kim on Sunday performed “Five Hundred Years,” originally sung by Jo Yong-pil, and competed against a performer with the alias “Toongki,” the first-timer who sang “You Inside My Dim Memory” by Hyun Jin-young.

Kim lost to “Toongki,” and as a result he had to take off his mask and reveal his much-awaited identity.

“My singing wasn’t that great, but thank you very much for your love for a long time,” Kim said during the show. “It was a very happy moment in my life. And I can finally say it. Mom, it’s me.”

Kim Yeon-woo (OSEN)

Kim, 43, made his debut in 1995 when he won the seventh annual Yoo Jae-ha Music Competition. He featured as the main vocalist of project band Toy from 1996 to 2008, during which he released popular ballad “Still Beautiful” and “Remember I Was Next to You.” He became well recognized here when he participated in the music program “I Am a Singer,” along with other variety shows.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)