Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters anthem “Golden” is no longer just a movie soundtrack — it’s now the centerpiece of a full-blown K-pop cover challenge sweeping the internet. With the song topping the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK’s Official Singles Chart, “Golden” has become a musical phenomenon. And now, idols, vocal powerhouses, and YouTube stars are racing to leave their mark with their own renditions.
IVE’s Ahn Yujin set the tone with a high-energy cover that quickly racked up over 7.7 million views on YouTube. Close behind is Park Dahye, a YouTuber known for her viral covers, whose version of “Golden” has surpassed 6.3 million views as of August 19.
Even Park Dahye’s live version of ‘Golden’ exploded in popularity, topping 10 million views.
Veteran vocalists like S.E.S.’s Bada and Ailee have also joined the wave, each delivering renditions that have earned millions of views and enthusiastic fan reactions.
Other notable names include Solar (Mamamoo), Sohyang, HYNN, Younha, Urban Zakapa’s Kwon Soon Il, Seo Eunkwang (BTOB), Park Ki Young, FIFTY FIFTY, and even comedian Lee Soo Ji, proving that the “Golden” fever has crossed genres and generations. Even rising rookie Izna performed “Golden” at the 80th Liberation Day Celebration in Seoul, turning heads with her powerful vocals.
As of August 22, Ahn Yujin’s cover had racked up 8.23 million views, and Bada’s version drew 3.24 million views. Yet Park Dahye’s live cover skyrocketed past them, reaching an impressive 11.51 million views.
Fans were stunned by her flawless delivery: crystal-clear vocals, stable high notes, and impeccable rhythm. Many even mistook her live performance for a studio recording.
Online reactions praised her talent:
- “She’s the true No.1 cover.”
- “This sounds better than the original.”
- “Why isn’t she a professional singer?”
- “Her high notes are perfect, it feels like the OST itself.”
Park Dahye is no stranger to the stage. She first appeared on SBS’s K-Pop Star Season 3 (2013), where she reached the final mission before elimination. Since 2016, she has built a steady following on YouTube and TikTok with her channel “Dahye’s Hum-Along,” producing cover content that consistently goes viral.
Her recent cover of “Child of the Beginning” was hailed as superior to the original, even influencing a chart resurgence on Melon (peaking at #3) and earning recognition from the song’s original artist, MAKTUB.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
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