The OST “Golden” from Netflix’s internationally successful animated series K-Pop Demon Hunters made its live debut, performed by the show’s real vocalists, sparking discussion over a key change in the performance.
On October 8 (KST), vocalists Lee Jae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami appeared on NBC’s flagship talk show The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform the full song live. The trio provides the voices for the virtual group Huntrix in the animation.
Although portions of the song were previously performed on Saturday Night Live (SNL), this marked the first full live rendition of “Golden” by the original vocalists. Within 19 hours of being uploaded to YouTube, the performance video surpassed 5.4 million views, demonstrating global interest.
Fans and viewers responded enthusiastically to the performance, praising the vocals and stage presence. Comments included: “Perfect for a live performance,” “The vocal tone is insane.”
However, the lowered key drew criticism from some fans who felt it reduced the impact compared to the studio version. Reports indicate that Lee Jae was experiencing bronchitis, which made singing in the original key difficult. Some viewers argued: “They didn’t perform in the original key,” “It’s not as strong as the recording.”
Debates emerged over the difference between live and studio sound quality, with fans split on whether the key change affected the performance. Despite these discussions, the emotional impact and energy of the live stage were widely acknowledged as a highlight of the show.
Looking ahead, Lee Jae will meet Korean press on October 15 at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul, sharing behind-the-scenes stories about “Golden,” experiences as an SM Entertainment trainee, and insights into his songwriting and composing process.
Sources: Daum
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