Netflix GOLDEN Song Challenge: Why K-pop Stars Are Going Viral Covering This Impossible Track
Something extraordinary is happening in K-pop right now. Artists from S.E.S. to IVE are all attempting the same near-impossible vocal challenge - and it's all thanks to a song from an animated movie.
"GOLDEN," the standout track from Netflix's hit animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," has become the most challenging vocal test in K-pop. The song, originally performed by fictional group Huntr/x, reached number one on the Billboard Global 200 and became the first song credited to a fictional act to reach the top 10 in the Streaming Songs chart's 12-year history.
But what makes "GOLDEN" so irresistible to singers? It's brutal. The track demands everything from soaring high notes to emotional vulnerability, making it the perfect showcase for vocal prowess.
S.E.S. Bada Goes Full Circle
First-generation icon Bada from S.E.S. kicked things off with her July 23 cover, appearing in purple ribbons and braided hair that perfectly matched the film's protagonist Rumi. The connection isn't coincidental - the fictional Huntr/x was actually modeled after S.E.S., making Bada's cover feel like destiny.
Her version hit #6 on YouTube's trending music chart, with fans calling it "the previous generation hunter has appeared."
Davichi's Lee Hae Ri Transforms the Sound
Second-generation powerhouse Lee Hae Ri took a completely different approach on July 22, stripping away the electronic elements for a band-style arrangement. Known for textbook vocal technique, she made the impossible seem effortless while adding her signature emotional depth.
MAMAMOO Solar Goes Raw
Solar released her take on July 17, but not without drama. She admitted on Instagram: "It's too high" and "I was going back and forth about uploading this until the last minute." What she delivered was pure vocal power - using rare chest voice techniques for the high notes that few singers can pull off.
IVE An Yujin Sparks Controversy
The most discussed cover came from fourth-generation star An Yujin on July 21. Her version immediately hit #1 on YouTube trending and surpassed 2.59 million views, but also triggered debates about vocal editing due to its exceptionally polished sound.
Fans were torn between praise for her technique and demands to hear an unedited version. The controversy itself became a compliment - people wanted more because they believed her natural voice would be just as impressive.
The song comes from "KPop Demon Hunters," which became the first Netflix film ever to reach a new viewing peak in its fifth week of release. The animated movie follows fictional K-pop group Huntr/x who fight demons between world tours.
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos noted how the film's soundtrack has "seven of the top 15 tracks on Spotify's most-streamed tracks" dominated by virtual artists from the movie. Netflix is even submitting "GOLDEN" for Best Original Song consideration at the 2026 Oscars.
Beyond the major names, the challenge has attracted:
- Ailee - R&B-influenced power
- Kwon Jin Ah - Acoustic interpretation
- NMIXX's Lily - Fourth-generation precision
- Urban Zakapa's Kwon Soon Il - Indie sensibilities
Each artist brings something unique, proving the song's versatility.
What's remarkable isn't just the covers themselves - it's how they're bridging generational gaps in K-pop. Usually, each generation operates in separate spheres. First-gen legends rarely interact with fourth-gen rookies. But "GOLDEN" has created a rare moment where technical excellence transcends age and era.
The song serves as an equalizer. Whether you debuted in 1997 like Bada or 2021 like An Yujin, the challenge remains the same: can you handle this beast of a track?
Executive producer Ian Eisendrath calls "GOLDEN" an "I Want" song in traditional musical structure, explaining they "had five to six songs written for that slot" before landing on the final version. The complexity isn't accidental - it was designed to push boundaries.
For K-pop artists, tackling "GOLDEN" has become the ultimate flex. It's not enough to just sing it; you have to make it your own while respecting its difficulty.
The "GOLDEN" phenomenon shows how animation, streaming platforms, and K-pop culture can create unexpected viral moments. It's also proving that when presented with a genuinely challenging piece of music, artists will rise to meet it regardless of their generation or style.
Even BTS's Jungkook publicly praised the film, showing how "KPop Demon Hunters" has captured attention across the entire industry.
As more artists attempt the challenge, one thing is clear: "GOLDEN" has achieved something rare in today's fragmented music landscape - it's united K-pop around pure vocal artistry.
The covers keep coming, each one different, each one proving that sometimes the most powerful force in music isn't a human artist at all - it's a really, really good song.
