When Netflix’s animated blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters landed in June 2025, one track leapt beyond the screen: “Golden,” performed by the film’s fictional girl group HUNTR/X (the voices behind the characters are real artists EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI). The song’s crossover surge became undeniable after it hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, turning into the season’s sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs anthem and a magnet for idol covers.
Below are five standout renditions—spanning TikTok snippets to studio-grade performances—that defined the “Golden” cover wave in 2025.
1) Lily (NMIXX) — the viral spark (July 8, 2025; TikTok/IG)
With nothing but a dry mic and sheer control, Lily’s clipped “gonna be golden ✨” take detonated across socials. It showcased her clean belts and timing, proving how little production a great voice actually needs. Her reel on the group’s official channels marked one of the earliest idol flashpoints for the trend and spread quickly across fandom spaces.
Why it stuck: brevity, difficulty, and replay value—perfect for algorithm loops.
2) An Yujin (IVE) — the polished YouTube cut (July 19, 2025)
IVE’s leader delivered a full, well-mixed cover that raced around the community and sparked intense commentary threads. Whether you tuned in for the high notes or the poised phrasing, Yujin’s version became one of the most shared idol takes of the summer.
Why it stuck: a clean studio vibe that highlighted clarity over force, widening the song’s appeal beyond challenge clips.
3) Ailee — the powerhouse clinic (July 24, 2025)
Ailee turned “Golden” into a masterclass—effortless register shifts, rock-steady support, and that signature Ailee resonance. Korean and international outlets spotlighted the performance as views piled up on her official channel.
Why it stuck: technical excellence without sacrificing emotion; a “how it’s done” reference take.
4) Solar (MAMAMOO) — the soulful reframing (July 17, 2025)
Posted on her 솔라시도 (Solarsido) channel, Solar’s cover threaded power with grit, making the chorus feel both anthemic and personal. The upload drew strong traction and plenty of musician-to-musician praise.
Why it stuck: tasteful dynamics—Solar pushes where it counts, then retreats just enough to let the hook breathe.
5) Seo Eunkwang (BTOB) — the “original key” flex (July 14, 2025)
Eunkwang tackled the song in the female-led original key, an audacious choice that won over vocal nerds and casual listeners alike. Media noted the live, minimal-effects approach—and how cleanly he rode the top lines.
Why it stuck: a high-wire act with real stakes; he sells the notes and the narrative.
The macro story: why “Golden” became the 2025 cover moment
- A genuine pop phenomenon. “Golden” didn’t just trend; it topped the Hot 100 and dominated summer discourse, inviting idols to measure themselves against a global hit.
- Perfect for the internet. A beltable chorus and instant payoffs made it ideal for Shorts/Reels/TikTok, then cover channels scaled it up into full performances.
- Cross-fandom portability. From 4th-gen it-girls to veteran vocal titans, the song bridged demographics—and each artist found a fresh angle.
Quick stats (as reported today, Sept 6, 2025)
- Lily’s clip ignited on TikTok/IG and was widely written up as a viral moment.
- An Yujin’s YouTube cover and Ailee’s official upload amassed multi-million view counts; both were singled out by K-pop press roundups.
- Solar’s Solarsido video continues to rack up views a month on.
- Eunkwang’s “original key” take drew headlines and steep growth on his channel.
Bottom line
In a year crowded with comebacks and concert headlines, these five covers distilled why “Golden” mattered: it’s a modern pop gauntlet that rewards range, stamina, and taste. Whether you prefer Lily’s minimalist jolt, Yujin’s studio sheen, Ailee’s vocal fireworks, Solar’s soulful recalibration, or Eunkwang’s daredevil key choice, 2025’s definitive “Golden” lineup is a perfect snapshot of K-pop’s bench depth—and its fearless love of a good challenge.
