Credit: People
The highly anticipated first live performance of “Golden,” the hit from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters , is drawing mixed reactions online.
On October 7th (local time), EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—who voice the film’s in-universe girl group Huntrix—appeared on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform “Golden” live for the first time.
In the film, EJAE voices group leader Lumi, while Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami play members Mira and Joy. The trio, all of Korean descent, took the stage to roaring cheers as Fallon introduced them. Seamlessly switching between English and Korean lyrics, they showcased crisp harmonies and soaring vocals that brought the animated hit to life.
Within 12 hours of its release, the performance clip surpassed 3 million views on YouTube, underscoring the song’s global momentum. “Golden” is currently in its eighth consecutive week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, an unprecedented feat for a K-pop-linked release.
Still, opinions are split. Some viewers expressed surprise that the live version was performed one key lower than the original, calling it a slight letdown for such a major debut stage. Others defended the choice, noting that “Golden” was never intended as a live-promoted track—and that EJAE, a former SM Entertainment trainee and making her her official debut, has recently been recovering from bronchitis.
Many praised the trio’s professionalism and chemistry regardless, calling it “a performance worth the wait” and “proof that Huntrix can exist beyond animation.”
Whether dissected for its pitch or celebrated for its power, one thing’s clear: “Golden” continues to shine, both on charts and onstage.
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