A Vocal Fireworks Display Fans Called “National Treasure”
KQ Entertainment’s powerhouse vocalist Sohyang dropped a cover of HUNTR/X’s smash “Golden” on July 27, and the internet did the rest. The video rocketed up YouTube’s trending music ranks in Korea and drew a flood of comments—“final boss cover,” “on another level,” and the now‑viral refrain: “Let’s designate her a national treasure.” Korean and global outlets reported the surge, noting how her layered harmonies and sky‑high belts reframed the hit as a vocalist’s showcase. Chosunbiz
Her cover isn’t a one‑off moment; it’s the latest peak in a year where K‑Pop Demon Hunters blurred the line between film OST and mainstream pop. “Golden” has been the franchise’s gateway—an arena‑sized hook that carries even off‑screen. (For reference, official clips and lyric videos continue to rack up views across platforms.) YouTubeYouTube
Why This Cover Landed So Hard
1) The song was already built for virality. “Golden” exploded alongside the movie’s breakout run on Netflix and on music charts globally. Multiple features have chronicled how the soundtrack behaves like an idol comeback—anchoring scenes while standing on its own in playlists. CinemablendEW.com
2) Sohyang’s brand fits the brief. Since signing with KQ Entertainment earlier this year, she’s been positioned for cross‑label moments with performance‑first storytelling. The agency’s push into global touring and partnerships (incl. AEG Presents) gives every viral spike a longer runway. Maeil Business Newsaegworldwide.com
3) The arrangement highlights vocal drama. Her self‑stacked harmonies and timbral shifts keep the chorus cresting—exactly the kind of performance that thrives in shorts, reaction videos, and vocal‑coach breakdowns. (Reaction content around “Golden” continues to expand the funnel.) YouTube
Ripple Effect: KQ’s Summer Heat Check
While Sohyang’s cover trends, ATEEZ and xikers extend the label’s heat map:
- ATEEZ: Mini‑album GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in June and re‑entered at No. 7 in July. The new title track “In Your Fantasy” also debuted at No. 68 on the Billboard Hot 100, a career high for the group. SoompiKorea Herald
- xikers: Dropped their English digital single “ICONIC” on August 1 following late‑July teasers and a fan release party, signaling a fresh era cycle. Chosunbiz
Put together, it’s a clean narrative: a label known for high‑octane stages now has a headline‑grabbing vocal moment—and that balance widens audience reach.
What Fans Are Saying (and Why It Matters)
Comments praising Sohyang’s tone and power belts map to two algorithmic truths:
- Big, sustained notes generate loop‑replays—viewers rewatch climaxes, boosting completion rate.
- “How did she do that?” drives reaction content and duets, multiplying touchpoints with casual viewers.
When a cover becomes the definitive performance for non‑core fans, you get durable search demand: Sohyang Golden cover, Golden high note, vocal analysis Golden, etc. Expect continued lift for the original OST as new listeners back‑solve the source. (Entertainment and business outlets have repeatedly flagged how K‑Pop Demon Hunters turned songs into story engines, not just background music.) Cinemablend
The Bigger Picture: OSTs as Standalone IP
Coverage from mainstream entertainment media underscores what we’re seeing in real time: K‑Pop Demon Hunters repositions the animated OST as frontline IP—charting albums, viral choreographies, and cover ecosystems that behave like full idol eras. Even weeks after release, the film holds attention on Netflix and review aggregators; that staying power keeps funnels open for every new derivative—like Sohyang’s. EW.com
What’s Next
- Concert halo: Sohyang’s “Scent of You” solo concerts (Aug 30–31, Yonsei University Grand Auditorium) arrive with fresh momentum. Expect a “Golden” moment on the setlist—even a short snippet would spike socials. Instagram
- Label synergy: With ATEEZ’s U.S. chart story ongoing and xikers’ new English single in cycle, KQ has reasons to keep cross‑promoting vocal‑forward content—clips, live rearrangements, and collab hints. SoompiKorea HeraldChosunbiz
Quick Summary (for skimmers)
- Sohyang’s ‘Golden’ cover surged on YouTube and social, earning “national treasure”‑level praise. Chosunbiz
- ATEEZ: GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 #2 Billboard 200 debut; “In Your Fantasy” #68 Hot 100—career high. SoompiKorea Herald
- xikers: New English single “ICONIC” released Aug 1. Chosunbiz
- K‑Pop Demon Hunters OST continues to function like a live idol era, powering covers and reactions. Cinemablend
Article Source:
- Jo Gwang‑hyeong, “Sohyang’s ‘Golden’ Cover Goes Viral; Global Fans Say ‘Make Her a National Treasure’,” (Korean article shared by user), Aug 4, 2025.
- “Sohyang’s ‘Golden’ cover video captivates fans,” Chosun Biz (EN), Aug 4, 2025. Chosunbiz
- “ATEEZ re‑enters Top 7 on Billboard 200; debuted at No. 2,” Soompi, Jul 20, 2025. Soompi
- “Ateez debuts at No. 68 on Hot 100 with ‘In Your Fantasy’,” The Korea Herald, Jul 22, 2025. Korea Herald
- “Xikers’ digital single ‘ICONIC’ out Aug 1,” Chosun Biz (EN), Jul 30, 2025. C
Alt Text: Sohyang performing on stage in June 2022, wearing a white blouse and smiling toward the audience.
Caption: Sohyang’s signature vocal tone has captivated fans for years. (Image not directly related to the article; inserted for illustrative purposes.)
Image Source: Image via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
