Netflix’s animated hit KPop Demon Hunters has featured over eight songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It appears that the soundtrack’s powerful pop song, “Golden,” is poised to earn the coveted “song of the summer” spot, given its unprecedented virality. The KPop Demon Hunters fever has also caught up with some of the biggest names in K-pop, with many idols giving the musical hit’s soundtrack their spin with amazing covers.
In an otherwise competitive market of viral hits, the KPop Demon Hunters OST has stood strong over a month after its release and continues to gather new fans. Boosting its appeal are also some stellar cover versions like Cha Eun-woo and Arden Cho’s (voice actor for Rumi in the film) “Free.” With many celebrity fans getting swept up in the KPop Demon Hunters fever, check out some of the best song covers that have resulted from it.
From kicking off the “Soda Pop” dance challenge to the members of the fictional bands from the film – Huntr/x and Saja Boys raking in massive streaming numbers on Spotify, the Netflix film has become a major pop culture phenomenon, purely based on its fan appeal. It has also opened up debates on the internet with fandoms trying to draw comparisons between the film’s fictional K-pop idols and their real-life inspirations.
In terms of the film’s music, the soundtrack, which boasts an eclectic blend of emotional ballads and energetic pop songs, came together thanks to original tracks written by Danny Chung, IDO, Vince, KUSH, EJAE, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Lindgren, Mark Sonnenblick, Daniel Rojas, and produced by Teddy Park, 24, IDO, DOMINSUK, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Lindgren and Ian Eisendrath.
While the streaming numbers for the original soundtrack continue to progress, its cover songs are also garnering millions of views. As some of the biggest voices in K-pop are recreating songs from the Netflix film, here are some of the best KPop Demon Hunters song covers to add to your playlist.
These are some of the best KPop Demon Hunters song covers
Cha Eun-woo and Arden Cho’s “Free”
As a special gift to fans ahead of his military enlistment, ASTRO’s Cha Eun-woo dropped a massive surprise by joining the lead actress of KPop Demon Hunters, Arden Cho, to recreate a version of the film’s romantic ballad “Free.” In the film, the song appears during a heartwarming moment shared by the characters Rumi (Cho), the leader Huntr/x, and Jinu (voiced by Ahn Hyo-seop), leader of Saja Boys.
The soulful rendition makes a convincing case for Eun-woo being the perfect embodiment of the animated hunk Jinu, given his smooth vocals and charming face card. In this soothing cover, Eun-woo and Cho’s angelic vocals elevate the composition’s emotional depth, making it a profound experience. After gathering over a million views within a day of its release, it is gaining more traction with its trending status.
“Golden” cover by IVE’s Yujin
Much like the “Defying Gravity” challenge that had taken over the internet during the release of Wicked, the “Golden” cover is drawing similar attention as many idols are trying their best to nail this vocally challenging number. Originally sung by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami in the film, the track received a brilliant shoutout from IVE as the popular girl group’s leader, An Yu-jin, lent her captivating vocals to it. Chasing the high notes of the track with her smooth vocals, Yujin left fans impressed with her mellifluous singing. While she is otherwise known to ace the dance challenges, it was a delightful surprise for fans as the IVE member dropped this soulful cover instead.
Ahn Hyo-seop’s “Free” cover
After playing memorable leads in K-dramas like Business Proposal, the world has once again fallen in love with actor Ahn Hyo-seop — and this time it’s for his voice acting as Jinu in KPop Demon Hunters. Giving fans an all-new Jinu-version of “Free”, the actor dropped a cover of the song on his Instagram earlier this month, and since its release, it has garnered over 2 million likes and over 17 million views. His calming vocals and the ease with which he infuses emotions into this harmony have left fans entranced. Besides making demands for him to cover other songs as well, many fans have also questioned why the actor wasn’t tapped to sing Jinu’s parts in the film, given his immaculate vocal talents.
“Golden” cover by Solar of Mamamoo
Kim Yong-sun, better known as Solar, is one of the most famous female K-pop artists and has been the leader of the girl group Mamamoo since its debut in 2014. Known for her unique voice, Solar is among the best vocalists in K-pop and has shown immense versatility in her career. A simple glance at her YouTube channel will show you how Solar has impeccably nailed some of the most difficult song covers, including the likes of “Believer” by Imagine Dragons, “Speechless” from the Aladdin movie and more. Joining this extensive list now is her song cover of “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters.
With this phenomenal version, Solar makes this track completely her own and goes beyond the demands of the original track by portraying her vocal expertise. Her mastery of effortlessly adapting to the song’s variations as it moves from a lower register to high notes is highly commendable.
JUNHEE x AleXa – “Free” cover
If you wondered what a live-action version of Rumi and Jinu singing “Free” would look like, you don’t have to wait because JUNHEE and AleXa have done it. For their duet cover of “Free”, Park Junhee of A.C.E and Korean-American singer AleXa appear in costumes similar to the movie scene and completely immerse themselves in the world of KPop Demon Hunters. While AleXa wears the same hairstyle as Rumi, JUNHEE subtly embodies Jinu’s supernatural spirit in a striking moment with glowing yellow eyes. Complementing each other’s vocals perfectly, the duo showcase plenty of warmth, bringing forth the lyrical as well as vocal strength of this track.
“Your Idol” cover song by JUNHEE
Apart from releasing the “Free” cover with AleXa, yet another song that gets a complete JUNHEE makeover is “Your Idol.” This is one of the most powerful tracks from the soundtrack, and A.C.E’s JUNHEE channels its edgy and rugged spirit in this version. Taken by his electrifying rendition of this song, fans have even joked about JUNHEE sounding like the reincarnated version of Jinu from the film.
First-Generation idol Bada’s “Golden” cover
K-pop legend Choi Sung-hee, popularly known as Bada, also hopped onto the KPop Demon Hunters bandwagon and dropped a surprise “Golden” cover. Leader of the iconic first-generation girl group, S.E.S., Bada singing a cover song from the Netflix film is indicative of the massive impact that the fantasy film has had in just over a month since its release.
Interestingly, even before releasing this cover, Bada has had an iconic connection to the movie because of one tiny detail. According to reports, “Sunlight Sisters”, – a fictional K-pop group mentioned in the backstory of the movie’s main characters, Huntr/x, is inspired by the real-life group S.E.S.
Amazingly enough, in her way, giving a nod to the film and its incredible music, Bada dropped a cover of “Golden” that not only celebrates her exceptional vocals but also enhances the original track with a dynamic take that only an experienced artist like Bada can. Hence, among all the cover versions of “Golden”, K-pop fans regard this one as the most special one.
Wonho undergoes Saja Boys makeover for “Soda Pop” and “Your Idol”
Move over Jinu, all the Abby fans assemble because Wonho has not only released the cover songs for “Soda Pop” and “Your Idol” but he is also cosplaying as Abby in the video. Complete with the original choreography, pink hair and costumes, the former MonstaX member dropped a video singing portions of both songs. Impressively transforming his vocals and appearance from the peppy, introductory song of Saja Boys to their demonic version of “Your Idol”, Wonho delivers an expansive cover celebrating different aspects of the film. Making a convincing case for himself to be a part of the live-action version (if it’s ever made), Wonho charms his way through both the cover songs and certainly leaves his fans wanting more.
“Golden” cover by NMIXX’s Lily
[] gonna be golden✨https://t.co/PfDHABmArD#NMIXX #엔믹스#릴리 #LILY pic.twitter.com/lyz0KSOq8s
— NMIXX (@NMIXX_official) July 8, 2025
From first-generation idols to fourth-generation groups, the KPop Demon Hunters fever is widespread and while Bada’s “Golden” cover is being hailed as a masterpiece, one of the youngest idols from the fourth-generation group NMIXX has also drawn attention for her honest attempt. Lily, who is the main vocalist of the group, has also covered the famous song from the animated hit. Showcasing her vast range and incredible breath control while attempting the higher notes, Lily’s cover has received immense praise from netizens. Owing to the film’s trending status and the song’s increasing popularity, Lily’s “Golden” cover has garnered impressive views, with many calling her a rising star from the new generation.
Lee Hae-ri of Davichi sings “Golden” cover
Among all the cover versions of “Golden”, one of the most unique arrangements can be found in the one released by Lee Hae-ri of the famed pop duo Davichi. Slowing down the tempo of the original and turning the song into a more breezy, live-band version, Hae-ri lets her vocals shine in this gorgeous interpretation. Renowned for singing some of the most famous emotional ballads to have featured in K-dramas, Hae-ri breathes new life into this KPop Demon Hunters track by blending it into her unique performing style.
“Golden” cover by Kwon Soon-il of Urban Zakapa
While several female artists have attempted the high notes of “Golden”, South Korean R&B group Urban Zakapa’s Kwon Soon-il left netizens stunned as he gave his own spin to the song in a feminine register. Without altering the original track’s arrangement, the vocalist sings in the upper register with an ease that would be hard for most male singers to attain.
Revealing how he achieved this shocking feat, Kwon released a statement through his agency and said, “Since I was 9 years old, I’ve been deeply influenced by Mariah Carey’s music. That’s why singing in a feminine register has always come naturally to me. I sang this cover of ‘Golden’ the way I normally do, so I really didn’t expect to receive this much attention and love. I’m truly grateful.” Floored by Kwon’s magnificent vocals, the film’s lead star, Arden Cho, commented on the singer’s Instagram post and wrote, “Wow I’m speechless. This is incredible!!!!! Rumi?!?!? Thank you!!!!!!”
Apink’s Eunji covers “Golden”
Apink’s Eunji throwing in the best Golden cover just casually#JEONGEUNJI #정은지 #Apink #에이핑크 #KPOPDEMONHUNTERS #GOLDEN pic.twitter.com/g0k79cDSCW
— 이영재 (@Youngjae_Lee295) July 22, 2025
The best thing about the ongoing “Golden” cover trend has been the variety of versions that fans have received from their favourite K-pop idols, and among them, one of the most raw performances belongs to Apink’s Eunji. Admirably, she masterfully belted the high-energy track during a casual live session with her fans. Without any prior arrangements, the singer straightaway launched into the powerful track and made it look impressively effortless, earning the tag of a true “vocal queen.”
Ailee’s version of “Golden”
Another big star from the South Korean music industry whose soulful rendition of “Golden” is worthy of a listen belongs to Ailee. Putting her brilliant vocal craft on display, the singer embodies the song’s powerful spirit and sparkles with every note, and truly lives up to her nickname “Korean Beyoncé”.
Ryeowook’s “Golden” (piano version)
No dance challenge or viral trend is complete without some input from the K-pop juggernaut, Super Junior. Taking on the “Golden” challenge, the group’s vocal king, Ryeowook, delivers a version that is easily one of the best KPop Demon Hunters cover songs. After being prodded by fellow member Shindong to join the trend, Ryeowook recorded a soft version of the electric ballad by incorporating the piano. This cover feels like a much-needed sombre addition to the otherwise power-packed vocal trend.
Jeff Satur covers Kpop Demon Hunters’ “Golden”
Golden – Huntrix pic.twitter.com/TuFdAv0HhT
— (罗杰夫) (@jeffsatur) July 28, 2025
If you thought the KPop Demon Hunters fever was only gripping Korean stars, you are mistaken. Thai singer and actor Jeff Satur also hopped onto the musical trend and left everyone surprised with his heartwarming cover of “Golden.” With so many artists reimagining this beautiful melody, the honmoon (as mentioned in the film — a mystical barrier that protects the human world from demons) has truly reached its peak golden status.
Special mention: Jungkook’s “Soda Pop” sing-along
Jungkook of BTS sings to Soda Pop by Saja Boys in his recent live.pic.twitter.com/oP6JbViQTM
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) July 14, 2025
Fresh out of his military service, BTS’ Jungkook is back to interacting with his fans in quirky live sessions. Making a rather sweet confession during his most recent streaming, BTS’s “golden maknae” opened up about getting emotional after watching KPop Demon Hunters. In the same live session, he also gifted fans with a melodious sing-along version of Saja Boys’ viral hit “Soda Pop.” Notably, he’s not the only BTS member who has been taken by the animated film’s charm; previously, J-Hope also participated in the “Soda Pop” dance challenge.
(Main and featured images: KPop Demon Hunters/IMDb; Netflix; Wonho/YouTube)
This article first appeared in PrestigeOnline Malaysia
