On August 1, members Koko, Jeemin, and Jungeun hit the stage with a special cover of Golden by HUNTR/X, the standout track from the animated film Kpop Demon Hunters. With the song’s rising popularity and reputation for its intense vocal work, expectations were naturally high. Fans were eager to see how IZNA would tackle such a vocally demanding number.
That anticipation didn’t last long. As clips from the performance started circulating online, fans began pointing out that something felt off. The vocals weren’t live. From beginning to end, the trio appeared to lip-sync the entire performance. It didn’t take long for the criticism to roll in.
Whats the point of a huntrix cover if its not live https://t.co/Z6NZCybAqq
— 🍀 (@baecix) August 2, 2025
Some fans questioned why the group would choose a song known for its vocal strength if they weren’t planning to sing it live. Others pointed out that the choreography felt disconnected from the song’s original tone.
Not everyone was harsh though. A few defended the performance, saying the song is incredibly tough to sing while dancing. One fan wrote, “You’d have to stand still just to hit those high notes properly.” For some, the decision made sense, even if it left them a bit underwhelmed.
you guys need to leave these poor girls alone😭😭😭it’s an extremely difficult song to sing even without dancing, how the hell do you expect them to sing live. they put on a show, they looked and sounded great idk why you’re all so upset https://t.co/emN7jlXDcv
— pie so sweet and yum (inactive) ⑨ (@kep1dream) August 2, 2025
Still, it’s hard to ignore the overall disappointment, especially considering how much weight Golden carries right now in the Kpop world. The track has become a favorite among vocalists for its difficulty and emotional impact. To see it performed with pre-recorded vocals felt like a letdown for many, particularly when it was the main highlight of the song.
But even with the mixed feedback, IZNA’s bold choice says a lot about where they’re headed. Covering one of the most buzzed-about songs of the moment isn’t something every rookie group would attempt.
