K-netizens react to ME:I's Japanese version cover of 'Golden': 'It's on the level of a broadcast accident'

A cover of the 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' OST "Golden" by Japanese girl group ME:I has become a hot topic of debate among K-Pop and J-Pop fans. 

During a recent live music show appearance, ME:I members Miu, Ayane, and Tsuzumi performed a Japanese version of "Golden". Expectations were high as the song is known for its high range and difficulty. 

Unfortunately, due to the pressure of performing live, the ME:I members wavered as the song progressed to its climax.

260528 Golden （Japanese Ver.） cover
初披露 櫻井美羽 高見文寧 海老原鼓 🎙️#美羽文寧鼓のGoldenカバー初披露 #ME_I pic.twitter.com/7cUqw2qh3i

— ْ (@Ae39ME_I) May 28, 2026

これは酷い...
高見音外しすぎて放送事故レベルだろ
大量脱退してからME:Iダメダメだね pic.twitter.com/XJmE9SkqMI

— WeeLu (@lgmjmj_gql_dmw) May 29, 2026

How did Korean netizens react?

Some commented,

"Why did they choose such a hard song.."

"Who made these girls do this.. it's borderline abuse.."

"Oh god.."

"Whoever made them do this needs to be fired."

"I just feel really bad for them."

"The first verse they got through it somehow.. The second verse is on the level of a broadcast accident."

"It's painful to watch."

"The honmun is not closed in Japan."

"Honestly it's literally raw live and they look really nervous. This song is hard even for the original singer so."

"For Japanese idols they have potential, if they get more practice."

"Did you practice.. like at all?"

"I need to clean my ears with a better 'Golden' cover."

"I can't tell by their expressions if they've given up or if they actually think they did okay."

"If they were K-Pop idols they would be retiring after this stage."

Many also compared ME:I's cover to BABYMONSTER's cover of the same song at the '2025 MAMA Awards', also bringing up other widely praised covers such as the one by Bada of S.E.S.

베몬이 혼문 최종 닫음..............싹 닫힘 pic.twitter.com/q5oAgRIA7g

— 베모나 (@baemoniedle) November 29, 2025

Meanwhile, ME:I is a 7-member group created from 'Produce 101 Japan: The Girls'. You can find a recording version of their Japanese "Golden" cover below.