Why 'What It Sounds Like' Beats 'Golden' as KPop Demon Hunters' True Anthem

Anyone who's been paying attention to pop culture this year knows about 'Golden' by Huntr/x, the fictional girl group from Netflix's blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters. The track has dominated the Billboard Hot 100 and become one of the most replayed scenes from the entire film. On the surface, it's an uplifting anthem about embracing who you are and believing in yourself. But for protagonist Rumi, the song represents something entirely different.

The Hidden Irony Behind the Hit

What makes 'Golden' so compelling isn't just its catchy melody—it's the complex role it plays in the story. For Rumi, singing these empowering lyrics becomes an act of deception rather than liberation. She's hiding her demon heritage, concealing the glowing patterns on her skin that reveal her true nature. When she belts out lines about being done with hiding, she's actually doing the exact opposite.

The song serves a crucial plot function too. Huntr/x needs to perform it perfectly to create a protective barrier between the human and demon realms. But Rumi pushes her voice beyond its limits during rehearsal, showing just how much internal pressure she's carrying. As EJAE, who provides Rumi's singing voice, explained on the Zach Sang Show: "It had to strain her voice to metaphorically show she is singing in a voice that's not who she is. That was the point. That's why it was this non-human voice, a non-human note to reach. And that was all on purpose."

When Truth Finally Emerges

The film's climax changes everything. After a brutal confrontation exposes Rumi's secret to the world, she finally stops running from herself. Her mentor Celine forces her to confront why she's never felt fully accepted, leading to the breakthrough she desperately needed.

This sets up the movie's most powerful musical moment. Rumi crashes the villainous Saja Boys' concert with a completely different kind of performance. 'What It Sounds Like' opens with the words "Nothing but the truth now"—and this time, she means it. The vocal style fits her natural range, and lyrics about scars being part of her identity actually reflect her genuine feelings.

The Real Celebration Begins

Unlike 'Golden,' which represented internal conflict, 'What It Sounds Like' becomes a true celebration. Huntr/x reunites on stage without any secrets between them, and the entire crowd joins in. The song plays during the film's most exciting action sequence, as the group finally defeats their enemies and creates a new protective barrier.

The emotional impact is undeniable. Lines about voices combining when darkness meets light deliver genuine chills, especially knowing the journey it took to get there. This is what makes 'What It Sounds Like' more than just another soundtrack cut—it's the payoff for everything 'Golden' promised but couldn't deliver while Rumi was still hiding from herself.