Singer Sohyang responds to backlash over ‘Golden’ live performance; says, 'I messed everything up'

Sohyang reacts to backlash

• Sohyang criticized for 'Golden' live performance on KBS Countdown Show.
• She expressed disappointment, viewing it as a chance for humility and growth.
• Sohyang asked fans for prayers and reflected on learning from the experience

Did our AI summary help?

Renowned vocalist Sohyang has addressed the intense criticism surrounding her recent live performance at KBS’s 2025 Countdown Show Right Now, after viewers expressed shock and disappointment over her rendition of 'Golden'.

The performance took place on December 31 during the televised New Year’s countdown event, where Sohyang appeared alongside fellow singers Youngbin and HYNN. The trio performed a cover of 'Golden', originally by Huntrix. While the collaboration was highly anticipated, the performance quickly became a topic of controversy once it aired.

From the opening moments, viewers noted that Sohyang’s first notes appeared off-key and unstable. As Youngbin began the introduction, Sohyang’s voice entered with noticeable tremors, and her distinct vocal tone stood out more prominently than the intended harmony. Many described the early portion of the performance as “dissonant,” and pointed out that the blend between the singers felt unbalanced.

Although Sohyang appeared to regain her composure as the song progressed and eventually delivered the powerful vocal control she is known for by the final section, the initial instability overshadowed the performance for many viewers. Once the video was uploaded to KBS’s official YouTube channel, the comment section was quickly flooded with criticism.

Several netizens shared harsh reactions, writing comments such as, “This is going to be a performance she will want to forget for the rest of her life,” and “I hope she becomes more humble after this performance.” Others questioned the stylistic choices, stating, “This is a song that doesn’t need all those crazy vocal skills. It needs to be sung more simply,” and “Every time she sang the harmony, it just ruined the song.” Some went as far as to say, “This is the first time feeling so horrible after hearing ‘Golden,’” and “This is the first time I felt like something was ‘too much’ while listening to music.”

Rather than remaining silent, Sohyang chose to respond personally. After seeing the reactions, she commented candidly, “That’s right. I messed everything up. I’m so disappointed, too.”

On January 4, Sohyang released a more detailed statement through her YouTube channel. In her message, she wrote, “‘Golden’…I did so badly. Ah, this voice belongs to God. If I use it for my own greed, I will inevitably be incompetent.”

Also Read: Teen Top’s Changjo confirms relationship; pens emotional letter to fans, 'There is someone I’m deeply grateful to'

She further framed the experience as a moment of introspection, adding, “This was an opportunity for me to resolve once again to serve as the Lord’s instrument humbly.” Sohyang also asked her supporters to pray for her, referencing the biblical story of Jacob and drawing parallels to personal growth through hardship. “God loves Jacob, but He also trains and transforms him into a man of the Lord. Please look forward to my future journey,” she shared.