In a performance that fused the high-energy charisma of YG Entertainment's rising girl group with the supernatural flair of Netflix's anticipated K-drama, BABYMONSTER members Ahyeon, Pharita, and Rora delivered a show-stopping cover medley at the 2025 MAMA Awards.
The trio's rendition of "What It Sounds Like" and "Golden" from the KPop Demon Hunters original soundtrack (OST) by HUNTR/X left audiences in Hong Kong's Asia World-Expo arena roaring with approval, solidifying the group's reputation as K-pop's next global powerhouse.
The 2025 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), held over two days on November 28 and 29, showcased a blend of chart-topping hits and innovative collaborations, but BABYMONSTER's segment on Day 2 stood out for its timely nod to one of Netflix's most buzzed-about upcoming projects. Dressed in sleek, demon-slaying-inspired outfits that echoed the series' theme of K-pop idols battling otherworldly forces, the performers brought raw vocal prowess and synchronized choreography to the stage. Their take on "Golden" a pulsating anthem featuring EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, and the KPop Demon Hunters cast featured soaring harmonies and intricate footwork that had fans chanting along in real-time.
"BABYMONSTER slayed that Golden Kpop Demon Hunter Cover," tweeted fan account @aryshxxt_trsr shortly after the performance, capturing the electric atmosphere. Earlier reports from BABYMONSTER's official base account had teased the collaboration, noting that the subunit would tackle two tracks from the OST, heightening anticipation among the 50,000-plus attendees and millions tuning in via global streams.
The covers were not just a musical highlight but a strategic crossover moment. KPop Demon Hunters, Netflix's live-action adaptation of a popular webtoon, follows a squad of idol demon slayers navigating fame and folklore in a neon-lit Seoul. Set for a 2026 premiere, the series has already generated waves with its star-studded OST, produced by HUNTR/X a collective blending K-pop production with hip-hop edge. By enlisting BABYMONSTER, known for their fierce tracks like "SHEESH" and "WE GO UP," the organizers amplified the drama's hype, drawing parallels between the group's bold stage presence and the show's high-stakes narrative.Social media erupted post-performance, with clips of the medley amassing over 10 million views across platforms within hours.
On TikTok, user shared a snippet praising the vocal layering in "Golden," while Reddit's r/kpop community lamented the brevity of the "What It Sounds Like" segment, calling for an official release. "Wish we got a longer version... but I loved every second," one user posted. Even Vulture's live coverage hailed it as a "jaw-dropping" moment that brought the fictional hunters to vivid life.
This isn't BABYMONSTER's first brush with award-show excellence; the six-member group, comprising Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Rami, and Rora, clinched Best New Female Artist at the 2024 MAMAs and continues to climb charts with their sophomore mini-album. The KPop Demon Hunters tie-in marks a savvy expansion into multimedia synergies, following similar feats by groups like BLACKPINK and Stray Kids in Netflix partnerships.As the dust settles on MAMA 2025, whispers of full OST releases and potential cameos swirl. For now, Ahyeon, Pharita, and Rora have fetched their names deeper into K-pop lore one demon-hunting harmony at a time. Stay tuned for official setlist footage, expected to drop on Mnet's YouTube channel soon.
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