In a candid moment, Jang Wonyoung of IVE shared a personal insight that she had never expressed publicly before. In a recent interview with Esquire Korea, coinciding with her campaign for Bulgari, Wonyoung revealed that the Oscar and Grammy-winning song “Golden” from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters immediately reminded her of IVE’s track “I AM.” This revelation adds a new layer to the song’s perception and showcases the interconnectedness of musical influences.
During the interview, Park Se-heo from Esquire Korea inquired about which group came to mind when Wonyoung listened to the movie’s soundtrack. Hesitant yet honest, Wonyoung admitted, “Um… this is the first time I’m talking about this, IVE. When I heard the song ‘Golden,’ it brought to mind our song ‘I AM.’ I initially thought I was alone in this, but after others around me mentioned it, I realized many people felt the same way.”
What Wonyoung Said About KPop Demon Hunters’ “Golden” And “I AM”
Park observed that the song’s melody, especially where it intensifies, bore a striking resemblance to IVE’s style. Wonyoung agreed, noting, “That’s right. The song styles are really similar.”
IVE’s “I AM,” which debuted in April 2023 as the lead single from their first studio album I’ve IVE, is known for its dynamic pre-chorus that builds to a climactic peak, creating an unforgettable sing-along experience for fans. This structural element is key to the song’s allure and resonates with listeners during live performances.
Why Wonyoung’s Comparison
Similarly, “Golden” was crafted by a team of talented composers, including EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, and several Korean artists like Joong Gyu Kwak and Teddy Park, as noted by Netflix Tudum. The track features a powerful, sustained melodic rise, marking its emotional high point and connecting deeply with audiences.
Wonyoung isn’t alone in drawing parallels between the soundtrack of KPop Demon Hunters and other works. BTS members Jimin and Jungkook also discussed “Golden” during a Weverse live session. Jimin playfully asked Jungkook if the song’s title, similar to Jungkook’s 2023 solo album Golden, bothered him. Jungkook, with his straightforward demeanor, replied, “If it’s good, that’s all that matters,” highlighting the universal appreciation for quality music.
Wonyoung is not the only K-pop figure to have commented publicly on the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack. BTS’s Jimin and Jungkook discussed “Golden” during a Weverse live session last year, with Jimin noting that Jungkook had released a solo album called Golden in 2023 and asking whether the shared name bothered him. Jungkook’s response was characteristically direct, saying, “If it’s good, that’s all that matters”.
IVE member Yujin has also previously covered “Golden”.
What “Golden” Has Achieved
“Golden,” performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami as the fictional group HUNTR/X, won the Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards; the first K-pop associated song to win at that ceremony. It subsequently won Best Original Song at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards, with EJAE accepting both awards and emotionally referencing her own journey from rejected K-pop trainee to Oscar-winning songwriter.
The song’s official lyric video reached one billion views on YouTube in January 2026. It topped the Billboard Global 200 and reached number one in more than 30 countries, per Rolling Stone.
Who Is Wonyoung And IVE
INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA – OCTOBER 10: Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo of girl group IVE attend the 2023 The Fact Music Awards on October 10, 2023 in Incheon, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Jang Wonyoung is a 20-year-old South Korean singer and the co-leader and centre of IVE, one of the leading fourth-generation K-pop groups under Starship Entertainment. She debuted with IVE in December 2021 and has since become one of the most visible individual presences in the K-pop industry, maintaining ambassador relationships with luxury brands including Bulgari, which is the context in which the Esquire Korea interview took place.
Her public persona, which she described in the interview as deliberately consistent. “I have a kind of professional mindset. I can’t say there isn’t some fatigue from being in the spotlight every moment, but most of the people who come to see me or watch me are those who like and support me,” makes candid admissions like this rather rare.
Quotes from the Esquire Korea interview with Wonyoung was translated from Korean.
