ME:I's 'Golden' Live Cover Draws Harsh Criticism from Korean Netizens

Japanese girl group ME:I faced a wave of backlash from Korean netizens after performing a Japanese version cover of the song 'Golden' from the K-Pop Demon Hunters OST during a recent live music show. The trio of Miu, Ayane, and Tsuzumi struggled with the song's notoriously high range and difficulty, leading many to label the performance a "broadcast accident." The criticism, shared widely on social media, centered on the members' wobbly vocals during the climax and the group's overall preparation.

Key Facts

• ME:I members Miu, Ayane, and Tsuzumi performed a Japanese version cover of 'Golden' during a live music show appearance in May 2026.
• The song is known for its high range and difficulty, raising expectations before the performance.
• The members "wavered as the song progressed to its climax" due to the pressure of performing live.
• A video of the performance was posted on Twitter on May 28, 2026, by user @Ae39ME_I.
• On May 29, 2026, Twitter user WeeLu called the performance "broadcast accident level," citing off-key singing and linking it to the group's struggles since mass departures.
• Korean netizens reacted with comments including: "Why did they choose such a hard song.."; "Who made these girls do this.. it's borderline abuse.."; "Whoever made them do this needs to be fired."; "It's painful to watch."; and "I need to clean my ears with a better 'Golden' cover."
• Some netizens offered tempered views: "Honestly it's literally raw live and they look really nervous. This song is hard even for the original singer so." and "For Japanese idols they have potential, if they get more practice."
• One netizen remarked, "If they were K-Pop idols they would be retiring after this stage."

Key Quote

"The first verse they got through it somehow.. The second verse is on the level of a broadcast accident." — Korean netizen (anonymous)