Singer So Hyang expressed her feelings after the New Year countdown stage. So Hyang covered "Golden" from the "K-Pop Demon Hunters" OST with Young Bin and Park Hye Won (HYNN) at the KBS '2026 Countdown Show Light Now' held in front of a large media facade in Myeongdong, Seoul, starting at 11 PM on December 31.

The introduction of the performance began with Young Bin, but So Hyang's first note was unstable. It was observed that her pitch was off and she appeared shaken, which continued throughout the performance. Rather than harmonies, So Hyang's unique vocal color stood out, and viewers watching the live performance reacted with comments like "dissonance." However, as the performance progressed, So Hyang gradually found her stability, and by the end, her vocal ability somewhat recovered.

After the performance video was released on the KBS YouTube channel, reactions were mixed. Some viewers commented, "It was too much," "There was a disaster," and "I was shocked watching it live." It seemed So Hyang recognized these reactions, as she conveyed her feelings through a comment, saying, "I know. I ruined it all. I'm really disappointed too."

On January 4, So Hyang provided a more specific stance on the 'Golden' live controversy through the video introduction section of her YouTube channel. She admitted, "Golden... I really messed up." She added, "Ah, this voice is God's. When I used it according to my greed, I realized I couldn't help but be incompetent."

So Hyang also mentioned, "It was a chance to humbly resolve to be used as a tool of the Lord," and requested prayers. By referencing Jacob's story in the Bible, she explained, "God loves Jacob but trains him and transforms him into a man of the Lord." Finally, So Hyang stated, "Please look forward to the journey ahead."

This incident could serve as an important turning point in So Hyang's musical journey. Her candid response seems likely to strengthen communication with her fans. So Hyang plans to continue her activities based on her musical growth and faith.