As this year’s Oscars concluded successfully, the Korean-inspired “Golden” stage has become a hot topic.
On March 15, the 98th Academy Awards ceremony unfolded at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
The event showcased a performance of “Golden,” the chart-topping hit from Netflix’s animated series KPop Demon Hunters. The song’s performers – Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami – delivered a powerful vocal performance, while A-list celebrities in the audience waved light sticks, a nod to K-pop fan culture.
The opening sequence captivated viewers with its distinctly Korean flair. Recreating a scene from KPop Demon Hunters, it featured a shaman from Korea’s Joseon era performing traditional dance, followed by the animated series’ Saja Boys – reimagined grim reapers – dominating the stage with their moves.
The standout moment came with a mesmerizing Pansori performance. Clad in traditional Hanbok, a Pansori master delivered a soul-stirring rendition of a piece featured in the animated series, showcasing the unique power of Korean cultural artistry.
The performance became a hot topic post-ceremony. While K-pop acts have graced international stages before, the fusion of traditional Korean art forms like Pansori and court dance at the Oscars was unprecedented. First-time viewers were intrigued and impressed by the distinctive charm of these art forms.
Global audiences praised the moving opening, the beauty of the Hanbok-clad dancers, and the refreshing twist of seeing traditional performers before the K-pop act. Korean viewers, while wishing for a longer performance, celebrated the emotional impact of hearing Pansori and seeing Hanbok on the world stage. Many saw it as a comforting tribute to Koreans who have faced discrimination abroad.
The Oscar performance of “Golden” has gone viral, racking up hundreds of thousands of views within 24 hours.
KPop Demon Hunters follows the adventures of K-pop supergroup HUNTR/X members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey as they balance stardom with their secret roles as world-saving heroes. The series has shattered Netflix records, becoming the first title to surpass 300 million cumulative views across all categories.