Why 'What It Sounds Like' Is KPop Demon Hunters' True Power Anthem

Ever since June, it ’s been nearly impossible to avoid the infectious energy of 'Golden' by Huntr/x, the fictional girl group at the center of Netflix ’s blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters. The track has dominated the Billboard Hot 100 and its debut scene is one of the film ’s most replayed moments. On the surface, 'Golden' is a rousing call for self-confidence and embracing who you are. But for Rumi, the movie ’s lead, the song’s message is more complicated than it seems.

Layers Beneath the Hit

For Rumi, 'Golden' actually represents the opposite of what it claims. While the world sees it as an anthem of empowerment, Rumi is still hiding her true identity. There’s another song in the film that truly captures her journey—'What It Sounds Like.' This track becomes the emotional climax of Rumi’s story, celebrating authenticity and acceptance, scars and all.

That’s not to say 'Golden' isn’t a masterful pop song. Its cultural impact is undeniable, and it’s been on repeat for months for many fans. What makes it stand out, though, is how it’s woven into the film’s narrative. For Huntr/x, performing 'Golden' is crucial—they need it to seal the Honmoon, a magical barrier that protects humanity from demons. But when Rumi strains her voice before the big performance, it’s clear she’s buckling under the pressure to be perfect and save everyone.

The Irony of 'Golden'

Here’s where the song’s irony comes in. The lyrics talk about breaking free and being true to yourself, but Rumi is still concealing her part-demon heritage. She hides her shimmering patterns from everyone, making lines like 'I’m done hiding' carry a double meaning. Even in the bridge, Rumi admits she’s not being honest:

"Waited so long to break these walls down / To wake up and feel like me / Put these patterns all in the past now / And finally live like the girl they all see."

She’s still trying to fit into what others expect, not what she truly is.

This conflict is intentional, highlighted by EJAE’s powerful vocals—EJAE is both Rumi’s singing voice and a songwriter for the film. As EJAE explained on the Zach Sang Show,

"It had to strain her voice to metaphorically show she is singing in a voice that's not who she is. That was the point. That's why it was this non-human voice, a non-human note to reach. And that was all on purpose."

Rumi isn’t being real with herself, her friends, or her fans—at least, not yet.

Finding Her Voice

Throughout the movie, Rumi wrestles with her identity and the expectations she faces, supported by her friends Mira and Zoey and her growing connection with Jinu, the Saja Boys’ leader. Everything unravels when the demons attack, exposing Rumi’s secrets to the world. With the Honmoon shattered and Huntr/x disbanded, Rumi confronts her mentor Celine, demanding to know why she could never accept all of who Rumi is. This confrontation sparks the realization Rumi needs.

Embracing her true self, Rumi storms the Saja Boys’ concert with a new song—one that’s honest and forgiving. It begins with the line:

"Nothing but the truth now."

'What It Sounds Like' builds on the themes of 'Golden,' but this time, Rumi means every word. The song fits her voice naturally, and lyrics like

"The scars are part of me, darkness and harmony / My voice without the lies, this is what it sounds like"

finally feel authentic.

The Real Anthem

Rumi is no longer hiding, and the result is a song that radiates joy and release. Huntr/x reunite on stage, free from secrets, and the crowd joins in for a stadium-sized moment. The line

"truth after all this time, our voices all combined / When darkness meets the light, this is what it sounds like"

sends chills down the spine. The performance takes place during the film’s most electrifying sequence, as Huntr/x fights back and triumphs, forging a new Honmoon.

'What It Sounds Like' stands out as the most stirring and uplifting track on the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack. While 'Golden' has made its mark on pop culture, it’s 'What It Sounds Like' that delivers on the story’s promise and leaves a lasting impression.

KPop Demon Hunters is now streaming on Netflix, with a sequel already in the works.