Recasting Golden: Hearing the K-POP Demon Hunters OST Through Piano
- Yeoul Choi
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 25
Piano Arrangement of Golden by Mel’s Music Corner
In June 2025, the animated musical-fantasy film “K-pop Demon Hunters” by Sony Pictures was released on Netflix. As the first animation centered around K-POP Idol characters, it quickly went viral, drawing global attention not only for the unique storyline but also for its mind-blowing soundtracks rooted in K-Pop. Several original songs from the film recently topped the Billboard Global 200 chart. Among them, “Golden” by HUNTR/X tied for the highest-charting song by a female K-pop group on Spotify U.S.
The original soundtrack “Golden” features an empowering electropop and soaring melodies with dramatic high notes, and emotionally resonant lyrics. This song is produced by IDO, 23, and Teddy who are established music producers known for their work in the K-pop industry. Golden captures HUNTR/X’s mission to protect humanity and reflects Rumi’s internal struggle with her half-demon identity.
Today, I want to give you a guide how you can approach the piano version of “Golden” before you buy the piano sheet music arranged by Mel’s Music Corner (MMC) and practice it on the piano.
Overall Structure of the Original Version of Golden
Golden” follows the typical structure of a K-pop song, gradually building emotional intensity through the sequence of intro–verse–pre-chorus–chorus–post-chorus–second verse–bridge–final chorus–outro. This structure effectively embodies the common K-pop pattern of “build-up–climax–emotional release,” supporting the song’s dramatic narrative arc.
You can see the structure table of Golden below.
Section | Prominent Instruments / Sounds |
Intro | Ambient synth pads + soft electronics |
Verses | Synth bass + mid-range pads |
Pre-Chorus | Subtle build with synth arpeggios |
Chorus | Full electronic layering + harmonies |
Bridge / Climax | Strings blend with electronics |
Outro | Combined synth + orchestral echoes |
In the intro, by opening with atmospheric synth pads, it creates a cinematic and mystical tone. Throughout Golden, one can recognize a bold electropop foundation featuring synthesized bass, arpeggiated lines, and lush electronic textures.
Golden’s Piano Version by Mel’s Music Corner
The MMC’s piano arrangement follows the typical K-pop structure same as the original one: intro–verse–pre-chorus–chorus–bridge–final chorus–outro. Also, MMC manages to preserve the emotional arc of the original song—from introspective and restrained in the verses to soaring and powerful in the choruses—while translating that into the piano idiom.
Maintaining Melodic Integrity
Preserving the original melody intact is one of the notable features of MMC’s arrangement. In the intro, MMC even retained the original register along with the melody. What effect does this have? It meets the expectations of performers, making the piece feel more familiar and approachable, while also offering the enjoyment of re-casting the original song as-is. For example, in measure 9—where the verse begins—the right hand plays the original melody, while the left hand provides a simple accompaniment. With the imagined lyrics in mind, performers can more easily visualize the original, making it a more accessible and user-friendly arrangement.
User-Friendly and Piano-Friendly Arrangement
The left hand offers simple chordal or broken chord accompaniments, avoiding overly dense or virtuosic textures. Especially in parts like measure 9 (the start of the verse), the arrangement strikes a balance between musical depth and playability for intermediate-level pianists. It’s clearly designed with educational or personal enjoyment in mind, rather than concert-level virtuosity.
Chorus: Wide Ranges
In the pianoversion, the chorus sung by Rumi is characterized by a wide range. For instance, when you play measure 33, the left hand primarily accompanies in the lower register, while the the right hand plays octave unisons in the higher register, which is quite challenging to master. Playing forte in such contrasting registers requires a great deal of practice.
Cinematic Touch in MMC’s Piano Verison
In climactic sections (like the bridge and final chorus), MMC expands the texture using wide chord voicings, octave doubling, and dynamic shifts, giving it a grand, orchestral piano feel. In measure 49, all rhythmic elements are stripped away, and the left hand sustains chords, effectively capturing a sense of emptiness. The left hand does not play full triads—instead, it often plays just the root and fifth, or occasionally includes the seventh, which further emphasizes a hollow and lonely atmosphere.This mirrors a similar moment in the original song, symbolizing the emotional state of Rumi, and ties into the storyline of the film.
Conclusion
“Golden” is a track created through the collaboration of top-tier K-pop musicians, maintaining the tone and stylistic traits of mainstream K-pop. Layered over an electronic pop foundation, its powerful vocals and emotionally resonant lyrics have earned it wide acclaim. Being able to play this song on the piano—reading the sheet music and experiencing it firsthand—is a truly exciting opportunity for both fans of K-pop Demon Hunters and K-pop enthusiasts.
Do you want to try playing a K-pop song that charted on Billboard with an accessible, well-crafted piano arrangement that captures the vibe of the original?
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