Why BABYMONSTER's HUNTR/X Performance Has K-pop Fans Talking [2025 MAMA Highlights]

BABYMONSTER members Ahyeon, Pharita, and Rora left an unforgettable mark at the 2025 MAMA Awards with their showstopping performance. During the prestigious ceremony held at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium on November 29th, the trio transformed into the fictional group HUNTR/X from Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters". Their rendition of "Golden" undoubtedly became the most talked-about act of the entire awards show.

The performance by Ahyeon Babymonster, Pharita Babymonster, and Rora Babymonster wasn't just visually stunning – it dominated online metrics as well. Specifically, their stage topped the official YouTube channel's view count and generated massive buzz across social media platforms and online communities. The significance of this performance extends beyond entertainment, as Babymonster Pharita, Babymonster Rora, and Ahyeon brought to life characters from a film where the MAMA Awards itself plays a central role. Furthermore, both songs "Golden" and "Soda Pop" from the film received nominations for Best OST and Song of the Year, highlighting the seamless integration between the real awards show and its fictional counterpart.

The Performance That Stole the Show

The trio of Pharita, Ahyeon, and Rora transformed the stage with their remarkable recreation of the fictional K-pop group HUNTR/X.

How BABYMONSTER brought HUNTR/X to life

The members meticulously recreated the outfits and hairstyles of the animated exorcist group from "KPop Demon Hunters," creating a seamless connection between fiction and reality. Their visual transformation was so complete that Director Maggie Kang shared photos of the trio alongside the production team on her personal social media, officially certifying the authentic portrayal.

Stage presence and choreography highlights

Despite the songs requiring exceptional vocal techniques, Ahyeon Babymonster delivered explosive high notes while Pharita Babymonster and Rora Babymonster maintained unwavering live vocals throughout the performance. "Golden" is particularly challenging—even for original artists—yet the three members performed it in its original key, concluding with ultra-high-pitched ad-libs that showcased their technical abilities.

Why this performance stood out at 2025 MAMA

The HUNTR/X stage immediately topped Mnet's official YouTube channel viewership, reaching 5.4 million views within approximately 12 hours. This performance significantly outpaced their own earlier stage of "WE GO UP + DRIP" which garnered 3.77 million views. Although reactions were mixed—some praised their courage to tackle such difficult songs live while others questioned certain vocal techniques—the performance nonetheless cemented Babymonster Pharita, Babymonster Rora, and Ahyeon's reputation as compelling performers on the global stage.

Breaking Down the Songs: 'Golden' and 'What It Sounds Like'

'Golden' stood out at the 2025 MAMA Awards not just as a performance but as a remarkable vocal challenge conquered by the three-member unit.

The challenge of performing 'Golden'

'Golden' is notorious for its extreme difficulty, featuring vocal techniques and high notes that even the original artists struggled with. The original creator, Lee Jae, explained, "This song itself is not a song for a singer; it's for an animation. We had to intentionally include high notes that rise to express Rumi's desperation". Many performers typically lower the key when performing live to reduce vocal strain, making Ahyeon Babymonster, Rora Babymonster, and Pharita Babymonster's decision to perform in the original key especially bold.

Live vocals and harmonies by Ahyeon, Rora, and Pharita

The trio delivered unwavering live vocals throughout both songs. Their performance began with 'What It Sounds Like,' immediately captivating the audience before reaching a climax with 'Golden'. Pharita Babymonster handled high-pitched sections, Ahyeon delivered powerful notes, and Rora anchored the lower range. Moreover, their sophisticated harmonies added depth to the performance.

How the songs connect to KPop Demon Hunters

The performance faithfully brought the animation to life. In fact, Director Maggie Kang praised, "BabyMonster beautifully staged 'Golden' tonight. I am truly grateful". Consequently, the stage became the most viewed MAMA performance, recording over 12.55 million views.

Reactions from Fans and Industry Insiders

The HUNTR/X stage by Ahyeon, Pharita, and Rora quickly became a viral phenomenon across digital platforms after the awards ceremony.

Social media buzz and trending moments

Babymonster Pharita, Babymonster Rora, and Ahyeon Babymonster's "Golden" performance surpassed 5 million views immediately after release, ranking first in viewer count among all MAMA performers. Fans flooded platforms with comments like "It felt like seeing the realization of KPop Demon Hunters". However, reactions were polarized – many praised the trio's vocal range, yet others criticized certain aspects as "uncomfortable". Following this mixed reception, Rei Ami (original singer behind HUNTRIX Zoey) addressed toxic fans, stating: "Putting down other artists to uplift your favs is lame. Keep it positive or stfu".

Director Maggie Kang's response

Throughout the ceremony, Director Kang openly endorsed the performance. During her acceptance speech for Best OST, she remarked: "BABYMONSTER did an incredible job putting together today's 'Golden' stage. I'm grateful". Additionally, she certified her daughter Rumi as an enthusiastic Babymonster fan through her social media posts.

Behind-the-scenes meeting with the production team

Prior to their performance, Ahyeon, Rora and Pharita met with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans backstage. They exchanged thoughtfully prepared gifts, creating a warm atmosphere. The directors were visibly impressed by how accurately the members replicated the original KDH universe through their costumes and styling. This symbolic meeting between the animation creators and Babymonster has ignited speculation about potential future collaborations.

Symbolism and Impact Beyond the Stage

Beyond mere entertainment, the HUNTR/X performance represented a groundbreaking moment in K-pop history that transcended traditional boundaries between animation and reality.

The real-life transformation into HUNTR/X

Pharita, Ahyeon, and Rora embodied the animated characters with extraordinary precision. Their appearance with identical hairstyles and fashion to the film's characters created such an authentic portrayal that directors Maggie Kang and Chris Eppens remarked it was "no exaggeration to call it a live-action adaptation" of HUNTR/X. According to sources from the production team, the directors were genuinely amazed at how Babymonster Pharita, Babymonster Rora, and Ahyeon Babymonster had "broken the boundaries between animation and reality".

Why this matters for BABYMONSTER's global image

The transformation elevated the trio beyond traditional K-pop performance. Rather than merely covering songs, they became living embodiments of beloved characters, connecting with an entirely new audience. This stage has already surpassed 5.6 million views amid global fan interest, thereby establishing Babymonster as cultural ambassadors at the intersection of K-pop and global entertainment. As their performance currently ranks first in viewer count among all performers, the stage has effectively expanded their global recognition.

What it means for K-pop and Netflix collaborations

This performance represents "the clearest example yet of how K-pop's ecosystem is now successfully spanning and integrating itself into animation, film, music, and live performance". Furthermore, the collaboration has raised expectations for future partnerships between Babymonster and Netflix. Through this symbolic crossover, both entities reach new audiences, creating a mutually beneficial relationship between K-pop artists and global streaming platforms.