The 38th Golden Disc Awards, a stellar night celebrating the pinnacle of K-Pop music, outdid itself with an array of stunning performances. However, the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the surprise cover performances by some of the industry’s most prominent artists. From TXT‘s Yeonjun to the rising stars of ZEROBASEONE, the night was a breathtaking showcase of talent and homage to iconic K-Pop legends.
TXT’s Yeonjun | @spottv_kpopup/Twitter
1. TXT’s Yeonjun
TXT, already known for their electrifying stage presence, took it a notch higher with Yeonjun’s cover of Taemin‘s “Guilty.” The performance was an embodiment of art, with Yeonjun delivering a rendition that was both respectful to the original and uniquely his own.
YEONJUN performs Taemin’s ‘Guilty’ at the 38th Golden Disc Awards!!
— 하지 (@txtarchivee) January 6, 2024
His impeccable dance skills, coupled with his charismatic stage presence, made this performance one of the most talked-about of the evening. The way Yeonjun captured the essence of Taemin’s iconic style while infusing his flair was nothing short of mesmerizing.
2. BOYNEXTDOOR
The duo of Taesan and Jaehyun from BOYNEXTDOOR took on the challenge of covering BLACKPINK‘s “Shut Down,” and they did not disappoint. Their rendition brought a fresh, strong twist to the song, showcasing their rap prowess and skills.
BOYNEXTDOOR Taesan and Jaehyun ‘Shut Down’ cover at 38th Golden Disc Awardspic.twitter.com/j9S5pnRsYI
— bonedo (@boynextdoortwt) January 6, 2024
The performance was a perfect blend of BOYNEXTDOOR’s unique style and BLACKPINK’s original flair, creating a memorable moment that resonated with fans of both groups.
3. STAYC
STAYC, known for their youthful energy and catchy tunes, paid tribute to some of the most iconic girl groups in K-Pop history. Their medley included hits like TWICE‘s “Cheer Up,” Red Velvet‘s “Power Up,” and Girls’ Generation‘s “Way To Go.”
스테이씨가 말아주는 치얼업 힙내 파워업 넘 좋은데 pic.twitter.com/ncJLvhdl8K
— 멜리 (@MELLOWO4I4) January 6, 2024
Each song was performed with precision and passion, capturing the unique charm of the original while showcasing STAYC’s versatility and talent. The performance was a vibrant celebration of the impact these groups have had on the K-Pop industry.
4. ZEROBASEONE
Closing the series of surprise performances was ZEROBASEONE. Members Kim Taerae, Sung Hanbin, and Zhang Hao took the stage to deliver a soulful rendition of IU‘s “Through The Night.”
hanbin, hao, and taerae performing ‘through the night’ by iu! 🤍 pic.twitter.com/Qniyzv7AFP
— (@shbcloud) January 6, 2024
Their harmonious voices and emotional delivery resonated deeply with the audience, creating a serene and poignant moment amidst the high-energy performances of the night. It was a fitting tribute to IU, highlighting her influence on the current generation of K-Pop artists.
The 38th Golden Disc Awards not only celebrated the achievements of the past year but also showcased the depth and diversity of talent within the K-Pop industry. These surprise cover performances were more than just entertainment — they were a symbol of respect and admiration among artists