"I ruined everything"… Sohyang reveals her feelings over new year countdown stage controversy; internet user support continues
Singer Sohyang candidly expressed her feelings after the New Year's countdown stage. Amid mixed reactions to the live outdoor performance in severe cold, voices of support for her are also continuing.
Sohyang took the stage at the 2026 Countdown Show Light Now in front of a giant media facade in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul from 11 p.m. on Dec. 31 last year, and covered Hentryx's "Golden," the OST for "K-pop Demon Hunters," with Youngbin and Park Hye-won (HYNN).
Although she began the intro with Youngbin at the start of the performance, Sohyang's first note was somewhat unstable. Her pitch wavered, creating a sense of tension, and her distinctive strong tone stood out more than the harmony, prompting some viewers to describe it as a "dissonance." However, she gradually stabilized toward the latter part, and some evaluations noted that her signature explosive vocal power had somewhat recovered by the end.
After the stage video was posted on KBS's YouTube channel, reactions were mixed. Criticisms included "it was too much" and "I was more surprised because it was live," while defenses included "for an outdoor live broadcast, that's impressive" and "considering the wind chill that night, it was actually a good performance."
Seemingly aware of the controversy, Sohyang directly commented, "That's right. I ruined everything. I am also so disappointed," expressing a self-reproachful sentiment.
On Jan. 4 she left a longer note in the description of a video on her YouTube channel. She said, "'Golden'… I really performed very poorly," and added, "This voice was given to me by God, and when I used it according to my own greed, I felt again that I could only be incompetent." She also said it became an opportunity to resolve to be humbly used as the Lord's instrument again and added, "please pray for me."
Sohyang referenced the biblical story of Jacob and said, "God loves but trains and transforms. Please look forward to the journey ahead."
But fans and internet users have responded with warm support rather than excessive self-blame. Responses continued: "The wind was really strong that New Year's night and the felt temperature was below zero, so that level of vocalization was more than good enough," "anyone could waver with an outdoor live broadcast plus a high-pitched song," "the standards seem too high because it's Sohyang," and "it's okay not to be perfect, cheering for Sohyang." In particular, many supportive comments stood out, such as "the courage to attempt a live performance on a symbolic New Year's countdown stage is admirable" and "I hope she doesn't push herself too hard."
Given the difficult conditions of a live broadcast in severe cold and the fact that she performed under higher expectations than anyone else, this stage remains a moment that made both Sohyang and the public who watched it reconsider the "process" rather than "perfection."
[Photo] 'OSEN DB, KBS'
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