After reports came out that the hit animated Netflix musical film KPop Demon Hunters is set to have a sequel potentially arriving in 2029, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami offered their sentiments on why the wait is part of the process. The singing trio, who brought life to the fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/x, addressed the news while basking in a milestone moment for the film.
On January 11 (US Time), the three attended the 83rd Golden Globes at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. At the event, KPop Demon Hunters earned three nominations, including Best Animated Motion Picture, Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, and Best Original Song for “Golden.” Speaking with Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet, EJAE shared how overwhelming the moment felt as they celebrated the film’s recognition on a global stage.
“We are so honored. This is an incredible moment for us. So, I’m so nervous,” EJAE said.
As questions turned to the reported sequel and its 2029 release, Audrey and Rei explained why fans should not be surprised by the long timeline. For them, the wait reflects the same care and effort that shaped the first film.
“Greatness takes time; greatness takes time. EJAE was involved for a very long time,” Audrey said.
Rei echoed the sentiment by looking back at how long the original project took to come to life. “I mean [the first movie] took 9 years for it from conception to birth,” she said.
With years to go before the sequel arrives, EJAE gently reminded fans that there is still joy to be found in revisiting the first movie.
“It’s great. It’s fun to rewatch,” she said, encouraging audiences to keep returning to the first film while waiting for what’s next.
READ: 'Golden' from 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' shortlisted for Best Original Song at the Oscars
The success of KPop Demon Hunters continues to grow, with the movie reaching more than 500 million views on Netflix. Its breakout song “Golden” has also taken on a life of its own, topping the Billboard Hot 100 last August.
Looking back, EJAE recalled the moment she first sensed that “Golden” had something special. She shared how the melody came to her unexpectedly while on the way to the dentist, and how quickly the song took shape once she began writing it with her co-writer Mark Sonnenblick.
“Well, [I] definitely felt it when I was writing it with Mark, my co-writer. I remember [that] I wrote the melody on the way to the dentist...The melody came out really fast. I was like ‘okay, there’s something here in the melody,’” she said.
“When we finished it, literally both of us said, ‘This sounds like a smash,’ but [for] us. But we did not know that it will get to this level.”
That instinct proved right when “Golden” won Best Original Song at the 83rd Golden Globes, while KPop Demon Hunters also took home the award for Best Animated Motion Picture. During the acceptance of the animated film, director Maggie Kang spoke about the heart of the story.
“Through this film we really wanted to depict female characters the way that we know women, which is really strong and bold.”
Co-director Chris Appelhans described the project as a tribute to music itself, calling it “a love letter to music,” and highlighting “the power it has to connect us, to make us see some kind of shared humanity.”
EJAE accepted the Best Original Song award alongside Mark Sonnenblick and Lee Hee-joon, using the moment to reflect on her own journey in the industry. In an emotional speech, she opened up about being rejected from debuting as a K-Pop idol after years of training.
READ: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ reaches 500 million views on Netflix
“When I was a little girl, I worked tirelessly for 10 years to fulfill one dream — to become a K-pop idol. And I was rejected and disappointed that my voice wasn't good enough,” she said.
“So, I leaned on songs and music to get through it. So now I'm here as a singer and a songwriter.”
She went on to share what the song now means to her and to listeners. “It's a dream come true to be part of a song that's helping other girls, other boys, and everyone of all ages to get through their hardships and to accept themselves.”
“So, thank you Golden Globes for accepting my voice and our voice,” EJAE added, before thanking her family, fiancé, fellow songwriters, producers from The Black Label, and the film's directors.
EJAE later dedicated the award to “people who've had doors closed at them,” offering a message shaped by her own experience, referencing to the lyrics of their hit song.
“I can confidently say rejection is redirection. So never give up and it's never too late to shine like you're born to be,” she said.