EJAE (center) accepts the Golden Globe for her song 'Golden' from KPop Demon Hunters. Screenshot from the Golden Globes YouTube channel
Singer-songwriter EJAE, who shot to fame as the voice behind the lead character in the hit film "KPop Demon Hunters," capped a milestone moment with an inspiring acceptance speech after her song "Golden" won at the Golden Globes on Monday.
"Golden" took home Best Original Song, Motion Picture, at the awards show, marking one of two wins for Netflix's animated feature centered on a trio of demon-fighting K-pop stars.
During her acceptance speech, a teary-eyed EJAE reflected on being rejected from debuting in the K-pop industry.
"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," said the 34-year-old singer, whose real name is Kim Eun-jae.
"So I had leaned on songs and music to get through it so now I'm here as a singer and a songwriter," she said.
EJAE said it was "a dream come true to be part of a song that is helping other girls, other boys and everyone from all ages to get through their hardship and to accept themselves."
"So, thank you Golden Globes for accepting my voice and our voice," she added, before thanking her family, fiancé, fellow songwriters from the film, the songwriters and producers from South Korean company The Black Label, and co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans.
EJAE dedicated her award "to people who've had doors closed at them."
"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.
"KPop Demon Hunters" also took home Best Animated Motion Picture.
Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, who also provided the singing voices for the film's other lead characters, were present at the ceremony and were seen applauding EJAE as she delivered her speech.
EJAE was among the songwriters behind "KPop Demon Hunters," co-writing tracks including "Golden," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 following the film's June 2025 release.
She was formerly a trainee at SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s biggest record labels, but did not make her debut. She later became a songwriter, penning hits for top K-pop acts such as Red Velvet, TWICE and aespa.
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The K-pop industry operates on a fiercely competitive training system, with aspiring artists often beginning years of training in singing and dancing at a young age, and not everyone makes the cut.
FROM THE ARCHIVES