During her early years, Ejae—whose real name is Kim Eun Jae—was often criticized for her husky, low-toned voice, which didn’t fit the polished and uniform expectations of the K-pop industry. Today, however, that same voice has become the defining element of “Golden,” the standout track from the animated film Kpop Demon Hunters, elevating her to international stardom.
The Korean-American artist both co-wrote and performed the song alongside Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “Looking back from my trainee days at SM Entertainment until now, I believe everything happened at the right time for a reason.”
In an industry that values perfection and uniformity, Ejae’s distinctiveness initially became a barrier. Her trainee years were not only about honing skills but also about confronting doubt—from both her surroundings and herself.
Instead of changing to fit expectations, Ejae gradually embraced her individuality. She stepped away from the traditional idol path and shifted toward songwriting and behind-the-scenes work. This decision became a turning point, allowing her to develop her craft and establish a unique musical identity.
In Kpop Demon Hunters, Ejae provided the singing voice for Rumi, a member of the fictional girl group Huntrix. Beyond “Golden,” she also contributed to arranging and producing several key tracks in the film.
When asked about performing the song live, especially its demanding high notes, the 34-year-old admitted, “Of course it’s pressure. Since it’s an animated film, the character’s emotions matter more. If I had written it for a real-life singer, I might have approached it differently.”
She explained that the song’s extreme vocal range was designed to reflect the emotional intensity of the character. “It needed that almost desperate escalation in pitch to convey the feeling. I didn’t expect that I would be the one performing it live. Rumi feels the pressure—and so do I,” she added.
Ejae’s biggest breakthrough came with “Golden,” which quickly became a global phenomenon. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for multiple weeks—an extraordinary feat for a track deeply rooted in K-pop and featuring Korean lyrics.
The success didn’t stop there. “Golden” went on to win Best Original Song at the 98th Academy Awards, marking a turning point that transformed Ejae from a relatively unknown songwriter into a prominent figure in global music.
On stage, she emotionally shared, “When I was younger, I was teased for loving K-pop. Now the whole world is singing songs in Korean. I’m truly proud.”
The Oscar performance of “Golden” also drew widespread attention for incorporating traditional Korean cultural elements such as folk instruments, pansori, and hanbok-inspired choreography. Hollywood stars like Emma Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Gwyneth Paltrow were seen enjoying the stage, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a K-pop concert.
With the success of “Golden,” Kpop Demon Hunters won two Oscars, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, reinforcing the global influence of Korean culture.
The song itself mirrors Ejae’s personal journey—its powerful high notes and emotional progression symbolize her transformation from insecurity to self-confidence.
Beyond awards, Ejae has also achieved impressive commercial success. According to Luminate, she became the most-streamed K-pop artist in the United States in 2025, with approximately 2.1 billion on-demand streams. Many of the top-streamed artists of the year were connected to the Kpop Demon Hunters soundtrack, highlighting the project’s massive impact.
Throughout her creative process, Ejae emphasized the importance of preserving Korean identity. She intentionally included Korean lyrics, viewing them as essential. In her view, K-pop should not lose its cultural essence when expanding globally but instead find a balance between authenticity and accessibility.
Today, Ejae is seen as a representative figure of a new wave of K-pop creativity, where the boundaries between domestic and global markets continue to blur. She has expressed interest in collaborating with artists like aespa and BTS in the future.
Despite her achievements, Ejae maintains a grounded perspective. She believes that the most important qualities for young artists are dedication and perseverance, even when opportunities seem small or motivation fades.
In her personal life, Ejae shares a deep connection with her fiancé Sam Kim. The two first met during a songwriting session in 2017 and quickly became partners both professionally and personally.
Sam has inspired many of Ejae’s songs, including “Psycho” and “In Another World,” while also actively participating in songwriting, recording, and supporting her through the pressures of performance. After taking time apart to reflect on their relationship, the couple became engaged in 2023 and are planning to marry in the fall of 2026. Throughout Ejae’s rise, Sam has remained a constant source of support, helping shape her musical journey.
Sources: kenh14
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