Composer and singer EJAE, known for her work on the Netflix animation KPop Demon Hunters, moved viewers with a heartfelt confession about her past as a long-time SM Entertainment trainee.
On October 21, tvN’s You Quiz on the Block posted a video featuring EJAE, showcasing her emotional journey and rise to international recognition.
During the video, EJAE shared her experience preparing for her guest appearance on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which aired on October 7 (local time). “Honestly, I was so stressed. I lost my voice that morning. I was terrified during the rehearsal,” she confessed. The situation was even more intense as Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson’s family was in the audience.
EJAE trained under SM Entertainment for a staggering 12 years, alongside iconic K-pop groups like Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, and f(x). Reflecting on that period, she said, “I really did my best.”
She tearfully recounted the emotional aftermath of her contract termination: “I cried in the taxi on the way back. I realized that trying hard doesn’t always guarantee results. I was sorry to myself. I had dreamed of becoming a singer for so long, and not achieving it made me hate myself.” She added, “I cried for a month. I had a lot of resentment towards idols and K-pop. It hurt me deeply.”
Despite this heartbreak, EJAE never gave up on music. “Because I love music, I decided to try making it myself,” she said. She spent countless hours crafting beats from café opening to closing time.
Her persistence paid off. She went on to create hits like Red Velvet’s “Psycho”, and aespa’s “Drama” and “Armageddon”. Most notably, her OST “Golden” for KPop Demon Hunters achieved massive success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks.
EJAE also penned the lyrics for “Golden”. She recalled a memorable moment: “There was a sing-along event recently, and kids from different countries sang the Korean lyrics ‘영원히 깨질 수 없는 (Unbreakable forever)’. Hearing them sing in Korean was incredible.” She added, “I really wanted to include Korean in the song. Seeing them all sing it proudly made me feel proud too.”
From a shattered dream to chart-topping success, EJAE’s story is one of pain, perseverance, and poetic justice in the K-pop world.
Sources: Daum
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