From a rejected trainee to a historic Grammy win, EJAE’s journey has become one of the most inspiring success stories in modern K-pop. The song “Golden,” performed by the fictional group Huntrix in the 2025 animated musical urban fantasy film KPop Demon Hunters, recently won Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards, marking the first time a K-pop–related work has claimed a Grammy trophy. The track had already earned major recognition earlier by winning Best Original Song at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, signaling a major turning point for K-pop’s global cultural standing.
EJAE’s “Golden” journey is the very definition of perseverance, talent, and rebirth. The Korean-American singer-songwriter, known by her real name Kim Eun-jae, rose from years of hardship as an SM Entertainment trainee to become the first female K-pop solo artist to conquer the Billboard Hot 100 with her global hit “Golden.”
When “Golden” claimed the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, EJAE took to social media with a simple, heartfelt message: “I lost my words. Only tears come out.” This brief yet emotional statement resonated deeply with fans worldwide a reflection of both her past struggles and her present miracle.
Born on December 6, 1991, in Seoul, EJAE spent a decade as an SM Entertainment trainee, training with hopes of debuting. Despite her long years of dedication, opportunities slipped away due to age and shifting market trends. Yet those years were not wasted they forged her into one of Korea’s most respected topliners and songwriters.
She later began writing and composing for SM artists, including Red Velvet’s “Psycho” and aespa’s “Armageddon.” Her signature melodic and emotional style soon became recognizable among K-pop fans.
Notably, EJAE is the granddaughter of veteran actor and former lawmaker Shin Young-kyun but her achievements are entirely her own, built on hard work rather than inherited fame.
In 2020, EJAE joined the OST production team for “KPop Demon Hunters”, later voicing the film’s main character Rumi in the 2025 release. Her dual contributions songwriting and vocal performance — for tracks such as “Golden” and “Your Idol” — showcased her as a true multi-hyphenate creator.
Released on July 4, 2025, “Golden” was more than a soundtrack it was a phenomenon. The song climbed to No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, also topping the Billboard Global 200 and dominating charts in the UK, Australia, and Germany.
EJAE thus became the first female K-pop artist and only the second Korean act after BTS to achieve this record. Her voice captured both the emotional pulse of the movie and the essence of K-pop authenticity that transcends animation.
In a later interview, EJAE shared a powerful message: “The time you spend working in silence is never wasted. Even when you feel forgotten, those moments will prove your worth.” Her words struck a chord with dreamers and creatives worldwide, symbolizing positivity, recovery, and purpose.
EJAE’s evolution trainee → composer → performer → Billboard-topping artist is now a blueprint for perseverance in the Korean music industry. Her story represents more than a personal victory; it’s a milestone for women in K-pop, creativity beyond labels, and the universal power of music.
Sources: Blog Naver, K14
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