The 83rd Golden Globe Awards, held in Los Angeles on January 12 (KST), delivered one of the night’s most emotional moments when the animated global hit KPop Demon Hunters claimed the award for Best Original Song.
The honor went to “Golden,” the film’s powerful theme song, which has become a standout of the awards season. As EJAE—the song’s original singer, songwriter, and the voice behind the character Rumi—took the stage to accept the award, she was visibly overwhelmed, breaking down in tears as the audience erupted into applause.
Clutching the trophy, EJAE opened her speech with a trembling voice, saying, “This award is so heavy… my goodness. I need to take a deep breath.” Her brief words captured the magnitude of the moment before she reflected on a journey filled with rejection and perseverance.
EJAE revealed that she had once dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol and spent nearly a decade chasing that goal, only to be repeatedly turned away. “I was told my voice wasn’t good enough,” she shared, her eyes welling up. Rather than giving up on music entirely, she chose to remain behind the scenes, dedicating herself to songwriting and vocal production.
That decision ultimately led her to K-Pop Demon Hunters—a project she said changed her life. “I never imagined I would stand on this stage one day, being heard by the world because of a song,” EJAE said, pausing again as emotions took over. “Being part of this song truly transformed everything for me.”
She dedicated the award to those who have experienced rejection, offering words of encouragement that resonated deeply with the audience. “Rejection is not the end—it’s a redirection,” she said firmly. Quoting lyrics from “Golden,” EJAE concluded her speech with a message of hope: “Become who you were always meant to be. Shine.”
“Golden” has been on an impressive awards run, having also won Best Song at the Critics Choice Awards. Since its Netflix release in June last year, KPop Demon Hunters has become one of the platform’s most-watched animated films, topping global viewership charts for weeks. The film’s original tracks—including “Golden,” “Your Idol,” and “Soda Pop”—have also enjoyed strong performance on the Billboard Hot 100.
At this year’s Golden Globes, the film received three nominations, including Best Animated Film and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, underscoring its cultural and commercial impact. The overwhelming response even prompted Netflix—traditionally cautious about theatrical releases—to introduce special sing-along screenings, which delivered impressive box office results.
EJAE has previously credited her bilingual background as a key strength in the film’s music, allowing the songs to seamlessly blend Korean and English lyrics while staying true to the spirit of K-pop culture. With its continued awards success and global fanbase, K-Pop Demon Hunters has cemented its place as one of the most influential animated music films of recent years—and “Golden” now stands as its crowning achievement.
Sources: Yahoo News
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