EJAE Breaks Down Accepting Golden Globe: "K-Pop Rejected Me, but Music Kept Me Going"

EJAE drew tears ― and a standing ovation ― as she accepted the Golden Globe for Best Original Song with “Golden,” the soaring theme from Netflix’s animated hit "KPop Demon Hunters".

Taking the stage at the 83rd Golden Globes at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills on the 12th (KST), EJAE reflected on a decade of near-misses before her breakthrough. “When I was a young girl, I spent 10 years chasing one dream ― to become a K-pop idol,” she said. “I was rejected.”

“What got me through was singing ― music,” she continued. “That’s why I’m here now as a singer and songwriter. To be part of a song that helps girls, boys, everyone push through their own struggles and accept who they are ― that’s a dream come true.”

Choking up, she thanked her family and fiancé, then ended with a heartfelt “Mom, I love you” in Korean.

Directed by Korean Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang, "KPop Demon Hunters" follows K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who moonlight as secret heroes protecting the world far beyond the spotlight. Since its June 20 premiere, the action-fantasy has smashed records with more than 300 million cumulative views, ranking No. 1 overall on Netflix across films and series. “Golden,” co-written and performed by EJAE, also dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks at No. 1.

Before her global breakout, EJAE trained for 12 years at SM Entertainment with hopes of debuting in Korea ― a dream that never materialized. She later moved to the U.S. to focus on music, ultimately contributing as both composer and vocalist to the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack ― a career-defining turn. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)