Korean-American singer-songwriter EJAE is having a career-defining moment, captivating the world as the voice behind the smash hit “Golden” from Netflix’s animated sensation KPop Demon Hunters. With the film breaking viewership records and the soundtrack dominating global charts, EJAE’s journey from industry underdog to international star is the talk of the music world.
From Trainee Struggles to Songwriting Stardom
EJAE’s story is one of resilience. Once a trainee at K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment, she faced years of rejection and self-doubt. “The obsession with perfection can be quite toxic. I struggled with that as a trainee, being dropped and rejected only accentuated my insecurities and bred imposter syndrome,” EJAE shared in a recent interview, reflecting on her early hardships and the emotional toll of the industry.
But perseverance paid off. EJAE reinvented herself as a songwriter, penning hits for top girl groups like Red Velvet, Twice, and Aespa. Her behind-the-scenes influence earned her the nickname “the Benny Blanco of K-pop”—a comparison she humbly downplays, insisting she’s “nowhere close to him” but eager to keep learning and growing.
“Golden” and the KPop Demon Hunters Phenomenon
Everything changed with
KPop Demon Hunters. As the singing voice of Rumi, the film’s conflicted heroine, EJAE poured her own struggles and hopes into “Golden,” the movie’s lead single. The song’s message—“I am done hiding, now I am shining”—mirrors EJAE’s own journey to self-acceptance and artistic recognition.
The impact has been staggering:
-
“Golden” is holding the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and has gone platinum, a milestone celebrated with an emotional surprise on
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon alongside co-stars Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami.
- The
KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack is a global phenomenon, with the film itself setting a new record for the highest cumulative viewership in Netflix history.
A New Era: Upcoming Music and Public Appearances
With the world watching, EJAE is stepping into the spotlight like never before:
- She’s set to release a highly anticipated new single on October 24, marking her first major solo project since the
KPop Demon Hunters breakout.
- EJAE will make her first official public appearance in Korea at a press conference on October 15, a homecoming that’s generating major buzz among fans and media. The event is especially poignant given her family ties—her grandfather is the respected actor Shin Young-kyun.
What’s Next for EJAE?
EJAE’s rise is more than a personal triumph—it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and authenticity in an industry often obsessed with image. As she told Hindustan Times, “People are starting to notice me as an artist now. Many ask me when I plan to release an album or another single. I’m now exploring that side of me, something I’ve nurtured for a very long time. A single is on the way”.
With her unique blend of vulnerability and strength, EJAE is poised to become one of the defining voices of her generation. Fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see what she’ll do next.
Sources
1. EJAE, 'Golden' Composer and Singer, Visits Korea for Press ...
2. Celebrity news - IMDb
3. EJAE of 'KPop Demon Hunters' fame to drop new song on Oct. 24
4. JPRE Table of Contents - Journal of Public Relations Education
5. Exclusive | EJAE on K-Pop Demon Hunters lead single Golden
6. KPop Demon Hunters: 7 mystical secrets - Go! Go! Hanguk
7. EJAE Announces New Song After Surprise Kpop Demon Hunters ...
8. EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami from KPop Demon Hunters: Golden
9. KPop Demon Hunters | Interview with Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami
