K-Pop Songwriters Make History at Oscars, But Speech Cut Short

Crowd boos as 'KPop Demon Hunters' team is played off stage during emotional acceptance for Best Original Song win.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:33am

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The songwriting team behind the hit song 'Golden' from the animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters' made history at the 98th Academy Awards, becoming the first K-pop act to win Best Original Song. However, their acceptance speech was abruptly cut short, triggering visible confusion and boos from the audience.

Why it matters

This marks a significant milestone for the global influence of K-pop, which has steadily gained mainstream recognition in the West in recent years. The unceremonious end to the speech, however, has sparked backlash online over the Oscars' perceived disrespect for the historic achievement.

The details

Singer-songwriter EJAE was among the creatives onstage alongside collaborators Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Teddy Park when the music abruptly began playing to signal the end of their speech. The moment came just as Lee stepped up to the microphone, with the broadcast quickly cutting to a commercial break.

  • The 98th Academy Awards ceremony took place on March 16, 2026.

The players

EJAE

A singer-songwriter who was part of the 'KPop Demon Hunters' songwriting team that won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Mark Sonnenblick

A member of the 'KPop Demon Hunters' songwriting team that won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Joong Gyu Kwak

A member of the 'KPop Demon Hunters' songwriting team that won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Yu Han Lee

A member of the 'KPop Demon Hunters' songwriting team that won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Teddy Park

A member of the 'KPop Demon Hunters' songwriting team that won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

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What they’re saying

“We feel very grateful and very honored. We all worked so hard and this is such a collaborative effort, we just need to thank our directors. They created a beautiful film. Everyone was a part of it and we are just so happy that the hard work paid off.”

— EJAE, Singer-songwriter

“Also, I needed to thank Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna onstage, but I didn't get to because they just cut us off. They killed it with their singing and they're just incredible people and I love them so much.”

— EJAE, Singer-songwriter

“I would like to thank all our families, my fellow Idol members and Teddy Park. This is an incredible honor.”

— Yu Han Lee, Songwriter

“This is an incredible honor.”

— Mark Sonnenblick, Songwriter

What’s next

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has faced criticism over the incident and may address it in future communications.

The takeaway

The historic Oscar win for a K-pop song highlights the growing global influence and recognition of the genre, but the abrupt end to the acceptance speech also underscores the need for the Oscars to better accommodate and celebrate diverse artistic achievements with respect.