K-pop Songwriters Speak Out After Oscars Cut Off Their Acceptance Speech

The writers of 'Golden' from 'Kpop Demon Hunters' were played off stage before they could finish their remarks.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:51pm

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The songwriters behind the Oscar-winning song 'Golden' from the animated film 'Kpop Demon Hunters' were cut off during their acceptance speech at the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony. The group, which included EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu-Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo, and Teddy Park, were played off stage by the orchestra before they could complete their remarks. The audience responded with boos, and the songwriters were later given the chance to finish their speeches backstage in the press room.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges that award show producers face in managing acceptance speeches, especially for collaborative works with large creative teams. It also speaks to the growing prominence of K-pop music on the global stage, as 'Golden' became the first K-pop song to win Best Original Song at the Oscars.

The details

After EJAE, who co-wrote the song and provided vocals, gave an emotional speech about overcoming bullying for liking K-pop, fellow songwriter Yu-Han Lee stepped up to the mic to continue the group's remarks. However, Lee's microphone was cut off and the group was quickly ushered offstage by the orchestra before they could finish. This prompted boos from the audience. The songwriters were later able to complete their speeches backstage in the Oscars press room.

  • The incident occurred during the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony on March 16, 2026.
  • The 'Golden' songwriters were played off stage before they could finish their acceptance speech.

The players

EJAE

The co-writer of 'Golden' who provided singing vocals for the animated film 'Kpop Demon Hunters' and gave an emotional acceptance speech.

Yu-Han Lee

Also known as Yuhan, he was one of the songwriters for 'Golden' who was cut off while trying to deliver his speech.

Mark Sonnenblick

One of the songwriters for 'Golden' who was able to give his full speech backstage in the Oscars press room.

Joong Gyu Kwak

One of the co-writers of the Oscar-winning song 'Golden'.

Hee Dong Nam

Another co-writer of 'Golden' who was part of the group accepting the award.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop, but now everyone is singing our song and all the Korean lyrics. This award is not about success. It's about resilience.”

— EJAE

“My family, some of them here tonight—my husband is here tonight. Everybody who worked on this movie, all the animators, it was a real collaboration across the board. Part of the movie is about looking at someone that you had been taught to hate and to fear, and starting to trust, maybe love them. A movie is like a village, and we're lucky to be up here right now, but there's so many people who have made this what it is.”

— Mark Sonnenblick

“This award is an incredible honor.”

— Yu-Han Lee

What’s next

The Motion Picture Academy has not issued a statement regarding the incident where the 'Golden' songwriters were cut off during their Oscars acceptance speech.

The takeaway

The abrupt ending to the 'Golden' songwriters' acceptance speech at the Oscars underscores the challenges award show producers face in managing time constraints, while also highlighting the growing global influence of K-pop music and the need to ensure all creative contributors are given a fair opportunity to be recognized.