Oscar-Nominated Songwriter EJAE Turns Rejection Into "Golden" Success for "KPop Demon Hunters"

From K-pop trainee to Oscar-nominated songwriter, EJAE's journey writing the hit song "Golden" for the animated film showcases resilience and reinvention.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:39pm

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Songwriter EJAE earned an Academy Award nomination for "Golden," the soaring original song from the animated hit "KPop Demon Hunters." The film's success, including "Golden" becoming the longest-running #1 girl group song of the 21st century, marks a breakthrough moment for EJAE, who persevered through rejection as a K-pop trainee to find her calling as a songwriter.

Why it matters

EJAE's story highlights the challenges Asian women face in the music industry, from stereotypes to imposter syndrome. Her success as the singing voice of the film's lead character Rumi and as the co-writer of its breakout hit song provides representation and inspiration for other aspiring Asian artists.

The details

After being dropped as a K-pop singer in 2017, EJAE found her passion in songwriting, honing her skills through opportunities like SM Entertainment's songwriting camps. She connected with the "KPop Demon Hunters" team through her friend and collaborator Daniel Rojas, and co-wrote the film's key song "Golden" with composer Mark Sonnenblick. The song not only drives the film's story but has become a chart-topping success.

  • EJAE was a K-pop trainee at SM Entertainment for over 10 years starting at age 11.
  • EJAE was dropped as a singer in 2017, leading her to focus on songwriting.
  • EJAE wrote her first major cut, the song "Hello," in 2018.
  • EJAE wrote the song "Psycho" for Red Velvet in 2019, her fifth-ever written song.
  • "KPop Demon Hunters" was released on Netflix in 2025.

The players

EJAE

A K-pop singer-songwriter and producer who is the singing voice of the lead character Rumi in "KPop Demon Hunters" and the co-writer of the film's hit song "Golden."

Mark Sonnenblick

An Emmy-nominated composer known for his work in musical theater and film, who co-wrote the song "Golden" with EJAE.

Maggie Kang

The director of "KPop Demon Hunters."

Chris Applehans

The co-director of "KPop Demon Hunters."

Daniel Rojas

A friend and collaborator of EJAE's who helped bring her onto the "KPop Demon Hunters" project.

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What they’re saying

“Even though this is very unfamiliar territory for me, since I'm so used to being behind the scenes, I think my being the face of this helps other Asian women see what's possible.”

— EJAE

“There are stereotypes of Asian women being submissive, and it's really hard for us, so I want to kill that imposter syndrome, because I do know what that feels like.”

— EJAE

What’s next

EJAE hopes to continue mentoring and inspiring other young Asian women in the music industry, using her success on "KPop Demon Hunters" as a platform to empower the next generation of artists.

The takeaway

EJAE's journey from rejected K-pop trainee to Oscar-nominated songwriter for the hit animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" demonstrates the power of perseverance, self-acceptance, and the ability to turn setbacks into creative breakthroughs.