13 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 4
The 34-year-old singer-songwriter said the past 10 months brought global success after the film's release last June, but also eight illnesses including Covid, flu and bronchitis.
Back in Seoul after years of K-pop training there, Ejae reflected on an abrupt rise that has made the animated film a source of pride in South Korea.
Its success has also stirred debate over whether an American production by Sony and Netflix can claim authentic K-pop identity despite its Korean references and creators.
Hollywood's K-pop hit sparked a global debate. Who now gets to define what is 'real' K-pop in this new era?
With a sequel years away, how will artist Ejae leverage her historic awards streak to shape her future career?
Did Sony and Netflix create a new model for cultural exports or a blueprint for profiting from cultural narratives?
*KPop Demon Hunters* and "Golden": First K-pop Song to Win Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe, Breaking Records and Shaping Global Entertainment
Overview
In 2026, the animated film KPop Demon Hunters and its anthem Golden achieved historic success, winning top awards including Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys. Golden became the first K-pop song to win an Oscar and a Grammy, driven by its authentic themes of resilience and cultural pride, crafted by EJAE and a team of Korean songwriters. The film’s director, Maggie Kang, made history as the first Asian woman to win Best Animated Feature. Together, the film and its fictional band HUNTR/X captivated global audiences, topping charts and streaming rankings. Despite controversy over cut acceptance speeches, their wins sparked industry shifts toward greater representation and paved the way for a sequel and future cross-cultural projects.