EJAE on 'KPop Demon Hunters,' Grammy Win, and Asian Representation

Korean-American singer-songwriter EJAE, who co-wrote and performed the soundtrack for Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters,' has achieved historic success with her song 'Golden.' The track, co-written with Mark Sonnenblick and producers from THEBLACKLABEL, became the first K-pop song to win a Golden Globe, Grammy, and Oscar. It also won three American Music Awards, while the film won Best Soundtrack at the 2026 AMAs. EJAE was named Billboard's Woman of the Year alongside Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, who voice the fictional K-pop trio HUNTR/X. She recently released singles 'In Another World' and 'Time After Time' and was profiled in The New York Times. A former K-pop trainee who never debuted, EJAE turned to songwriting, penning hits for Red Velvet and aespa. She reflects on her Korean American identity, the impact of 'Golden' on listeners—including a nurse playing it for a dying patient—and her grandfather Shin Young-kyun, a legendary Korean actor who initially opposed her songwriting career. EJAE emphasizes the need for more Asian representation in music and sees 'KPop Demon Hunters' as a bridge for Korean culture.