The 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards will be remembered for a historic moment that transcended the screen. Last night, the anthem “Golden” from the Netflix/Sony blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters took home the trophy for Best Original Song – Motion Picture, marking the first time a song from the K-pop genre has secured the honor.
While the win was a milestone for the film, it was the emotional acceptance speech by singer-songwriter EJAE (Kim Eun-jae) that stole the show and moved audiences worldwide.
From K-Pop Trainee to Golden Globe Winner: EJAE’s Journey
The story behind “Golden” is as cinematic as the movie itself. During her acceptance speech, EJAE (the singing voice of the character Rumi) shared her “personal odyssey” of resilience.
She revealed that her journey began over a decade ago when she moved to Korea to pursue her dream of becoming a K-pop idol. For ten years, she worked tirelessly as a trainee, only to face constant disappointment.
“I was told my voice wasn’t good enough,” EJAE told the audience through tears. “I faced a decade of rejection that led me to lean on music for comfort and eventually pivot to becoming a singer-songwriter.”
This rejection proved to be the “redirection” she needed. Her win last night—beating out heavyweights from the Wicked and Avatar franchises—is a powerful validation of her talent and determination.
The Team Behind the Hit: HUNTR/X and Beyond
“Golden” is a collaborative masterpiece that blends the high-energy production of K-pop with the emotional stakes of cinematic storytelling. During her speech, EJAE made sure to credit the global team that brought the track to life:
- Co-Writers & Producers: She thanked industry icons Teddy, 24, IDO, and Mark Sonnenblick for their creative synergy.
- The HUNTR/X Vocalists: The track features the incredible talents of Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, who alongside EJAE, form the vocal powerhouse of the fictional group HUNTR/X.
- Production Partners: Gratitude was extended to Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, as well as producers Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans for their vision.
A Universal Message: “Rejection is Redirection”
The most viral moment of the night came as EJAE concluded her speech with a message of hope. She noted that “Golden” has become a lifeline for fans of all ages, helping them navigate their own hardships.
“Rejection is redirection,” she stated, a phrase that is already trending across social media. “Never give up because it is never too late to shine like you were born to be.”
Why “Golden” is Dominating the Charts
The Golden Globe win comes at a perfect time for the soundtrack. Following the holiday season, “Golden” has surged back to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, only narrowly blocked by Taylor Swift. With this awards momentum, industry experts predict the song may return to the No. 1 spot next week.
As KPop Demon Hunters continues to break streaming records on Netflix, EJAE’s victory serves as a reminder that your greatest setback might just be the setup for your biggest stage.
