Ejae, a former K-pop trainee rejected by her agency, has achieved international stardom by reinventing herself as a songwriter for the hit animated film ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ with the song ‘Golden’ winning a Golden Globe, marking a triumphant comeback after years of struggle.
Starting at age 11, Ejae endured over a decade of intense training under SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s largest agencies. Despite her dedication, she was never selected to debut in a group, and her contract expired in 2015. She described this period as feeling ‘hopeless,’ with constant competition affecting her schoolwork and self-esteem, leaving her uncertain about her future.
After leaving the agency, Ejae moved to New York and began teaching herself music production. Encouraged by her family, she explored the local music scene and eventually tried songwriting. Her first major break came when a song she wrote, ‘Hello,’ was picked up by K-pop singer Hani, leading to mentorship and opportunities in the industry, where she co-wrote for acts like Twice and Red Velvet.
Ejae was brought on as a songwriter for ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ in 2019 and later offered the singing role for the protagonist, Rumi. The film, which centers on a girl band that uses music to fight demons, became Netflix’s most-watched original film. Ejae co-wrote several tracks, including ‘Golden,’ which topped charts worldwide and earned critical acclaim, with the soundtrack dominating streaming platforms.
‘Golden’ won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song in January 2026, with Ejae accepting the award alongside her co-writers. In her speech, she dedicated the win to those who have faced rejection, emphasizing that ‘rejection is redirection.’ The film also won Best Animated Feature, highlighting its cultural impact and resonating with global audiences.
The success of ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ reflects broader themes in the K-pop industry, where trainees often face harsh standards and intense pressure. Ejae’s story is rare, as most former trainees leave the music world if they don’t debut. Her path showcases the potential for creativity behind the scenes, challenging traditional norms and inspiring others to explore alternative routes in entertainment.
For Ejae, this achievement is a full-circle moment, validating her years of struggle. The film’s empowering message of self-acceptance and community has resonated globally, with fans praising its representation. Korean-American actress Arden Cho, who voiced Rumi, noted how the film brings hope to underrepresented communities, emphasizing themes of identity and resilience.
With ‘Golden’ nominated for Grammys and an Oscar, Ejae’s influence continues to grow. Her journey inspires others to persevere despite setbacks, demonstrating that success can come through reinvention and resilience. The film’s accolades may boost its Oscar prospects, further cementing its place in animation history and highlighting the power of diverse storytelling.
