After her song “Golden” won the Golden Globes on Monday, singer-songwriter EJAE, who shot to fame as the voice of the main character in the popular movie “KPop Demon Hunters,” concluded a significant occasion with an inspiring acceptance speech.
At the awards ceremony, “Golden” won Best Original Song, Motion Picture, one of two accolades for Netflix’s animated film about three K-pop stars fighting demons.
A tearful EJAE talked about being turned down to make her K-pop debut during her award speech.
Taking home the trophy for Best Actress in a Television Series (Musical or Comedy), EJAE thanked fans, her production team, and fellow cast members before reflecting on her journey from aspiring performer to award-winning actress.
Before her acting breakthrough, EJAE was widely known as a singer-songwriter and vocal producer who collaborated with major K-pop artists. Her transition to acting surprised many in the industry, but her performance as the fierce yet vulnerable lead in “KPop Demon Hunters” quickly earned praise for its emotional depth, strong vocals, and commanding screen presence.
Critics highlighted her ability to balance high-energy performance scenes with dramatic storytelling, helping turn the series into one of the year’s most talked-about international hits.
In her post-award interview, EJAE spoke candidly about rejection, burnout, and self-doubt early in her career.
Clips of her speech quickly went viral across social media, with fans and fellow artists praising her authenticity and the encouragement she offered to creatives struggling to find their place.
The KPop Demon Hunters production team released a statement congratulating EJAE, calling her win “a historic and well-deserved recognition of her talent, work ethic, and heart.”
Fellow cast members also flooded social media with tributes, describing her as a “leader on and off the set” and “the soul of the show.”
With a Golden Globe now under her belt, EJAE hinted that she hopes to continue balancing music and acting while taking on projects that “uplift, challenge, and connect people across cultures.”
Season two of “KPop Demon Hunters” is currently in development, and EJAE is also rumored to be working on new original music inspired by her experience on the show.
Attending the celebration and cheering EJAE on during her speech were Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, who also provided the singing voices for the other main characters in the movie.
She did not make her debut while working as a trainee at SM Entertainment, one of the largest musical firms in South Korea. Later on, she started writing songs for popular K-pop artists including Red Velvet, TWICE, and aespa.
Aspiring artists frequently start years of training in singing and dancing at a young age, and not everyone makes the cut in the fiercely competitive K-pop industry.
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