The 2026 Oscars delivered moments of emotion, surprise, and triumph — but none touched hearts quite like the story of EJAE, the Korean-American songwriter who went from K-pop trainee to Oscar nominee with her song “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters. From New York to Hollywood, EJAE proved that persistence, humility, and passion can turn dreams into destiny.
This year’s Oscars weren’t just about awards — they were about stories. Stories of resilience, hope, and second chances. Among them, EJAE’s journey stood out as one of the most inspiring. When “Golden” was announced as a nominee for Best Original Song, EJAE admitted she screamed so loud her neighbors came knocking. The song, written with Mark Sonnenblick, Teddy Park, and a team of international creators, carried her all the way from her studio apartment to Hollywood’s biggest night.
EJAE’s path wasn’t easy. For nearly a decade, she trained under SM Entertainment in hopes of debuting as a K-pop idol — a dream that never materialized. Instead of giving up, she turned her focus to songwriting, crafting melodies and lyrics for others while quietly refining her voice as a creator. Out of that persistence came “Golden,” a song that fused the heart of K-pop with the storytelling power of animation and the universal language of emotion.
When the Oscar nominations were announced, she was sitting on her couch in New York, FaceTiming with Sonnenblick. “Time stopped,” she said. “All the years of insecurity, all the rejections — suddenly they didn’t matter anymore. It all led to this moment.”
“Golden” quickly became more than a song. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and Global 200 charts, but its true impact was deeper. The track became an anthem for a new generation of artists navigating dual identities — East and West, tradition and modernity. Its message of empowerment, friendship, and acceptance resonated across cultures, showing how collaboration can bridge worlds.
While the Academy’s rule that only one trophy be awarded to all contributors caused some frustration, EJAE remained gracious. “The award is beautiful,” she said, “but what matters more is what the song represents. That’s the real victory.”
The success of “Golden” and KPop Demon Hunters extended far beyond the music industry. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans described the project as a celebration of Korean heritage and global unity. “When my son saw my name on the nomination list, he asked if I’d win a trophy,” Appelhans shared. “I told him — I hope so, for you.”
For EJAE, “Golden” is a love letter to everyone who ever felt out of place. “When I was a kid in New Jersey, people teased me for loving K-pop,” she said. “It felt like something only a few of us understood. And now, I see kids all over the world singing Korean lyrics, dressing like our heroines, and embracing the culture I grew up with. It’s surreal — like a shared dream.”
That dream defines EJAE’s rise. Her story isn’t just about success — it’s about transformation. From being overlooked in an industry obsessed with image and perfection to standing tall as a songwriter uniting cultures, she has become a voice for a new generation of artists redefining what it means to belong.
Looking ahead, EJAE remains grounded but determined. While a KPop Demon Hunters sequel hasn’t been officially confirmed, she hints that what’s coming next will be “bolder, more emotional, and more honest.” For her, awards aren’t pressure — they’re proof that she’s on the right path. “I’ve always been my toughest critic,” she said. “All I want is to keep writing, keep growing, and open doors for more Korean-American women like me.”
“Golden” isn’t just a hit — it’s a beacon. A symbol of self-belief, perseverance, and cultural pride. EJAE didn’t just write a song that shined; she became the light herself. And this time, Hollywood listened.
