EJAE, the voice behind Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters hit single Golden, is enjoying a career-defining moment. The track’s powerful line, “I am done hiding, now I am shining,” mirrors her own story of perseverance and self-discovery.
In an exclusive interview, EJAE shared that the sudden global attention still feels dreamlike. “It’s surreal. None of us expected this kind of love. It all happened when it was meant to,” she says. The song, part of the film’s original soundtrack, continues to dominate global music charts. EJAE not only lent her vocals but also contributed as a songwriter on several numbers, including Your Idol and How It’s Done.
As the singing voice for Rumi, the lead character of the fictional pop group HUNTR/X, EJAE deeply connected with the half-demon, half-human heroine. “Rumi’s inner struggle mirrored my own. Writing Golden helped me channel those emotions — fear, vulnerability, and the strength to rise again,” she reflects.
At 31, EJAE’s journey has been anything but easy. She began her career as a trainee under SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s biggest entertainment companies. Despite years of relentless training and multiple rejections, she refused to give up. “The perfectionism in K-pop can be harsh. It took me years to accept myself and find peace,” she admits.
The film’s message of resilience and purpose resonated deeply with her. After years of honing her craft, EJAE became one of K-pop’s most respected songwriters, penning hits for Red Velvet, Twice, and Aespa. Many fans now call her the “Benny Blanco of K-pop”—a title she humbly downplays. “He’s an icon. I still have a long way to go. My dream is to keep learning and evolving as an artist,” she says.
The success of Golden has sparked a new chapter in her career. “People are finally seeing me as an artist, not just a songwriter. I’m working on a new single that’s very close to my heart,” she reveals. Soon after the interview, EJAE confirmed on social media that her upcoming track Another World will release on October 24.
As Oscar buzz continues to build around Golden, EJAE stays grounded yet hopeful. Laughing, she says, “If that happens, I’ll probably faint. But whatever comes next — it’s all going to be golden.”