In an industry known for its brutal pace and perfectionism, stories like EJAE’s are rare—and powerful. Once a long-time SM Entertainment trainee who never debuted, EJAE has now risen to international acclaim by composing and performing “Golden”, the main theme of the Netflix animated film K-pop Demon Hunters (케데헌).
Her story is not just about music—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and redefining what it means to be a K-pop artist.
🎤 Who is EJAE?
Born in 1991, EJAE (real name: Kim Eun-jae) is a Korean-American artist who spent more than a decade training under SM Entertainment. Despite several close calls, her debut as an idol never materialized.
Instead of quitting the music industry, she shifted gears—enrolling at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts to study Music Business and Psychology. That decision set her on a path to becoming a respected composer behind many K-pop hits.
Notable Songs by EJAE
- Psycho – Red Velvet
- Drama – aespa
- Hello – EXID Hani
- Tracks for TWICE, LE SSERAFIM, NMIXX and more
🔥 “Golden” Breaks Global Records
The song Golden, which EJAE both wrote and performed as the voice of lead character Lumi in the film’s fictional girl group “HUNTRIX,” became a global phenomenon.
- Billboard Hot 100 – #1
- UK Official Singles Chart – #1
- Spotify Global – #1
It is the first time in history a virtual girl group reached the top of both charts, and the first for a K-pop female vocalist to hit #1 on Billboard Hot 100.
🎧 What Makes “Golden” So Special?
- Operatic high notes (up to 3-octave A) rarely seen in idol music
- Emotional resonance from EJAE’s personal journey
- Viral TikTok challenge driving global streams
- English lyrics with intentional Korean inserts
- Dark-glam visuals and “sacred idol” storytelling
“I cried while recording Golden. I was trying to prove I’m more than a shadow behind other artists,” – EJAE
🙋♀️ From “Lumi” to Reality
Though the character Lumi is fictional, EJAE’s vocal and emotional performance gave the role authenticity. She was only supposed to compose, but the producers insisted she sing too—sparking a full-circle moment for the former idol trainee.
Netflix has also submitted “Golden” as a contender for Best Original Song at the 98th Academy Awards.
🔗 Read the Korean Article
❓FAQ
Q1: Who is EJAE?
A: EJAE is a Korean-American composer and former SM Entertainment trainee who rose to fame by writing and performing “Golden” from K-pop Demon Hunters.
Q2: Why is “Golden” so significant?
A: It’s the first OST by a virtual K-pop group to top the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Charts simultaneously.
Q3: Where can I hear “Golden”?
A: It’s available on all major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.