8
K-Pop Star Ejae's 'Golden' Tops Charts and Oscars Bid After Netflix Hit
When Ejae, born 1991-12-06, co‑wrote and sang the lead single “Golden” for Netflix’s animated blockbuster K-Pop Demon Huntersglobal Netflix platform, the world suddenly took notice.
The film dropped on June 5, 2025, and within weeks became Netflix’s most‑viewed animated title ever. “Golden,” which Ejae co‑penned with Mark Sonnenblick, vaulted to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early September and clinched the top spot later that month, echoing across charts in the UK, Canada, Australia and several Asian markets.
From Trainee to Chart‑Topping Songwriter
Ejae’s rise reads like a modern K‑pop fairy‑tale with a twist. The granddaughter of celebrated South Korean actor Shin Young‑kyun, she spent a decade training at SM Entertainment in Seoul. By the time she turned 27, the agency deemed her “too old” for a traditional idol debut, a decision she later called “a heartbreaking but pivotal moment.”
Undeterred, Ejae shifted gears to songwriting. Within a few years she amassed credits for Red Velvet, Aespa, Twice and Le Sserafim, earning the nickname “the Benny Blanco of K‑pop.” Her knack for blending English hooks with Korean lyrical flair made her a go‑to collaborator for high‑budget projects.
Crafting ‘Golden’: A Melody Born on the Way to the Dentist
During a September 3, 2025 appearance on Good Morning America, Ejae revealed the humble genesis of the song’s melody. “I was on my way to a dentist appointment when the chorus just popped into my head,” she laughed. The tune, paired with Sonnenblick’s production, merged a soaring pop‑anthem structure with Korean verses – lines like “어두워진 앞길 속에 (ah)” and “영원히 깨질 수 없는” resonated with both Western and Asian listeners.
When the single hit the airwaves, streaming numbers exploded: 48 million streams on Spotify in the first two weeks, 10 million downloads on iTunes, and a viral TikTok dance that amassed 12 million uses. Rolling Stone noted the soundtrack’s debut as the highest for any 2025 film album, and Ejae’s Instagram follower count swelled by nearly 100 000 in a single month.
Chart Milestones
- Billboard Hot 100: peaked at #1 (week of September 10, 2025)
- UK Official Singles Chart: #2
- Billboard Global 200: #3
- Spotify Global Top 50: entered at #5
Cultural Ripple Effects
Beyond numbers, “Golden” sparked conversations about representation. In the GMA interview, Ejae emphasized her pride as a Korean‑American: “I’m the queen I’m meant to be, and it’s crazy to see a big‑budget animated film based in Korea finally getting world‑wide love.” The sentiment struck a chord with diaspora communities who often field the “North or South Korea?” question at parties.
Meanwhile, TikTok users seized the moment to critique the K‑pop trainee system, noting that Ejae’s decade‑long grind was hidden until her breakout. One comment read, “They don’t recognise talent, they just want beautiful faces. She is a great talent!” The dialogue pushed SM Entertainment to release a statement about evolving age‑policy for debut prospects.
What’s Next for Ejae?
Netflix has entered “Golden” for the 2026 Academy Awards, hoping the song will bring the first Oscar win for a K‑pop‑styled track. Simultaneously, Ejae announced her solo debut single, “In Another World,” slated for release on October 24, 2025. The launch will be accompanied by a live performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on August 15, 2025, part of the 80th National Liberation Day celebrations.
On October 4, 2025, Ejae, alongside co‑stars Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, cameoed on the season 51 premiere of Saturday Night Live, reprising their animated roles. The brief sketch went viral, further cementing the franchise’s cross‑media appeal.
Key Facts
- Golden topped the Billboard Hot 100 in September 2025.
- K‑Pop Demon Hunters became Netflix’s most‑viewed animated film ever within three weeks.
- Ejae’s Instagram surged by ~100 k followers after the film’s release.
- Netflix submitted “Golden” for the 2026 Oscars.
- Ejae’s solo debut “In Another World” drops October 24, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does "Golden" impact the K‑pop industry?
The song proves that K‑pop songwriting can dominate Western charts without a traditional idol group. Labels are now scouting more behind‑the‑scenes talent, and younger trainees are demanding clearer pathways to songwriting credits.
What’s the significance of Netflix submitting "Golden" for the Oscars?
If nominated, it would be the first time a K‑pop‑influenced track from an animated film competes in the Best Original Song category, highlighting the genre’s global reach and Netflix’s push for awards recognition.
When and where will Ejae perform her debut single?
"In Another World" launches on October 24, 2025, with a live debut at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on August 15, 2025, as part of the National Liberation Day festivities.
Who else contributed to the K‑Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack?
Besides Ejae and Mark Sonnenblick, the album features tracks written with producers from Aespa’s camp, lyricist J‑Yong for "Your Idol," and traditional Korean instruments performed by the Seoul Philharmonic for "The Hunter's Mantra."
What does Ejae say about her heritage and fame?
In a September 3 interview on Good Morning America, she said, “I’m just so proud as a Korean‑American because this is the first big‑budget animated film based in Korea. People still ask if I’m from North or South Korea – now they see we’re making history.”
