EJAE, a key voice behind the song 'Golden' from the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters, accepted the Best Original Song award at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on January 12, 2026, in Beverly Hills. She fought back tears as she spoke to the audience about her personal struggles and how the song touched lives during hard times. The win came for her work with co-writers Mark Sonnenblick and others on the track from the fantasy action film that mixes K-pop music with demon-hunting stories.
Background
KPop Demon Hunters tells the story of a group of K-pop stars who fight demons using their music and skills. The film came out on Netflix last year and quickly drew fans for its mix of high-energy songs, dance scenes, and action. It features voices from real K-pop artists and tells a tale of teamwork against dark forces. The soundtrack stands out, with songs like 'Golden' woven into the plot to drive the characters forward.
EJAE has a background in music that ties right into the film's theme. Years ago, she trained hard to become a K-pop idol. She spent a full decade working toward that goal, practicing day and night. But agencies turned her down, saying her voice did not meet their standards. That rejection hit hard. Instead of quitting music, she turned to songwriting. She poured her feelings into creating songs that could help others face their own tough spots.
The song 'Golden' fits that story. It started as what EJAE called a 'beautiful accident' during the film's production. Mark Sonnenblick, another songwriter on the team, worked with her and others like 24 IDO and Teddy, who joined from Korea. They crafted the track to capture hope and strength, themes that run through the movie. Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation backed the project, seeing potential in blending K-pop energy with animated adventure.
This Golden Globe marks a big step for animated films. Songs from cartoons rarely beat out tracks from big live-action movies. 'Golden' stood against entries from major stars and films, making the win a surprise to many in the room. The ceremony, held at a major venue in Beverly Hills, brought together actors, directors, and musicians from around the world.
Key Details
On stage, EJAE held the heavy award and took a deep breath before speaking. She thanked the Golden Globes, calling it an incredible honor. She nodded to the other nominees, saying they were incredible too.
"When I was a little girl, I worked tirelessly for 10 years to fill one dream to become a K-pop idol. And I was rejected and disappointed that my voice wasn't good enough. So I leaned on songs and music to get through it."
— EJAE, accepting Best Original Song at the 2026 Golden Globes
The crowd applauded as she shared how songwriting became her way forward. Now, as a singer and songwriter, she sees 'Golden' helping girls, boys, and people of all ages deal with hardship and accept themselves.
Acceptance Speech Highlights
Mark Sonnenblick spoke next, thanking Netflix, Sony, and the production teams. He called it an amazing year for music in movies and honored the film's directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans. Another team member added a strong note, dedicating the award to those who faced closed doors. They said rejection is redirection and urged everyone never to give up, adding that it's never too late to shine.
EJAE wrapped up by thanking her family, fiance, mom, friends, and co-writers. She gave special nods to Teddy in Korea. The speech lasted just a couple of minutes but packed emotion and thanks. The full team beat songs from high-profile films, showing how K-pop sounds can compete on a global stage.
The film itself runs about 90 minutes and follows the hunters as they battle supernatural threats. 'Golden' plays at a key moment, lifting the characters and viewers. Since release, KPop Demon Hunters has topped streaming charts in several countries. Fans praise the animation style, voice acting, and especially the music.
What This Means
This win puts KPop Demon Hunters in the spotlight even more. The film already streams on Netflix worldwide, and the award could bring new viewers. It shows animated stories with K-pop elements can win big prizes, opening doors for similar projects. Studios may greenlight more films mixing music genres with fantasy.
For EJAE, the moment proves her path paid off. Her story of rejection leading to success resonates with young artists chasing dreams in competitive fields like music and film. The song's message about self-acceptance during dark times now reaches even wider thanks to the Globe buzz.
K-pop's reach grows beyond concerts and albums. Wins like this pull the genre into Hollywood awards, blending cultures and styles. Other animated films have won song awards before, but this one highlights non-English influences and rising talents. Expect more talk about 'Golden' at coming events like the Oscars.
The Golden Globes often predict bigger awards season moves. Teams behind the song now eye further honors. Netflix gains from the nod, as it boosts their animation slate. Viewers searching for upbeat stories with heart might turn to KPop Demon Hunters next.
Industry watchers see this as part of a trend. Animation scores more nods lately, and global music styles gain ground. EJAE's win spotlights women and diverse voices in songwriting. Her speech may inspire trainees facing similar hurdles to keep going.
The film's team plans no immediate sequel announcements, but success like this fuels talk. Fans online share clips of the speech, keeping the moment alive. 'Golden' streams on platforms tied to the movie, with plays spiking after the show.
