The animated sensation KPop Demon Hunters is on the brink of making awards history, with its chart-topping track Golden poised for potential victories at both the Grammy and Oscar ceremonies. This groundbreaking moment highlights the film's cultural impact and the personal journey of its lead vocalist, Ejae, who has stepped out from behind her animated alter ego to embrace the spotlight.
From Soundtrack to Stardom: The Rise of Golden
In February 2025, executive music producer Ian Eisendrath conducted the final orchestral flourishes for the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, sensing something special but never anticipating the global phenomenon that would follow. Upon its June release, the film—centered on Korean girl band Huntr/x battling demons through song—quickly became Netflix's most-watched title ever. The soundtrack, crafted by real K-pop heavyweights, achieved platinum status and dominated charts worldwide.
Golden, the soaring lead single, emerged as the world's most-streamed new song last year, earning a Golden Globe and a nomination for best international song at the Brit Awards. Notably, it marks the first time since The Lion King's Circle of Life that a song from an animated film has been nominated for both the Academy Award for Best Song and the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. If predictions hold true and Golden secures both awards this weekend, it will set an unprecedented record as the first original animation song to do so.
Collaborative Creativity and K-Pop Theatricality
Eisendrath attributes the song's widespread appeal to an unusually collaborative songwriting process and the innate theatricality of K-pop. "K-pop is larger than life, a whiplash in the best way possible," he enthuses. "Something can happen, musically, for eight measures, and then you snap to a whole other vibe." This dynamic approach was essential for Huntr/x's sonic battles against the demonic Saja Boys, demanding radio-friendly hits that advanced the narrative with every beat.
The film's credibility was bolstered by involvement from Seoul's influential The Black Label, home to artists like Blackpink's Rosé, and a roster of independent hitmakers. Songwriter Danny Chung, who co-wrote the Saja Boys' track Soda Pop, described the experience as a "dream come true", noting the challenge of prioritizing character arcs over musical trends. "Embracing the cheese was a risk to their street cred that paid off," he explains, as Soda Pop achieved platinum certification by deliberately leaning into a cutesy aesthetic to contrast with the boyband's sinister undertones.
Ejae's Personal Connection and Performance Journey
For Ejae, the lead vocalist on Golden, the film resonated deeply due to its celebration of Korean culture and nuanced storytelling. She drew on her own experiences, including a decade of training to be a K-pop idol before transitioning to songwriting, to infuse the lyrics with emotional complexity. "I always connected with Rumi and her bandmates," she shares, referring to Huntr/x's leader. "Rumi being really hard-working, but also putting herself through a lot of pressure and perfectionism, that's exactly me, too."
Initially hesitant to perform, Ejae required convincing from Eisendrath to step into the role. "Performing has always been a scary thing," she admits, "but Ian helped me come out of my little turtle shell!" Her live debut on The Tonight Show, alongside singers Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, was described as "climbing Mount Everest", yet it proved to be an "incredibly spiritual" experience that helped her overcome stage fright.
Broader Impact and Future Prospects
The success of KPop Demon Hunters has extended beyond the film itself, supercharging the careers of involved artists and contributing to significant industry developments. Huntr/x's performances at events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade have fueled fan demand for more concerts, though Netflix remains tight-lipped about future plans, including a rumoured sequel slated for 2029.
Financially, the soundtrack's triumph has reportedly aided The Black Label in securing nearly $68 million in investment ahead of a potential IPO, while label head Teddy Park received commendation from the Korean prime minister. For Ejae, however, the impact is more personal: "A dream I had shelved for a very long time, that I never thought I needed to open up again … is open," she says, reflecting on her newfound confidence to release solo material after years of writing for others.
As awards season reaches its climax, all eyes are on Golden and its potential to rewrite history, underscoring the powerful fusion of animation, music, and cultural storytelling that defines KPop Demon Hunters.
