EJAE's Emotional Golden Globe Moment: 'Golden' Wins Best Song and Her K-Pop Struggle Story Resurfaces

A Historic Win for "KPop Demon Hunters"

The animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" has made history by winning the Golden Globe for Best Original Song with its chart-topping track, "Golden." The award was accepted by the song's writers, EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, and Lee Hee-joon. EJAE, who shared a deeply personal story during her acceptance speech, expressed how the song has become a beacon of hope for others facing their own struggles.

EJAE reflected on her journey, saying, "When I was a little girl, I worked tirelessly for 10 years to fill one dream, to become a Kpop idol, and I was rejected, and disappointed that my voice isn't good enough." She then emphasized the importance of the song in helping others embrace their true selves. "I'm so part of a song that is helping other girls, other queens and everyone all get through their hardship to accept themselves."

Sonnenblick took a moment to thank the team at Netflix and Sony Animation for their support. EJAE, in turn, dedicated the award to those who have faced rejection. "To people who have their doors closed at them, and that, I can confidently say ‘rejection is redirection,' and so never give up." She concluded by quoting the lyrics of "Golden," saying, "It's never too late to shine like you were born to be."

This win comes just a week after "KPop Demon Hunters" was named Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globes, and it also won the Critics Choice Award for Best Song for "Golden." The film's success continues to grow as it becomes a cultural phenomenon.

Other Nominees and Recognition

The competition for Best Original Song was fierce, with several notable entries. These included "Dream as One" from "Avatar: Fire and Ash," "I Lied to You" from "Sinners," "No Place Like Home" and "The Girl in the Bubble" from "Wicked: For Good," and "Train Dreams" from "Train Dreams."

EJAE shared insights about her role in the film, emphasizing the value of being bilingual. "One of the biggest assets I brought to the movie, or when writing the songs, was being bilingual. It was important for our co-director, Maggie Kang, to have Korean in the lyrics, and I just love that it's not just the verses; it was in the actual song too."

Rei Ami, the singing voice of Zoey in the film, spoke about the significance of the film's success. She said, "As women of color and Korean women, we were often told we have to work twice as hard, we have to show up earlier, we have to show out more than our average counterparts in order for us to receive the same kind of accolade or even recognition." She added, "I think we all can relate to how hard we have worked to get to this point individually, and then we come together as a group, and we create this beautiful synchronicity that infects the world, and they've received us so well."

Expanding the Reach of "KPop Demon Hunters"

"KPop Demon Hunters" has been nominated for three Golden Globe awards, including Best Animated Film, Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, and Best Original Song for "Golden." Since its release on Netflix in June, the film has become the streaming service's most popular movie of all time, holding the No. 1 spot for weeks. Three of its original songs — "Golden," "Your Idol," and "Soda Pop" — have consistently ranked on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.

In addition to its Golden Globe win, the film earned three Grammy nominations last month, including the prestigious Song of the Year for "Golden."

Box Office Success and Theatrical Expansion

Despite being primarily a streaming release, "KPop Demon Hunters" has made a significant impact on the box office. Netflix, known for its preference for streaming over theatrical releases, decided to bring a sing-along version of the film to theaters for fan events in August and October. The first event saw the film top the box office with approximately $18 million over two days. During the Halloween event, the film generated between $5 million and $6 million, which is impressive given its availability on streaming for months.

The Golden Globes are produced by d**k Clark Prods., a joint venture between PMC, the parent company of the Golden Globes, and Eldridge. This collaboration highlights the growing influence of the entertainment industry in shaping major awards.

A Cultural Phenomenon

With its blend of music, animation, and storytelling, "KPop Demon Hunters" has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Its success reflects a broader trend of global representation in media and the increasing recognition of diverse voices in the entertainment industry. As the film continues to gain momentum, it sets a new standard for animated storytelling and musical innovation.