“I’ve stopped hiding, now I’m shining,” a line from Golden, the lead single from Netflix’s K-pop Demon Hunters, echoes singer-songwriter EJAE’s own growth journey, which has made her an overnight sensation.
The song, along with the film’s original soundtrack, continued to dominate the charts, with EJAE being credited not only as a vocalist but also as a songwriter on several tracks including “Your Idol”, “How It’s Done”, and “How It’s Done”.
In an exclusive chat with HT City, EJAE admitted that the experience still feels surreal.
She says introspectively, “It’s crazy, I didn’t expect any of this, and neither did anyone from the film. The love we’re getting is unreal. But everything happens when it’s meant to happen.”
As the singing voice of Rumi, the lead of the fictional pop group HUNTR/X, who is torn between her half-demon and half-human identities, EJAE says she found a deep resonance with the character’s struggles. She admits that she was also searching for hope while writing Golden.
“I think Rumi exposes her inner demons, sadness, insecurities through her singing… I tried to bring out that vulnerability as well as her inner strength. Having gone through similar struggles myself, the longing to see the light and see her hard work come to fruition, the frustration was all very relatable,” she explains.
At 31 years old, EJAE’s journey has been one of perseverance and tenacity. After starting out as a trainee with SM Entertainment, she was unable to gain a foothold in the K-pop industry despite endless hours of training and auditions.
“The obsession with perfection can be quite toxic. I struggled with this as a trainee, being left out and rejected increased my insecurities and led to impostor syndrome. It took me years to find peace and be empathetic towards myself. What I loved about the film and its music is that they came with the core message of finding your purpose,” she reflects.
EJAE has since had a successful career as a songwriter, credited with hits for girl groups Red Velvet, Twice, and Espa. He is often referred to as the “Benny Blanco of K-pop”.
“He’s a legend, I’m not even close,” she says modestly. “But I plan to keep writing and grow as a songwriter and learn from my seniors. That’s really my goal to be a student forever.”
Golden’s success has turned the tide in his favour, he said.
She revealed, “People are now starting to notice me as an artist. Many people ask me when I plan to release an album or another single. I’m now discovering a side of me that I’ve nurtured for a very long time. A single is on the way.”
Soon after this interview, the singer announced on her social media that Another World will be released on October 24.
Viral Oscars buzz is already swirling around Golden, “That would be crazy, I would faint,” she says, as she hums, “It’s gonna happen, it’s gonna happen, Golden.”