“Kpop Demon Hunters”’ EJAE Goes Platinum for World’s Most Beautiful After Her ‘Golden’ Year

EJAE, the talented singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences with her recent multi-platinum hit “Golden,” is celebrating a remarkable milestone in her career. Just two days after the 2026 Academy Awards, where her song became the first K-pop track to win prestigious accolades including an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy, the artist took a moment to reflect on her journey. Born Kim Eun-jae, the 34-year-old, often referred to as EJAE, opened up during a late-night run in Los Angeles, describing the overwhelming emotions she felt upon achieving this success.

“I finally let out a cry, and that was the first time I really soaked it in,” EJAE shared with PEOPLE for their World’s Most Beautiful issue. Her heartfelt gratitude poured out in her words as she thanked the universe, God, and everyone who played a part in her life. This moment comes after two decades in the music industry, a path that was not without its struggles and near misses.

EJAE’s significant break came unexpectedly when she was cast to voice Rumi in the animated film “HUNTR/X,” which has now achieved record-breaking success on Netflix. The film features her alongside other vocal talents like Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, creating a fictional group that has captured the attention of viewers globally.

Reflecting on the grueling path that nearly led her to give up, she opened up about the relentless hustle required in the industry. “I wanted to give up. It was just not for me,” she admitted. A maternal figure in her life, however, played a pivotal role in keeping her motivated, teaching her that the words we speak shape our realities. “My mom always said what you say out loud turns into a story,” she recalled, urging her to maintain a positive outlook.

Now firmly in control of her career trajectory, EJAE is gearing up for the sequel of KPop Demon Hunters while also investing time in her solo projects. When asked about potential collaborations, she responded with a smile, hinting at the anticipation of exciting partnerships with other artists. “Yes — a good amount of people,” she revealed.

In her candid discussion, EJAE also touched upon the prejudices faced by K-pop artists in the US music landscape. “There’s a glass ceiling in America, and K-pop just kept throwing a ball, and it kept cracking and cracking,” she explained, celebrating the breakthrough moment when that barrier was finally shattered.

EJAE’s journey has not been without its challenges, particularly during her early training to become a K-pop idol. After almost 12 years with SM Entertainment, she faced rejection, prompting a reassessment of her ambitions. “I realised my personality doesn’t fit being a K-pop idol,” she reflected, choosing instead to explore the underground music scene in Los Angeles and New York where she found new inspiration in songwriting and production.

The singer has candidly shared her experiences with beauty standards within the K-pop industry. “There was pressure to look a certain way,” she admitted, recounting her obsession with makeup and the constant comparison that can lead to insecurities. However, she now embraces her natural self, feeling most beautiful after her skincare routine.

EJAE’s roots and cultural identity play an important role in her work, especially following her emotional performance at the Oscars, where she and her co-stars celebrated their Korean heritage. “We felt very, very proud,” she said, reflecting on the significance of showcasing Korean culture on such a prestigious platform.

Support from family has been crucial for EJAE, especially from her fiancé, Sam Kim, a music producer-turned-coder, who has been a constant source of strength. “I don’t think I could have gone through this without him,” she expressed candidly, highlighting his importance during her whirlwind success. The couple, engaged in autumn 2023, keep their relationship at the forefront of EJAE’s hectic life.

As EJAE looks towards the future, she offers inspiration to aspiring artists. “If you have a dream, take care of it, but don’t lose yourself taking care of it,” serves as her guidance for young musicians navigating their paths. She plans to take a little time for herself before getting back to work, focusing on finding her sound and collaborating with diverse artists.

EJAE’s story is one of perseverance, transformation, and triumph as she continues to evolve as an artist in a landscape that has often been tough for K-pop stars. With exciting projects on the horizon, there’s no telling where her journey will lead next. For further insights, readers can catch more content, including highlights from PEOPLE’s latest issue, featuring Anne Hathaway.