Korean-American singer and actress EJAE, known for her role in the popular Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters, reflected on her remarkable achievements in the music industry while recounting a mixed experience at this year’s British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs). Her performance of the chart-topping song “Golden” made headlines for not only its commercial success but also for being the first K-pop track to clinch an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy Award.
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At the age of 34, EJAE has found herself amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, yet she recently expressed some regret over her performance at the BAFTAs held in February 2026. During an interview with The Times, she candidly admitted that the pressure of performing in front of a star-studded audience, particularly with actor Leonardo DiCaprio watching closely, affected her performance. “The BAFTAs haunt me. I made mistakes,” she lamented. “I cracked a little bit on the high notes. Leonardo DiCaprio was right in front of me, and he was not smiling.”
The singer recalled a moment during her performance when she locked eyes with DiCaprio just as she was about to reach a pivotal high note. This encounter heightened her nerves and ultimately led to her faltering. “That’s what put me off. He made me so nervous,” she stated. “It was already so nerve-racking to be in front of all these celebrities, and then I look up and lock eyes with Leonardo DiCaprio? Come on.”
In contrast, EJAE’s experience at the BRIT Awards the following week was markedly more positive. She described the atmosphere as much more encouraging, stating, “Because it was performing to fans, kids being like ‘Rumi, you got this!’” This supportive environment allowed her to perform with greater comfort and ease. “I never knew that sentence would be so heartwarming and helpful,” she added.
DiCaprio, who was nominated that night for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the film One Battle After Another, was not the only prominent figure at the BAFTAs. Actress Chase Infiniti, his co-star, was spotted in the audience enthusiastically singing along to “Golden” during EJAE’s performance alongside fellow artists Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami.
KPop Demon Hunters has been a colossal success since its release last year, enjoying the distinction of being Netflix’s most-watched original film to date. In this beloved movie, EJAE serves as the singing voice for Rumi, a member of the fictional group HUNTR/X. Her co-written song “Golden” has not only broken records but has also earned her a place in history as the first K-pop artist to receive such prestigious accolades.
Having gained fame and recognition for her work, EJAE is now focusing on her solo career and is in the process of developing her own album. Featured in PEOPLE’s World’s Most Beautiful Issue earlier this year, she expressed enthusiasm about her artistic journey ahead, stating, “I’ll be doing a lot of writing and a lot of finding myself as an artist. Finding my sound.”
Collaboration is essential to her creative approach, as she enjoys learning from other artists. “I’m just excited to write with people and collaborate with different people because one of the biggest, most fun things about writing is learning from other writers,” she explained. EJAE believes that hearing diverse melodies and lyrical ideas will enrich her own artistic style.
As she continues to navigate her burgeoning career, EJAE’s reflections on past performances and future aspirations reveal both humility and determination. Her journey from the K-pop scene to international acclaim serves as an inspiration to many aspiring artists, reminding them of the challenges and triumphs that often accompany the pursuit of artistic excellence.