**K-Pop Anthem “Golden” Shatters Records and Redefines the Genre**
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The fictional K-pop group HUNTR/X has captured global attention with their breakout hit “Golden,” featured in the Netflix film *KPop Demon Hunters*. Released in 2025, the song rapidly climbed to success, solidifying its place as a record-breaking anthem. Co-written and performed by EJAE, a key vocalist in the film, “Golden” not only clinched major awards, including an Oscar and a Grammy, but also marked a significant milestone as the first K-pop song to achieve Grammy recognition.
The journey of “Golden” was far from straightforward, involving extensive collaboration and creativity from various music powerhouses. It debuted in *KPop Demon Hunters* and was performed by HUNTR/X, comprised of Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, and EJAE. With a personal connection to its message, EJAE drew upon her experiences as a former K-pop trainee, lending authenticity to this powerful anthem.
Rei Ami, in an interview with *PEOPLE*, reflected on the song’s transformative power, saying, “It literally changed the world, and it also changed mine.” The three artists took to the stage at the 98th Academy Awards, where they were awarded Best Original Song, overshadowing their earlier challenges with enthusiasm and resilience.
Behind the creation of “Golden” was a clear vision to craft a song that would both connect with a wide audience and reflect the characters’ struggles within the film. Chris Appelhans, co-director and writer, highlighted that “Golden” serves as both an emotional driving force for the characters and a narrative thread throughout the film. The collective aim was to celebrate their mission of spreading positivity and musical connection while tackling the thematic elements of personal challenges faced by the girls.
Music supervisor Ian Eisendrath noted the blend of storytelling and melodic artistry, stating that great pop songs often reveal something about the artist while keeping a universal appeal. As the project took shape, a team of talented music producers, including IDO, Teddy, and Mark Sonnenblick, contributed to the song’s early draft, which inspired EJAE instantaneously during a cab ride to her dental appointment.
Recalling that moment, she said, “The track was just so beautiful. I got inspiration from it melodically.” EJAE quickly captured her ideas through voice memos, and alongside Sonnenblick, they worked diligently to complete “Golden.” Their intuition proved correct; the song resonated widely, leading to its status as a pop sensation.
Before her involvement in *KPop Demon Hunters*, EJAE spent years training to become a K-pop idol, an experience that would shape her career. Starting at the age of 11 with one of Korea’s largest entertainment agencies, she endured rigorous training until a sudden rejection left her profoundly disheartened. Nevertheless, EJAE persevered, relocating to the United States, where her path converged with the creation of “Golden.”
Appelhans elaborated on the musical influences that shaped “Golden,” citing tracks from hip hop icons like Biggie, Drake, and Eminem, which inspired their narrative of transformation through music. EJAE herself has articulated the song’s deeper message, emphasising the balance between perseverance and self-acceptance. “Sometimes persevering can be toxic,” she shared, highlighting the importance of embracing flaws while striving for personal growth.
Once released, “Golden” soared on global music charts, spending an impressive 18 weeks at number one on the Billboard Global 200 and breaking records set by previous internationally renowned all-women groups. The single achieved billions of streams across platforms, including over 1.5 billion on Spotify. This monumental success led to its recognition at prestigious award ceremonies, where it triumphed in multiple categories.
In a reflective moment ahead of the 2026 Oscars, EJAE articulated the surreal nature of the recognition she and her collaborators have received. “I feel very honoured and grateful, but it’s weirdly pushing me more to work harder,” she remarked in an interview. This sentiment was echoed by Sonnenblick, who noted the initial low expectations for the project, which led to a surprise emergence into success, largely thanks to dedicated fans who championed their music from the start.
“Golden” embodies the spirit of resilience, artistic collaboration, and the limitless potential of music to transcend boundaries. As HUNTR/X continues to enchant audiences worldwide, they remain a testament to the power of storytelling through song, proving that even in the face of rejection, dreams can still illuminate the path to extraordinary achievement.