Story perspectives

Ejae Sweeps Globes, Grammys, Oscars with “Golden” Despite Illnesses

5/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kim Eun-jae (Ejae) won a Golden Globe, Grammy and Oscar for co-writing and performing “Golden” in the film “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Despite eight illnesses—including Covid, flu and bronchitis—over ten months, Ejae performed “Golden” at the Oscars with Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, adding Korean music.
South Korean observers commend the film’s authentic “Koreanness” marketing but fear its U.S. production may detach K-pop from Korea, likening it to Champagne leaving France.

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Story summary

Kim Eun-jae (Ejae) won a Golden Globe, Grammy and Oscar for co-writing and performing “Golden” in the film “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Despite eight illnesses—including Covid, flu and bronchitis—over ten months, Ejae performed “Golden” at the Oscars with Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, adding Korean music.
South Korean observers commend the film’s authentic “Koreanness” marketing but fear its U.S. production may detach K-pop from Korea, likening it to Champagne leaving France.