EJAE of 'KPop Demon Hunters' turn emotional, talks about rejection in Golden Globe acceptance speech

No more hiding for EJAE as “KPop Demon Hunters” bags the Best Original Song award for “Golden” at the Golden Globe Awards 2026.

The Netflix film, released in 2025, bested other nominees, including “The Girl in the Bubble” from “Wicked: For Good.”

During the ceremony, EJAE emotionally accepted the award and spoke about her past struggles to become a Korean pop idol.

First sharing how she worked for a decade to pursue her dream to be a K-pop idol, EJAE said, "I was rejected, and disappointed that my voice isn’t good enough, and so I had leaned on songs and music to get through it."

“It’s a dream come true to be part of a song that is helping other girls, other boys, and everyone from all ages to get through their hardship,” she added while holding back tears.  

EJAE dedicated the award “to people who have their doors closed at them" before leaving with encouragement.

“I can confidently say ‘rejection is redirection,’ and so never give up,” she said.

She ended her speech by referencing a line from the lyrics of “Golden”: “It’s never too late to shine like you were born to be.”

 

 

 

 

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Aside from Best Song, “KPop Demon Hunters” is also nominated for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.

"KPop Demon Hunters" is an animated film co-produced with Sony Pictures Animation. It follows K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who make up the idol group HUNTR/X. They have secret identities as demon hunters, determined to protect their fans from supernatural danger.

— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News