Golden achieved unprecedented chart success through K-Pop Demon Hunters, with EJAE playing a key creative role. EJAE voiced Rumi, composed multiple OST tracks, and transitioned from SM trainee to acclaimed songwriter. Her journey reflects perseverance, surpassing expectations and potentially exceeding her famous grandfather’s legacy.
Golden Achieves Global Success with K-Pop Demon Hunters
Netflix animation K-Pop Demon Hunters has expanded its influence into the global music industry. The official soundtrack has gained massive popularity, with multiple songs dominating global charts such as Billboard, Spotify, and iTunes. The standout track Golden reached sixth place on the Billboard Hot 100, while Your Idol secured sixteenth place. In the United States, both songs also claimed the top spot on Spotify and Apple Music. This level of chart success is something that even BTS and Blackpink, leaders of K-pop, have not accomplished, making this achievement particularly remarkable.
EJAE Brings Golden to Life as Rumi
EJAE, whose real name is Kim Eun-jae, has emerged as the creative force behind this success. She provided the voice for Rumi, a key character in K-Pop Demon Hunters, showcasing a vocal range capable of reaching extreme high notes. Her work did not stop at performance; she also composed and wrote lyrics for Golden, Your Idol, and several other tracks on the soundtrack. U.S. media, including Forbes, has recognized her as one of the most critical contributors to the project’s triumph.
Golden Marks a Milestone in the Journey of EJAE
Before her breakthrough, EJAE spent more than a decade as a trainee at SM Entertainment. Although she trained intensely, her debut as an idol never materialized. Eventually, she decided to change paths, enrolling at New York University to study the music industry and psychology. She explained that music had always been a source of healing for her, which inspired her to explore songwriting more seriously.
Perfectionism and Public Attention
EJAE recently drew additional attention when it became known that she is the granddaughter of veteran actor and former lawmaker Shin Young-kyun. Shin was not only a top star in his time but also a successful businessman and respected politician who served two terms in the National Assembly. He became even more admired when he declared that he would donate his entire fortune to society. Despite this impressive family background, EJAE has pointed out that the lives of famous families are not always happy. In an interview with Forbes, she described the intense pressure of perfectionism in Korean society, explaining that people feel forced to hide anxiety, avoid extremes in personality or appearance, and constantly maintain an ideal image.
Turning Point in Composition Career
At the age of 25, EJAE decided to let go of her dream of becoming a singer. She admitted she lacked the confidence and mental strength to continue as an idol. This period was difficult, but she began composing songs alone as a way to cope with her feelings. Her second chance came unexpectedly when she met composer Shinsadong Tiger. A melody she casually hummed turned into EXID member Hani’s solo track Hello. Later, through the recommendation of composer Andrew Choi, she joined SM’s songwriting camp. Her very first project there became Red Velvet’s hit Psycho, inspired by her own relationship experiences.
From Golden to K-Pop’s Leading Composer EJAE
Following these milestones, EJAE’s career grew rapidly. She contributed to aespa’s Armageddon and Drama, as well as songs for TWICE, LE SSERAFIM, and NMIXX, solidifying her position as one of the most sought-after composers in K-pop. Online communities in Korea, such as MLBPARK, have praised her achievements, often remarking that her success is based on skill and dedication rather than family influence. Many also believe that if she had debuted as an idol, she might not have reached her current level of success. Today, EJAE stands in a position where she could surpass even the fame of her grandfather, marking a new chapter in her remarkable career.
Thank you so much for reading this post! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share them in the comments!
Golden from K-Pop Demon Hunters was composed by EJAE, also known as Kim Eun-jae, a talented K-pop songwriter.
EJAE, also known as Kim Eun-jae, is a composer and lyricist known for Golden and other popular K-pop songs.
So EJAE came from a good family in South Korea? Didn’t know her grandpa was a famous, respected figure. Now she’s making a name for herself globally on her own merit.