'Golden' – First K-POP Song to Win an Oscar

At the 98th Academy Awards, the theme song “Golden” from the film “KPop Demon Hunters” received the top award. This marks the first time a K-POP song has won an Oscar, and it is also unprecedented in Academy history for a song featuring more than four composers.

“The Golden” was composed by a total of seven individuals: EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo, and Teddy Park. Since only up to four winners of the Song Award can receive individual trophies, they will share one trophy together.

At the ceremony held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, “Golden” performed by HUNTR/X (EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI) was created through the collaboration of the film’s directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, producer Michelle Wang, and production companies Netflix and Sony Animation. “KPop Demon Hunters” also won the Best Animated Feature award on the same day, achieving double honor.

However, the acceptance speech left some disappointment. While EJAE was delivering thanks on behalf of the team, co-composer Yu Han Lee began to add his remarks when music suddenly played loudly, transitioning the segment into commercial time.

In a backstage interview, EJAE said, “We are extremely grateful and honored. Everyone worked very hard, and this is the result of collaboration.” He added, “The directors created a beautiful film, and I’m truly happy that our efforts paid off.” He also emphasized, “I used to be teased for liking K-POP, but now everyone is singing our song. This award is about resilience, not just success.”

Yu Han Lee said, “I thank my entire family, especially my wife, my fellow idol members, and Teddy Park. This is truly an incredible honor.” Mark Sonnenblick expressed gratitude to “everyone who was involved in the film, every animator,” and explained the film’s message by saying, “It is a story about trusting and perhaps even loving someone we were taught to hate and fear.” He added, “The lyrics are not ‘I’m going up, up, up’ but ‘We’re going up, up, up.’ We can be here because fans loved this film.”