Singer-Songwriter EJAE Shares Story of Overcoming Rejection in K-Pop World After Winning Golden Globe Song Award

34-year-old singer-songwriter EJAE won the Song of the Year award at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards for her theme song “Golden” from Netflix’s animated series *KPop Demon Hunters*, and she revealed the experiences of rejection she faced during her time pursuing a career as a K-Pop idol.

On the award ceremony stage on the 11th (local time), EJAE shed tears of emotion as she said, “When I was young, I worked tirelessly for 10 years to achieve my dream of becoming a K-Pop idol, but I was rejected and disappointed because my voice was deemed insufficient.” EJAE, who signed with SM Entertainment at the age of 11 in 2003, trained continuously after school and during holidays, yet she never debuted as a solo or group artist. She recalled that by the time her contract ended in 2015, she was “plagued by self-doubt and impostor syndrome.”

After facing rejection, EJAE pursued a new path. She transitioned into a professional songwriter, learning music production methods on her own, and with the help of mentor Andrew Choi, she attended composition camps for SM Entertainment’s groups. Later, she composed songs for popular K-Pop groups such as REDVELVET’s “Psycho” and aespa’s “Drama.”

Saying, “I relied on songs and music to overcome my pain, and now I stand here as a singer and songwriter,” EJAE emphasized in her acceptance speech, “I speak confidently for everyone who has been rejected. Rejection is a turning point. Never give up.” Citing the lyrics of “Golden,” she added, “There is never too late to shine, just as one is born to shine.”

“Golden” became the first K-Pop song to top both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart last year, and it remained at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 from mid-August through mid-October. EJAE’s victory over competing tracks such as *Avatar: The Way of Water*’s “Dreams as One,” *Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie*’s “I Ride to You,” and *Wicked*’s “No Place Like Home” resonated deeply with fans around the world.

Online communities abroad, including Reddit and X, were filled with reactions like, “SM rejected her? That’s a loss for them,” and “Rejection and criticism about one’s voice may leave lifelong scars, but sometimes those scars lead to bigger stages. She has become a legend.” A high school teacher in New Zealand expressed respect by saying, “I used your songs and lyrics as teaching materials. They are beautiful words that teachers around the world will continue to use.”

“Golden” is also nominated for five awards, including Song of the Year, at next month’s U.S. Grammy Awards.