SM Trainee Transformed into Global Star 10 Years Later: The Success Story of EJAE’s “Golden”

EJAE, a 34-year-old Korean-American composer and singer, gained recognition in the global music scene through “Golden,” the OST for Netflix’s animation *KPop Demon Hunters*, after spending 10 years as a Trainee at SM Entertainment. His journey from being an unseen composer just two months prior to becoming a world-renowned artist is marked by deep reflection on rejection and reinvention. The success of “Golden” originated in an unexpected moment. During a Q&A event at a theater in Yongsan, Seoul, EJAE recalled that he came up with the melody while riding in a taxi to the dentist. He explained, “The first melody popped into my head as ‘tta-dada-tta-dada’ right when a good introduction emerged, followed by a second melody that sounded like ‘na-na-na-na~,’ and I immediately recorded it on my phone within 5 seconds.” He emphasized that in his composition process, the melody comes before the lyrics. The recording process was also unique. His claim of “seeing a ghost” while recording at the famous New York studio Power Station sparked laughter among those present. However, these anecdotes ultimately demonstrate an artist’s genuine attitude toward art. What is even more notable is EJAE’s firm belief in the song’s Korean identity. He stressed, “The most important thing about *KPop Demon Hunters* is to properly showcase Korean culture,” and added that he considered it crucial to include the Korean lyrics “영원히 가질 수 없는” in the chorus. He was deeply moved when he witnessed locals at a singalong event in the United States singing the Korean chorus verbatim, saying, “I felt extremely proud as a Korean.” The fact that “Golden” topped both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart for 8 weeks each represents another level of achievement. EJAE modestly expressed his desire to win a Grammy, saying, “I really want it, and I think I’ll pass out or cry nonstop if I do.” Behind EJAE’s success lies a new understanding of rejection. After giving up his SM Trainee career, he said he did not view numerous rejections negatively, stating, “You naturally get hurt if you want to grow.” Instead, he said he came to understand that “everyone has their time,” and he lived by the philosophy that “growth is what matters most.” After abandoning his dream of Debut, he recalled starting to create beats for 12 hours a day, an effort that eventually led to composing songs for K-POP groups such as Red Velvet, aespa, TWICE, and LE SSERAFIM. Currently, EJAE is deeply touched by his fans’ love. An incident where a fan said at a signing event, “‘Golden’ saved me during tough times,” made him confess, “That’s when I realized why I compose music.” He shed tears, saying, “It feels like my dream as a composer has come true.” Regarding his future plans, EJAE stated that he wants to continue growing as a composer by bridging K-POP and American pop, naming aespa and BTS as artists he hopes to work with. In particular, he added, “It would be a great honor if I could create a song featuring Jung Kook’s voice from BTS.” The story of this musician, whose melody began in a dental taxi and led to global stardom, shows that rejection is not necessarily an end but can be an opportunity to find a new direction.