‘KPop Demon Hunters’: Singer and Songwriter EJAE Wrote the Melody to ‘Golden’ on the Way to the Dentist

Netflix's animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters," released in June, has broken all previous viewership records to become the most-watched film in the platform’s history. Not only did it achieve the rare feat of topping domestic box office charts—a first for a streaming-original movie—but its soundtrack also made a stunning impact, landing four tracks in the Billboard Top 10. The standout single "Golden," performed by the fictional girl group Huntr/X, has become a summer anthem, sparking countless dance challenges and covers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

The film follows Huntr/X, a K-pop group that secretly combats demons while maintaining their public idol image. Their rivals, the Saja Boys, are a demonic boy band intent on stealing both their fans and their souls. A central character is Rumi, a half-demon struggling with her dual identity. Voice actors Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo bring the characters to life, while singers EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna provide the vocal performances. EJAE, a respected solo artist in the K-pop scene, expressed surprise at the song’s widespread popularity, noting she’s encountered it everywhere from supermarkets to social media reels.

Arden Cho, who voices protagonist Rumi, described the audience response as overwhelming. She recalled seeing long lines of young fans—including members of her own family—at a recent fan screening. Cho believes the film’s universal resonance lies in its themes of empowerment and self-acceptance. “It’s a story that lets everyone feel represented,” she said. “There’s a genuine emotional core that crosses generational and cultural boundaries.” Industry experts point to the movie’s success as evidence of a rising demand for animated films that combine high-energy music, dynamic action, and inclusive storytelling.

The track "Golden" was co-written by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, IDO, 24, and TEDDY, with production credits going to IDO, 24, TEDDY, and Ian Eisendrath. In the film, the song underscores a pivotal scene where Huntr/X reinforces the honmoon—a mystical barrier between worlds. A conscious decision was made to integrate Korean lyrics seamlessly throughout, rather than limiting them to a token phrase. EJAE, who is fluent in both English and Korean, collaborated closely with co-director Maggie Kang to preserve linguistic and cultural authenticity. “Our goal was to make the Korean elements feel natural within the music,” EJAE explained in an interview with Variety. “We aimed to respect the global K-pop community while keeping the song relatable to all listeners.”

The creation of "Golden" began almost by accident—EJAE hummed the now-famous melody en route to a dental appointment. She immediately shared the idea with Sonnenblick, and the pair completed the song in one intensely creative session. Drawing from her own experience as a former K-pop trainee, EJAE channeled raw emotion into the bridge, reflecting the perseverance needed to survive in a demanding industry. The final composition mirrors Rumi’s journey from self-doubt to empowerment, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide who find inspiration in its message of resilience and self-belief.