"I gave 100% every time, no matter how small the opportunity." (EJAE)

Singer-songwriter EJAE has always been someone who stayed ready — even when his dream of becoming a singer crumbled. Instead of giving up, he spent 12 hours a day making beats, determined to find his own path through music. Those years of rejection and resilience eventually led him to Netflix's record-breaking hit "K-Pop Demon Hunters."

From Failed Trainee to Global Creator

"Music saved me," EJAE shared. "My dream of being a singer ended, but there were still many ways to live through music — as a producer, as an engineer. Late at night, I'd sit in cafés, making beats and rediscovering myself."

On October 15, K-Pop Demon Hunters held a press conference at CGV Yongsan in Seoul, with EJAE attending in person. "It still feels surreal," he said, smiling.

The series has become Netflix's most-streamed title ever, surpassing Squid Game Season 1 and Wednesday with over 300 million views. EJAE voices Rumi, the leader of the virtual idol group Huntrix, and also participated in writing and composing several OST tracks, including "Golden," "How It's Done," "Free," and "Your Idol."

A Song That Touched the World

"It's amazing — a few months ago, I was just an ordinary composer," he said with emotion. "To see so many people love this project makes me deeply grateful."

He added, "When I was younger, I noticed many friends abroad didn't even know where Korea was. Through K-Pop Demon Hunters, I wanted to share Korean culture with the world. Now, when I meet people overseas, they immediately say, 'I love K-pop!' — it's something I'm truly proud of."

The Power of "Golden"

The song "Golden" became a phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Top 100 for eight consecutive weeks. "There aren't many melodic K-pop songs these days," EJAE noted. "I think the hopeful lyrics and melody of Golden gave people comfort."

He also shared details behind the track's iconic high note: "I wanted to capture Rumi's desperation in the scene where she closes the 'Soul Gate.' That's why I pushed for an almost unreal high tone — it carries the feeling of holding on to hope."

According to EJAE, the creative team insisted on keeping Korean lyrics in the song: "We worked hard to find rhymes that blended English and Korean naturally. Hearing fans sing the line 'Forever unbreakable' at U.S. sing-along screenings makes me proud every time."

A Journey of Resilience

A former SM Entertainment trainee, EJAE trained for 12 years between the U.S. and Korea but never debuted. Later, he found success as a producer, creating hits like Red Velvet's "Psycho" and aespa's "Armageddon."

"Growth requires pain," he said. "Even if you fail, it's okay. Just start again. Music kept me alive."

He connected deeply with his character Rumi: "As a trainee, I also tried to hide my flaws. Playing Rumi helped me embrace the process of becoming my true self."

To current trainees, EJAE offered heartfelt advice: "When even a small chance comes your way, give it everything you have. Rejection isn't the end — it's a sign that you need to adjust your direction."

Looking Ahead

EJAE named aespa and BTS's Jimin as artists he hopes to collaborate with, saying, "I think aespa's sound fits my style well, and I really admire Jimin's vocals."

With K-Pop Demon Hunters now being discussed as a contender for major awards like the Oscars and Grammys, EJAE humbly added, "If I ever get to stand on that stage, the first thing I'll say is, 'I love Korea.'"

EJAE will release his first solo single "In Another World" on October 24. The track carries an autobiographical message with gentle, lyrical melodies — a softer contrast to the explosive energy of "Golden."

"I want to keep growing — as both a producer and an artist," he said. "My goal is to be a bridge between K-pop and Western pop. Thank you for believing in my music."

(Cultural context: EJAE's story resonates deeply within the K-pop community, where perseverance and self-reinvention are often part of an artist's journey. His dual role as a voice actor and songwriter in K-Pop Demon Hunters symbolizes how Korean creatives are redefining global entertainment beyond traditional idol formats.)