'Kpop' Demon Hunters' star EJAE goes platinum following ‘Golden’ year

Just a couple of days following the 2026 Academy Awards — where KPop Demon Hunters' EJAE wrapped up an extraordinary awards season after her hit "Golden" achieved multiplatinum status and became the first K-pop song to clinch an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy — the artist, now 34, decided to take a nighttime jog in Los Angeles.

"I actually cried, and that was the first moment I really absorbed everything," shares the Korean American star, born Kim Eun-jae, in PEOPLE's World's Most Beautiful issue.

"The first words I voiced were 'thank you' — to the universe, God, and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey."

More than 20 years into her career, EJAE nearly lost her opportunity to shine as Rumi in the animated film now ranked as the top Netflix movie ever.

In the film, Rumi belongs to a fictional ensemble named HUNTR/X, which also features the voices of Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami.

"I felt like giving up. It seemed impossible for me," she reflects on the constant grind. "But my mom always reminded me that what you vocalize becomes your narrative. She said, 'Stop saying you can't do it; always say you can.' She believed in me wholeheartedly."

Now, EJAE is moving forward at full throttle. She's scheduled to return for the KPop Demon Hunters sequel and is also crafting a solo album.

When asked if any exciting collaborations are in her future, she offers a knowing grin: "Yes — quite a few people."

“There's a persistent barrier in America, and K-pop kept nudging it until finally, it shattered," states EJAE. "And now it's done."

EJAE spent nearly 12 years training as a K-pop idol at SM Entertainment before being released by the agency in 2015.

"I realised my personal style doesn’t suit being a K-pop idol," she admits, adding that she wasn’t inclined to endure global judgment. "I am already my harshest critic, so even a tiny negative comment, if misinterpreted, could affect me deeply."

“I discovered a newfound passion in a different music realm, which was the underground scene in L.A. and New York. That’s when I began writing and producing."

During her years of idol training, EJAE describes the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards.

"Growing up, I was obsessed with makeup. I wanted to hide behind it to achieve a certain look. Korea is very trend-focused," she recalls.

Reflecting on it now, she sees the experience as beneficial in teaching her about fitness and healthy habits — though it also introduced a level of comparison.

"A negative aspect was the constant self-comparisons, feeling insecure and not attractive enough. It’s tough, especially for a young girl," she explains.

"Now, I embrace my natural face. I feel most beautiful after a shower, wearing just skincare."

Born in Korea but mostly brought up in Fort Lee, N.J., EJAE says she faced ridicule at school for her passion for K-pop.

"It was deemed uncool. I felt embarrassed about being Korean," she reveals.

This explains why performing at the Oscars with her Demon Hunters colleagues Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami — with Korean culture in the limelight — was so moving.

Throughout her stellar year, EJAE had her fiancé, Sam Kim, by her side non-stop.

EJAE and Kim — who transitioned from music producer to coder — met in 2017 during a songwriting session.

They started dating soon after, with songs like "Psycho" and "In Another World" being inspired by him.

Their engagement took place in fall 2023 with wedding plans set for the fall.