EJAE
EJAE, the brilliant composer and vocalist from ‘K-POP Demon Hunters’, recently stunned audiences on tvN’s ‘You Quiz on the Block’ by revealing that her song ‘Golden’ has earned copyright royalties potentially rivaling the 45.6 billion KRW prize money of ‘Squid Game’. Yonhap News reported that ‘Golden’ dominated the US Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks straight, becoming a global hit that propelled EJAE into the spotlight.
The multifaceted genius behind ‘Golden’
EJAE’s involvement goes beyond singing; she wrote, composed, and arranged multiple tracks including ‘Golden,’ ‘How It’s Done,’ and ‘Your Idol.’ Her artistic touch helped lift the ‘K-POP Demon Hunters’ soundtrack to unprecedented success, turning it into a powerful anthem with worldwide acclaim. This soundtrack is a rare phenomenon, blending stunning visuals with unforgettable music. The song ‘Golden’ was released on July 4, 2025, and has topped charts not only in the United States but also in over 25 countries.
Enormous royalties and surprising delays
During the broadcast, when asked about the enormous rumored earnings comparable to ‘Squid Game’ prize, EJAE expressed surprise and said she was unaware of the exact figures. She revealed that US royalty payments are delayed and can take up to a year to appear in her bank account, highlighting the complexities of music income in the global market. This delay underscores the patience required in the music industry despite rapid fame.
Dreamlike success and future aspirations
EJAE described the whirlwind of fame as surreal, still processing the incredible impact of her music. She aspires to keep blending Korean and American pop music styles, hoping to work with iconic K-pop stars in the future. EJAE’s story offers an inside look into the lucrative yet challenging world behind internationally beloved K-pop soundtracks. Her unique composition in ‘Golden’ features a rare three-octave range, including a challenging high A note, which garnered praise for pushing vocal limits in K-pop.
