That day, EJAE said, “I lived half in Korea and half in the U.S.,” and began, “I dreamed of becoming a singer from a young age, but there weren’t many Asians or Koreans who looked like me.”

He added, “I loved K-pop groups like god and H.O.T. when I was young, but I was also mocked while growing up in the U.S. Yet, I never imagined K-pop would become a global trend. Seeing myself, who was once mocked, singing on the Oscar stage and Hollywood actors and directors cheering with light sticks made me incredibly proud.”

EJAE also shared his feelings about performing “Golden” with Audrey Nun and Rei Ami at the Oscars. He said, “I cried a lot during rehearsals. As a Korean, it was moving and overwhelming to perform a piece incorporating traditional Korean music and pansori on such a big stage in the U.S.”

At the time, renowned directors like Steven Spielberg and Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Stone were photographed waving light sticks—symbols of K-pop—while watching the performance, sparking widespread attention.

Regarding this, EJAE said, “During the performance, I avoided looking at the audience for fear of making a mistake,” but added, “I watched the footage afterward and found it amazing. I never imagined DiCaprio would wave a light stick in my lifetime. I felt this was the power of K.” He also mentioned, “I heard Emma Stone really likes \*KPop Demon Hunters\* and ‘Golden.’”

When asked about the scale of royalties earned from the global popularity of \*KPop Demon Hunters\*, EJAE replied, “I really don’t know yet.”

He explained, “It takes time, so I’m not sure now,” and said, “For now, we’re just happy the song was well-received.” He then raised his thumb with a smile, saying, “We’re looking forward to it,” and added, “I might be able to buy my mom a gift and show filial piety.”

EJAE: Oscar Song Royalties Pending, Awaiting Rewards