6 Aug - Singer-songwriter EJAE recently admitted that she didn't expect that her song "Golden" and her performance of it in the hit Netflix animated feature, "KPop Demon Hunters" would have become such a huge global phenomenon.

The Korean-American composer, who once nearly made her debut alongside Girls' Generation, told JoongAng Ilbo that she poured in all her experiences of being a trainee of SM Entertainment and struggles of being an unknown composer into writing "Golden" and voicing the role of Rumi.

"I wanted the melody to reflect both Rumi's vocal prowess and her fierce determination to seal the magical barrier of Honmoon. So, I intentionally wrote a challenging vocal line. Through this song, I discovered new territory in my own voice," she expressed.

"I just followed where the melody took me, and suddenly I was hitting an A5 note, which is comparable to the upper falsetto range for male vocalists. It was a tough challenge, but one that helped me grow as both a composer and a singer."

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EJAE, real name Kim Eun-jae, also admitted that being an SM trainee was a valuable experience for her, as it taught her persistence and dedication.

"I always believed that everything happens for a reason. Looking back, I feel like my life is proof of that. I gave my all to every opportunity and did everything with sincerity. That's what led me to where I am now. Songwriting was also my greatest source of healing. It helped me make sense of what I was going through and process my emotions," she said.

As for talks of an Oscar nomination, EJAE said that even being considered is a dream come true.

"I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together," she added.

EJAE is elated that 'Golden' is now at number one at the Billboard Global 200

(Photo Source: EJAE IG)