‘It was wild’: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ star EJAE reacts to Oscar nomination

Long before her voice became part of Netflix’s hit animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” EJAE spent years training with a singular dream to become a K-pop idol. However, after a decade of preparation, she was ultimately rejected.

That redirection has now culminated in a historic moment with “Golden,” the breakout hit from “KPop Demon Hunters,” earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, placing EJAE among this year’s Oscar nominees.

Despite the growing list of accolades, EJAE admitted the recognition has been difficult to process. EJAE, who co-wrote the track and performed it as one-third of HUNTER/X alongside REI AMI and Audrey Nuna, said that she was unable to digest the success “Golden” has earned in general, much less the Oscar nod it picked up.

“I screamed way too loud,” EJAE shared of her immediate reaction to the news. “It was wild.”

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‘Golden’ performance at the Oscars?

With “Golden” now in the Oscar spotlight, discussions have emerged about a potential live performance at the 2026 Academy Awards. While the idea excites fans, it also brings a wave of nerves for EJAE.

“There’s definitely been talks of having ‘Golden’ performed. The thought of that is kind of incredibly nerve wracking, because I have really bad stage fright,” EJAE tells PEOPLE. “I’ve been trying my best to overcome that stage fright, but I think the Oscars is a whole different level of stage fright.”

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