“Golden” is the first K-pop song to be awarded Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, but co-writer Yuhan was barely able to utter a thank you before being played off stage after EJAE spoke
Sometimes, it takes a village to write a great pop song. This was the case for “Golden,” the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack hit that made history as the first K-pop record to be awarded Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. The songwriting team behind the record took the stage to accept the award, but EJAE was the only member who had a chance to deliver a speech before they were abruptly played off just as co-writer Yuhan began to speak.
“Thank you” was all the songwriter was able to muster before the lights dimmed and the orchestra started to play the cut-off music, even as EJAE waved her arms in a plea for just a few more seconds. That part didn’t make it into the speech the Academy uploaded onto YouTube. Backstage, Yuhan received applause in the press room as he approached the microphone to finish his speech. “I’d like to thanks our families, [co-writer and producer] 24, my fellow IDO members, and Teddy Park,” he said. “This is an incredible honor.”
The speeches continued with Mark Sonnenblick, another writer on the record, who was also unable to speak during the ceremony. “A movie is like a village, and we’re lucky to be up here right now,” he said. “But there are so many people who have made this what it is.”
During her main show speech, EJAE shared, “Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop, but now everyone’s singing our song in all the Korean lyrics. I’m so proud. And I realized this award is not about success, it’s about resilience, and I’m just so grateful to our team.”
During the show, EJAE took the stage with Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami to perform “Golden” as the audience held up light sticks. KPop Demon Hunters also took home the trophy for Best Animated Film. “Thank you to the Academy and to all the fans who got us here, and for those of you who look like me,” said Maggie Kang, who co-wrote and co-directed the film, in a moving speech. “I’m so sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this, but it is here, and that means that the next generations don’t have to go longing. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere.”
